Creative Commons License — Pros and Cons Explained

In a world of Tik Tok duets, sampled music, GIFs, and unaccredited images cramming Instagram feeds, how do you find out what type of license governs the use of a creative work? The birth of the Creative Commons and Creative Commons licenses in the 2000’s helped encourage the remix culture of the 21st century. But why is Creative Commons important? In this post, we’re going to look at the difference between copyright and “copyleft,” Creative Commons vs. copyleft, and the difference between copyright and Creative Commons.  Continue reading Creative Commons License — Pros and Cons Explained

What is Characterization — A Guide to Character Building

  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

Active vs. Passive Voice — Differences and Usages Explained

Whether in a screenplay, poem, or short story, the voice of the writer often translates to the voice of your story. Depending on the situation, passive voice may suit a writer better than active voice, or perhaps the other way around. But how can you tell when to use one over the other? Keep reading for tips on how to spot the difference between active voice and passive voice, and suggestions for how to use them. Continue reading Active vs. Passive Voice — Differences and Usages Explained

How to Reverse a Clip in Premiere Pro — A Step-by-Step Guide

The days of Avid Media Composer serving as the industry’s only standard video editing program are coming to a close. With David Fincher and Coen Brothers having turned to Adobe Premiere Pro for their post-production needs, the barrier to entry of professional-level video editing is shrinking. There are many reasons why one would want to reverse a clip in Premiere and, luckily, it is a fairly simple effect to pull off. We’ll walk you through how to reverse a clip in Premiere Pro step-by-step. Continue reading How to Reverse a Clip in Premiere Pro — A Step-by-Step Guide

Succession Theme Song — How the Soundtrack Tells a Story

Succession is a witty satire, portraying the inner turmoil of a family-owned media empire, Waystar RoyCo. So it’s no surprise that the Succession theme song needed to be as tumultuous and grandeur as its scenes. Nicholas Britell’s opening theme and entire score perfectly capture the essence of wealth and power in a fresh and original way. But how? Continue reading Succession Theme Song — How the Soundtrack Tells a Story

What is a Simple Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips for Writers

  A simple sentence is a fundamental tool of language. Don’t believe me? Each sentence I’ve used so far is a simple sentence. But what is a simple sentence? This doesn’t mean a sentence that isn’t complicated. There are many types of simple sentences and the structure has specific qualities which make it simple. Let’s take a look at what a simple sentence is, what it looks like, and how it’s used. Continue reading What is a Simple Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips for Writers

What is a Static Character — Definition, Examples in Storytelling

All too often, the term “static character” carries a negative connotation. Some think this implies that a character is boring, overly simple, or even poorly written. However, the complete opposite can be true. Some of cinema’s most memorable characters are also static characters such as The Dude from The Big Lebowski, Anton Chigurh from No Country for Old Men, and Captain America from the MCU. What is a static character and why are they important? In this article, we’ll define static character as well as how they are different from other types of characters and how they function within a story.  Continue…

Quentin Tarantino Interviews, Directing Tips & Quotes on Film

Best Tarantino MoviesQT's Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown How do you learn filmmaking techniques from a director like Quentin Tarantino? You can watch his films, and learn his filmmaking process with quotes from Quentin Tarantino interviews. We also built a video with directing tips and examples from Quentin Tarantino films. Become a better filmmaker by learning from the best.Continue reading Quentin Tarantino Interviews, Directing Tips & Quotes on Film

What is Dolby Atmos — A Leap Forward in Exhibition Sound

Dolby Atmos is a buzzword in the movie industry – but what is Dolby Atmos? Worry not, because today, we’re going to answer that question. We’re also going to show you how Dolby Atmos is used in televisions, soundbars, and cinemas. By the end, you’ll know what Dolby Atmos is, and where to look for Dolby Atmos content.Continue reading What is Dolby Atmos — A Leap Forward in Exhibition Sound

How to Use a Green Screen in iMovie — 4 Quick and Easy Steps

iMovie has become a game changer for amatuer filmmakers on a budget. But just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t use some visual effects in your work. Using a green screen can open up new doors for stories you want to tell. So in this article, we’ll take a look at each step on how to use a green screen in iMovie.Continue reading How to Use a Green Screen in iMovie — 4 Quick and Easy Steps