Chris Heckmann is a Professor of Media & Communication at Roger Williams University and graduate of UCLA’s Cinema & Media Studies Master of Arts program. When he’s not writing or teaching, he’s probably playing video games (or thinking about the next great Boston sports trade).
Intertextuality is an incredibly important concept for writers to understand – but what is intertextuality? We’re going to break down everything there is to know about intertextuality by looking at examples from film, television, literature, and games. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize intertextuality, and institute it in your own works.Continue reading What is Intertextuality — Definition and Examples
No genre has influenced the public's perception of criminals more than Gangster Movies. For more than 80 years, the best gangster movies have fascinated and allured the minds of millions; from Prohibition-era pre-code crime to 21st Century gang life. Our list of the 30 best gangster movies of all time includes films that span the globe and were produced in different time periods, with very different budgets.Whether sensational like De Palma’s Scarface or grounded like Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood, audiences have grown to see gangsters in new ways. But their binding similarity is that they are each responsible for shaping…
Web design mood boards are useful tools for people looking to construct mood boards online. But how does one make a web design mood board? We’re going to show you how to make a web design mood board by taking a look at a couple examples. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to make your own web design mood board. Continue reading How to Make a Web Design Mood Board — Examples & Tips
Mood boards are great tools for anybody and everybody interested in communicating their feelings on a digital plane. But some mood boards are more effective at communicating feeling than others - and layout/formatting is a big reason why. We’re going to show you how to format a mood board by looking at mood board layouts. By the end, you’ll know how to approach mood board design like a professional.Continue reading Mood Board Layout Explained — Rules, Sizes & Dimensions
Metatextuality plays an important role in the relationship between a text and its audience. But what is metatextuality? And why does it play an important role in the relationship between a text and its audience? We’re going to answer those questions by defining metatextuality, as well as by examining metatextual examples in films/games. By the end, you’ll know the answer to the ever-so-elusive question, “what does metatextuality mean?” Let's get meta.Continue reading What is Metatextuality — Definition, Examples & Types Explained
The ending of The Godfather Part II is one of the best movie endings of all time. Today, we’re going to break down everything that makes The Godfather Part II ending great – from plot and characters to music and production design. By the end, you’ll know how Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo, and all the other artists involved in the film crafted an unforgettable moment in cinema history. Continue reading The Godfather 2 Ending Explained (& Why It’s One of the Best)
What is abductive reasoning? We know that “abduction” means “ to take away,” so is abduction what we take away through reason? Well, it is and it isn’t. Abductive reasoning is the least referenced type of critical reason, but it plays a huge role in how we understand the world. We’re going to break down abductive reasoning by looking at some examples and real world use. By the end, you’ll know how to apply abductive reasoning in your everyday life.Continue reading What is Abductive Reasoning — Problem Solving for Writers
What is a plot twist? It’s a term we’ve all heard before – but we rarely ever hear it defined. So today, we’re going to define plot twists by looking at some good twist examples in literature and film. By the end, you’ll know how to write a plot twist like the greats, including Christopher Nolan and M. Night Shyamalan. Continue reading What is a Plot Twist — Definition, Examples and Types Explained
Naturalism vs realism: two different but similar things. So, what is the difference between realism and naturalism? We’re going to break down naturalism vs realism by defining both terms. Then we’ll explore naturalism and realism examples. By the end, you’ll know what makes naturalism and realism different from one another.Continue reading Naturalism vs Realism in the Arts — Two Styles, Similar Goals
How do writers make characters into people we can empathize with and understand? One way is through the use of characterization. But what is characterization? We’re going to answer that question by looking at an example from Kill Bill, and by listening to the perspective of some of the world’s foremost writers. But before we get into the examples, let’s review what makes direct characterization different from indirect characterization.Continue reading What is Characterization — A Guide to Character Building
