Originating in the mid-20th century, retro futurism holds a significant place in contemporary culture, providing a unique lens through which we can examine our dreams and anxieties about the future. The genre has been and continues to be a popular motif across various media mediums and art forms. It's a unique way to itch our collective curiosity about what may lay ahead for humanity while reflecting on the past and present. Continue reading What is Retrofuturism — Art & Fashion Movement Explained
A famously red-headed little girl once said, “The sun will come up tomorrow.” Annie, the titular character of the movie of the same name, became a beloved figure in film, and an enduring symbol of staying optimistic in hard times. Annie had several character traits, but her hopefulness is what’s often remembered about her. Having hope or optimism is a positive character trait. Some of the most memorable heroines and heroes in film and literature have positive character traits. So what are positive character traits, and why do authors choose to use them? Continue reading Positive Character Traits — A Guide…
If you are in a creative field, it’s a good idea to be familiar with copyright infringement, and how to avoid it. Understanding how copyright infringement works will allow you to create without fear of violating someone else’s rights. Continue reading What is Copyright Infringement — And How to Avoid It
Animation, a captivating blend of art and science, has the unique ability to breathe life into the most static of illustrations. Yet, how often do we pause to question the mechanics behind this mesmerizing spectacle? In this article, we invite you on a journey back in time to explore the Zoetrope, a significant milestone that shaped the world of animation. Continue reading What is a Zoetrope — The Pre-Animation Illusion Explained
If it can be written, or thought, it can be filmed.” Famed director Stanley Kubrick said these words. Over his long career, Kubrick developed many trademark camera and directing techniques to take things from his mind to the screen. From The Shining to Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick’s films were known for their fascinating visual language, which included iconic shots and visually precise camera movements. One of Kubrick’s most well-known techniques is known as the “Kubrick Stare.” The Stanley Kubrick Stare appears often throughout his filmography, and is still imitated and widely used by artists in film today. What is The…
The difference between nonfiction and fiction is that fiction must be absolutely believable.” The ever witty Mark Twain said this, and his pointed remark indicated that the world he experienced centuries ago was just as baffling as ours is today. Another famous quote says that truth is stranger than fiction. But if you’re a writer, you may be wondering what the difference between fiction and nonfiction really is. Once you understand the key distinctions of fiction vs non fiction, you can decide what type of writer you want to be.Continue reading Fiction vs. Nonfiction — Examples & Differences Explained
If you’ve gotten into a film festival, you likely have been asked for a digital cinema package, or DCP for short. Today, DCPs are the most common file type for theatrically viewing films. So what is a DCP, and how do you create one? Continue reading What is a DCP — What Every Filmmaker Today Needs to Know
There was a Young Lady of Russia, Who screamed so that no one could hush her; Her screams were extreme, No one heard such a scream, As was screamed by that lady of Russia.” Did reading that make you chuckle? Well, what you just read was a limerick, and making people laugh or smile is the main reason people write these funny poems. Read on to learn more about where limericks came from and how you can write your own to get people laughing! Continue reading What is a Limerick Poem — Definition, Examples for Writers
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original works. Whether you are a writer, painter, filmmaker, programmer, architect, or something else entirely, copyright is an area of law that’s important to be familiar with. You’ve worked hard to create your piece; copyright helps ensure it won’t be stolen. Continue reading What is Copyright — Everything You Need to Know
Jo March. Harry Potter. Captain Underpants (yes, even him!). These are just a few of the names people may say when asked who their favorite character is. But besides their popularity, what do all these beloved characters have in common? They are all found in works of fiction. Read on to learn what fiction is, and how you might want to become a fiction writer yourself.Continue reading What is Fiction — Definition & Examples