Picture this: a figure cloaked in shadows, eyes burning with malevolent intent, fingers curled around a staff of power. This figure is not just any villain; they are the embodiment of pure evil, a character so dark and terrifying that they send chills down your spine. You've seen them as Voldemort in Harry Potter, Sauron in The Lord of the Rings, and Darth Vader in Star Wars. But what exactly makes these characters so fascinating and so universally recognized? They all represent the Dark Lord archetype, a crucial component of storytelling that has existed across cultures and history, adding depth and…
A storyboard is a graphic layout that sequences illustrations and images to tell a story visually. It is the backbone of visual storytelling, helping filmmakers, marketers, and educators communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.Continue reading 46 Storyboard Examples from Movies, Animation, and Games (with FREE Storyboard Templates)
What is a foil character? Is it a character who wears tin-foil on their head? Wait no, that’s Joaquin Phoenix in Signs. Foil characters exist to expose something in the main character of a story. You may have heard the term in reference to the works of William Shakespeare, but he’s not the only writer who uses them. We’re going to show you some examples of foil characters from literature, film, and television. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize foils from a mile away and perhaps hatch an idea for your own foil character.Continue reading What is a…
Whether it be whispered tales around a campfire or blockbuster epics on the silver screen, certain character archetypes have stood the test of time, captivating audiences with their timeless appeal. Among these, the Chosen One trope shines as a beacon of hope and destiny, weaving through narratives with the promise of greatness and the allure of a predetermined path. Let's explore this fascinating trope, understanding its roots, characteristics, and unforgettable cinematic renditions. Continue reading What is the Chosen One — Classic Character Trope Explained
The most memorable characters in literature and film have distinctive personalities. Think of the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope from TV’s Parks and Recs or the hilariously sardonic Hades from Disney’s animated classic Hercules. If you were asked to describe these characters, you’d have plenty of ways to explain who they are and what they’re like. That’s because these characters were created by writers who understand the importance of clearly defined character traits that paint a fuller picture of who they are, making them seem real to readers and viewers. But what are character traits, and how can you use them in…
What is a Mary Sue? This much-maligned character type is often the subject of fierce online debate, and pinning down a precise definition requires sorting through swaths of debate and disagreement. In this post, we will be explaining everything you need to know about the Mary Sue trope. We’ll get started with a definition, then examine why this type of character is so derided, look at some examples, and attempt to end things on a positive note by searching for a silver lining.Continue reading What is a Mary Sue — Character Types Explained
By this point in time, there is a strong chance you have at least heard of IMAX. It’s often sold to potential customers as the most immersive way to watch a movie, featuring a larger-than-average screen and the highest quality imagery and sound. The ticket price is higher, too. But what is IMAX, and how did it go from a speciality format often seen in museums to a common option found at many multiplexes?Continue reading What is IMAX and How It Changed the Way We Watch Movies
You're looking for a list of the different types of camera shot framing in film, but you also want great examples that come with clear explanations of when and why to use specific shot frames. After our video detailing the main types of camera framing, we'll provide you with downloadable shot lists that you can use for reference the next time you shot list a project. Lezgo.Continue reading Camera Framing Techniques: Frame Shots Like a Master Filmmaker
T he act of storytelling has always been with us. Anthropologist Joseph Campbell took stories from around the world and found they all shared the same basic structure. Campbell's Hero's Journey laid out each of the fundamental steps in this story structure. A few decades later, Dan Harmon took this same idea and created the Story Circle. In Dan Harmon's Story Circle, there are 8 essential steps that can guide almost any story from Fade In to Fade Out. Let's walk through each step with examples so you can apply this foolproof structure to your next great idea.Continue reading Storytelling Guide:…
Whether you searched them out yourself, or whether someone recommended you “work on structure,” all writers have come across a screenplay structure in their day. Some swear by it, others liken it to creative cancer. The truth is, whether you like them or not, there is value in understanding what the formulas are and how they are used. Today, we’ll learn the screenplay structures you need to know, how they work, and run a few scripts through them.Continue reading Screenplay Structure Examples — A Guide for Screenwriters
