You've heard stories about studios paying millions of dollars for scripts. Probably prompting the deserved question, “How much do screenwriters make?” Today, we're going to take a look at the events that got the spec market to where it is today. But we've got the insider's perspective, and we've done the research. You’ll leave this article with confidence, ready to give yourself the best chance possible before you submit a script to Netflix, Paramount, or HBO.Continue reading How Much Do Screenwriters Really Make?
Looking to brainstorm new characters? Perhaps, you want to flesh out existing characters or pair them against another character to maximize drama and develop deeper character arcs. Writing a compelling character is easier said than done. However, it's helpful to consider tried-and-true character archetypes to ensure every character behaves in a way that is unique, consistent, and believable. In this post, we'll identify the various character archetypes that you can use to enhance your own characters. Plus, we'll include plenty of iconic character archetype examples from your favorite movies and TV shows. Lastly, we'll define which character archetypes can be…
The Academy Award for Best Director is the most prestigious honor any director can receive -- well, at least in theory it is. You may be shocked to find out that many of “the greatest directors of all-time,” like Alfred Hitchock, Orson Welles, Akira Kurosawa, Stanley Kubrick, Fritz Lang, Ingmar Bergman, and Federico Fellini never won the award. Of all of the Academy Awards, the Best Director category probably has the greatest discrepancy between its winners and its retrospective, critical consensus. No matter though, we’re going to list all of the Academy Award Best Director winners, then we’ll rank some…
Symbolism can create an indelible impression on an audience. Symbolism runs through literature, poetry, and screenwriting. But what is symbolism? In this article, we’ll define symbolism and show how symbols change over time. We’ll explore symbols by looking at common examples in literature and film.Continue reading What is Symbolism? Definition & Examples
The dolly zoom is one of the most discussed cinematic techniques. You can use them in many ways, but a great director will find a logical reason to include them. When paired with the correct story moment, the dolly zoom can draw the audience into the story and the character's state of mind. Continue reading What is a Dolly Zoom — Scene Examples of the Vertigo Effect
Hulu has really stepped up its game over the last few years, and with new competition like Disney+ and HBO Max, can you blame them? With so many streaming services, it’s hard to know where new releases go and old favorites live. But now the trouble is...how do you find anything? Well, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and we’ve curated our own library of the best movies on Hulu right now.As films come and go, we’ll be updating this list, so feel free to check back each month.Continue reading The Best Movies on Hulu…
Hulu has really stepped up its game over the last few years, and with new competition like Disney+ and HBO Max, can you blame them? With so many streaming services, it’s hard to know where new releases go and old favorites live. But now the trouble is...how do you find anything? Well, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and we’ve curated our own library of the best movies on Hulu right now.As films come and go, we’ll be updating this list, so feel free to check back each month.Continue reading The Best Movies on Hulu…
What is an antagonist? The simplest explanation is that an antagonist represents the opposite of the protagonist. But there’s much more to the term than that. They are the source of conflict in a story — and if you know anything about storytelling, you know that conflict is necessary. So, by understanding how antagonists are used in storytelling, we’re better equipped to handle story conflict in our own writing. In this post, we’ll cover all the different antagonistic forces a writer can choose from, how they work, and how to decide which one works best for your next story.Continue reading…
Pacing is an elusive yet pivotal element in storytelling, acting as the rhythm that governs the reader's journey through the narrative. It dictates the rate at which a story unfolds, influencing the tension, mood, and emotional resonance. Without pacing, a story can have an awkward sense of movement and flow. The best writers and storytellers are those that master pacing. Continue reading What is Pacing in Writing — And Why It’s So Important
Action heroes have always held a prominent place in the world of cinema, captivating audiences with their unwavering commitment to justice and their remarkable blend of strength, courage, and wit. From the early days of cinema to the present, these characters have become iconic symbols of heroism, embodying the aspirations and values that resonate with viewers worldwide. In this article, we explore the allure of action heroes, examining why audiences have a deep-rooted love and admiration for these extraordinary individuals.Continue reading What is an Action Hero — Best Examples & Defining Traits
