What is an Antagonist — Definition & Examples

Narrative ElementsOpen menu Antagonist Catharsis Motif Plot Protagonist Theme Narrative DevicesOpen menu Deus ex Machina Foreshadowing Irony Personification Plot Twist Red Herring Write Your Script For Free → What is an antagonist? The simplest explanation is that an antagonist represents the opposite of the protagonist. But there’s much more to the term than that. They… Continue reading What is an Antagonist — Definition & Examples

What is a Metaphor — Definition and Examples

Metaphor Mixed Metaphor Visual Metaphor The metaphor is a fundamental pillar of figurative language. Few tools can paint a picture as efficiently and evocatively. As such, metaphors are employed by nearly every kind of writer, whether you are a poet or a playwright. To better understand the literary technique, we’ll look at its definition, subtypes,… Continue reading What is a Metaphor — Definition and Examples

What is Pacing in Writing — And Why It’s So Important

Pacing is an elusive yet pivotal element in storytelling, acting as the rhythm that governs the reader’s journey through the narrative. It dictates the rate at which a story unfolds, influencing the tension, mood, and emotional resonance. Without pacing, a story can have an awkward sense of movement and flow. The best writers and storytellers… Continue reading What is Pacing in Writing — And Why It’s So Important

What is an Action Hero — Best Examples & Defining Traits

Action heroes have always held a prominent place in the world of cinema, captivating audiences with their unwavering commitment to justice and their remarkable blend of strength, courage, and wit. From the early days of cinema to the present, these characters have become iconic symbols of heroism, embodying the aspirations and values that resonate with… Continue reading What is an Action Hero — Best Examples & Defining Traits

What is Freytag’s Pyramid — 5 Steps of Story Structure

Screenplay StructureOpen menu What is The Three Act Structure What is Freytag’s Pyramid What is a Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey What is Save the Cat Dan Harmon’s Story Circle 5 Stages of A StoryOpen menu What is Exposition What is an Inciting Incident What is Rising Action What is the Climax of a… Continue reading What is Freytag’s Pyramid — 5 Steps of Story Structure

How to Use Slow Motion to Create Iconic Moments

Like anyone who has spent two hours waiting at the DMV can attest, emotional states are affected by the perception of time. In filmmaking terms, we want to take a moment to discuss one of the most commonly used time manipulation techniques — slow motion — and how it can be used to add deeper,… Continue reading How to Use Slow Motion to Create Iconic Moments

Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Screenplays By GenreOpen menu Comedy Sci-Fi Drama Crime TV Scripts Horror ResourcesOpen menu FREE Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Best Screenplays to Read Shane Black Movies & Screenwriting Explained Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download Write Your Script for Free → Welcome to StudioBinder’s… Continue reading Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Academy Award for Best Visual Effects — The Complete List

Major Awards:Open menu Best Picture Best Director Best Actress Best Supporting Actress Best Actor Best Supporting Actor Writing & Visual:Open menu Best Original Screenplay Best Adapted Screenplay Best Film Editing Best Visual Effects Best Cinematography Animation & Production:Open menu Best Animated Short Film Best Animated Feature Film Best International Feature Film Best Costume Design Best… Continue reading Academy Award for Best Visual Effects — The Complete List

Best Free Fantasy Movie Scripts Online (PDF Downloads)

Screenplays By GenreOpen menu Comedy Sci-Fi Drama Crime TV Scripts Horror ResourcesOpen menu FREE Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Best Screenplays to Read Shane Black Movies & Screenwriting Explained Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download Write Your Script for Free → Welcome to StudioBinder’s… Continue reading Best Free Fantasy Movie Scripts Online (PDF Downloads)

Types of Symbolism — Examples from Literature and Cinema

H ave you ever wondered why the mockingbird sings in Harper Lee’s classic, or what the green light at the end of the dock means in The Great Gatsby? Or perhaps you’ve pondered on the deeper significance of the spinning top in Christopher Nolan’s Inception. These aren’t just random elements thrown into the mix to make… Continue reading Types of Symbolism — Examples from Literature and Cinema

What Are the Types of Characters in a Story

Types of CharactersOpen menu Protagonist Antagonist Hero Anti Hero Tragic Hero Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Common Character Types Types of Villains Femme Fatale Mad Scientist Mary Sue Damsel in Distress Write Your Free Script → What are the types of characters in a story? Some of us have heard terms like protagonist and antagonist… Continue reading What Are the Types of Characters in a Story

Academy Award for Best Picture — Full List & Top 20 Ranked

Major Awards:Open menu Best Picture Best Director Best Actress Best Supporting Actress Best Actor Best Supporting Actor Writing & Visual:Open menu Best Original Screenplay Best Adapted Screenplay Best Film Editing Best Visual Effects Best Cinematography Animation & Production:Open menu Best Animated Short Film Best Animated Feature Film Best International Feature Film Best Costume Design Best… Continue reading Academy Award for Best Picture — Full List & Top 20 Ranked

Movie Sound — A Filmmaker’s Guide to Sound Effect Techniques

EssentialsOpen menu What is Sound Design Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is Diegetic Sound  What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score TechniquesOpen menu Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording Filmmaker’s Guide to Sound Effect Techniques What is a Sound Bridge What is The Shepard Tone How to Design a… Continue reading Movie Sound — A Filmmaker’s Guide to Sound Effect Techniques

Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real

BasicsOpen menu What is Post-Production What is VFX What are Special Effects What is Virtual Production What is CGI What is Matte Painting ProcessOpen menu How to Move the Anchor Point in After Effects How to Mask in Premiere Pro Best After Effects Plugins Best Free After Effects Templates Inception Special Effects How They Shot… Continue reading Practical Effects in Film — How Filmmakers Do It For Real

The Two Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

Types of FramingOpen menu Establishing Shot Single Shot Two Shot Over the Shoulder Insert Shot POV Shot More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now → It’s hard to frame characters on screen, while simultaneously showcasing the story’s intentions. Never fear, the two shot can solve this… Continue reading The Two Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

What are Special Effects in Movies — History & Types Explained

BasicsOpen menu What is Post-Production What is VFX What are Special Effects What is Virtual Production What is CGI What is Matte Painting ProcessOpen menu How to Move the Anchor Point in After Effects How to Mask in Premiere Pro Best After Effects Plugins Best Free After Effects Templates Inception Special Effects How They Shot… Continue reading What are Special Effects in Movies — History & Types Explained

What is a Dolly Zoom — Scene Examples of the Vertigo Effect

Types of FocusOpen menu Shallow Focus Deep Focus Rack Focus Zoom Shots Dolly-Zoom (Zolly) Tilt-Shift More ShotsOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Create Free Shot List Now → The dolly zoom is one of the most discussed cinematic techniques. You can use them in many ways, but a great director will… Continue reading What is a Dolly Zoom — Scene Examples of the Vertigo Effect

Examples of Midpoint In Movies — Types of Midpoints Explained

Screenplay StructureOpen menu What is The Three Act Structure What is Freytag’s Pyramid What is a Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey What is Save the Cat Dan Harmon’s Story Circle 5 Stages of A StoryOpen menu What is Exposition What is an Inciting Incident What is Rising Action What is the Climax of a… Continue reading Examples of Midpoint In Movies — Types of Midpoints Explained

What is Rising Action in a Story — Examples & Techniques

Screenplay StructureOpen menu What is The Three Act Structure What is Freytag’s Pyramid What is a Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey What is Save the Cat Dan Harmon’s Story Circle 5 Stages of A StoryOpen menu What is Exposition What is an Inciting Incident What is Rising Action What is the Climax of a… Continue reading What is Rising Action in a Story — Examples & Techniques