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 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…
Revamps, reboots, and sequels have become a staple in the entertainment industry. The MCU has created a web of narratives, intertwining and overlapping. Disney is breathing new life into the Star Wars franchise and new blockbusters like Twisters and Furiosa have proved that revamps can still be fresh and entertaining. But all this narrative revisiting has given rise to the power of retconning. Let's look at what retconning is and how its narrative impact on the industry can be good, bad, and increasingly prevalent. Continue reading What Does Retcon Mean — Best and Worst Examples
Synecdoche may not be one of the most common words on your radar, but it's a literary device frequently used in everyday language, often without people realizing it. This device is not only functional but also creatively adds depth to a sentence. Let's dive into the definition and types of synecdoche that you have undoubtedly used or heard before.Continue reading What is Synecdoche — Definition, Examples & Writing Tips
There are plenty of types of poetry, mostly defined by the structure and rules they follow. Sonnets, villanelles, haikus - these are all forms of structured poetry that have specific rhyme schemes, line lengths, and other guidelines to follow. In contrast, free verse poems have no predetermined form or structure. They can be as long or as short as the poet desires and can use any style or technique without following traditional poetic conventions. Continue reading What is a Free Verse Poem — Definition and Examples
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
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
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
Why is deadpan humor so hilarious? You might think that delivering a joke with a completely straight face would backfire and confuse an audience. Ironically, it often has the opposite effect, sometimes making the joke even funnier. The subtlety and the invitation for the audience to engage their wit in figuring out a punchline can make deadpan jokes hit even harder. But what are the components that make deadpan delivery work? Continue reading What is Deadpan Humor — The Most Hilarious Examples
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
