Picture this: a figure cloaked in shadows, eyes burning with malevolent intent, fingers curled around a staff of power. This figure is not just any villain; they are the embodiment of pure evil, a character so dark and terrifying that they send chills down your spine. You've seen them as Voldemort in Harry Potter, Sauron in The Lord of the Rings, and Darth Vader in Star Wars. But what exactly makes these characters so fascinating and so universally recognized? They all represent the Dark Lord archetype, a crucial component of storytelling that has existed across cultures and history, adding depth and…
Emotive language can be used to elicit emotional responses. But what is emotive language? And how can it be used to elicit emotional responses? We’re going to answer those questions by outlining an emotive language definition, as well as some emotive language examples. By the end, you’ll know what emotive language is, and how to use it in your own writing!Continue reading What is Emotive Language — Definition, Examples & Function
Diegesis is a word that’s thrown around a lot in film studies – but what is diegesis in film? We’re going to define diegesis by examining its long history; with reference to Aristotle and Ancient Greece. We’re also going to explore some diegesis examples in literature, film, television, and games to see how writers build worlds for their stories. Continue reading What is Diegesis & Why Storytellers Should Know It
You're looking for a list of the different types of camera shot framing in film, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use specific shot frames. After our video detailing the main types of camera framing, we'll provide you with downloadable shot lists that you can use for reference the next time you shot list a project. Lezgo.Continue reading Camera Framing Techniques: Frame Shots Like a Master Filmmaker
T he act of storytelling has always been with us. Anthropologist Joseph Campbell took stories from around the world and found they all shared the same basic structure. Campbell's Hero's Journey laid out each of the fundamental steps in this story structure. A few decades later, Dan Harmon took this same idea and created the Story Circle. In Dan Harmon's Story Circle, there are 8 essential steps that can guide almost any story from Fade In to Fade Out. Let's walk through each step with examples so you can apply this foolproof structure to your next great idea.Continue reading Storytelling Guide:…
Whether you searched them out yourself, or whether someone recommended you “work on structure,” all writers have come across a screenplay structure in their day. Some swear by it, others liken it to creative cancer. The truth is, whether you like them or not, there is value in understanding what the formulas are and how they are used. Today, we’ll learn the screenplay structures you need to know, how they work, and run a few scripts through them.Continue reading Screenplay Structure Examples — A Guide for Screenwriters
What are some of the most iconic sounds in cinema history? Sure two lightsabers clashing or even the suspenseful score of Jaws make that list. However, one sound effect has been used throughout movies of all genres for over fifty years. It is none other than the iconic Wilhelm Scream. You may have heard it and asked yourself “What is that same scream in all movies?” What is the Wilhelm Scream and where did the original Wilhelm Scream come from? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at one of the most iconic sounds in film and how filmmakers…
Every story, whether told through literature or film, thrives on the rising action—the heartbeat of any compelling narrative. As an aspiring writer or storyteller, mastering this element can transform your work from simple text or scenes into a captivating journey. In this article, we'll explore how to craft this crucial component, drawing lessons from both mediums. Let's dive into the art of escalating tension and suspense that keeps audiences hooked.Continue reading What is Rising Action in a Story — Examples & Techniques
If you’ve ever seen a trailer to a sequel of one your favorite movies, you know what it's like to be emotionally conflicted. On one hand, you would love to see the characters of a film you love back on the big screen. But on the other hand you really hope they don’t mess it up. Unfortunately, the latter happens all too often. What is a sequel to you — a promise of greatness or the threat of failure?In a time when Hollywood is cranking out more franchises, remakes, and reboots than ever before, it’s important to understand the differences…
Narrative is a term that pops up everywhere, not only in relation to film and literature, but also in news stories, in college curriculums, to describe a style of podcasts, even to specify a form of psychotherapy. But what is a narrative? And why is the term used so often to describe so many seemingly unrelated subjects? Although the many forms of narrative can make a definition feel elusive, once you have a strong understanding of their form and function, you can begin to tie together the many kinds of narratives into one overarching concept. To get you there, we’ll define narrative,…
