What is a Scene — Definition and Examples in Storytelling

Scenes are the basic building blocks of a film. From classic blockbusters to indie flicks, the structure and purpose of each scene remain crucial in conveying a compelling and satisfying cinematic experience to the viewer.  So, what are scenes and what is their importance in creating an immersive, captivating film? In this blog post, we’ll explore… Continue reading What is a Scene — Definition and Examples in Storytelling

Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

By GenreOpen menu Insert Image Comedy Insert Image Sci-Fi Insert Image Action Insert Image Romantic Insert Image Animation Insert Image Thriller Insert Image Drama Insert Image Crime Insert Image TV Scripts Insert Image Horror Insert Image Fantasy Insert Image Western Insert Image Musical Insert Image War ResourcesOpen menu Insert Image Best Screenplays to Read Insert… Continue reading Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

What is Set Design in Film — Process and Purpose Explained

Set design is a pivotal yet often overlooked element in the magic of filmmaking. It breathes life into a director’s vision, creating tangible worlds from mere imagination. This article will delve into the art and science of set design in film, revealing its process, significance, and future trends. Let’s journey behind the scenes to explore… Continue reading What is Set Design in Film — Process and Purpose Explained

John Wick Movies Ranked — What Makes Each Film Great

Like the countless henchmen felled by the hitman, audiences did not see John Wick coming. From the get-go, John Wick has felt out-of-time, a standout action series that doesn’t have many contemporaries. By the release of its fourth installment, the Wick franchise has become a beloved institution. This makes ranking the John Wick films a… Continue reading John Wick Movies Ranked — What Makes Each Film Great

What is a Second Unit Director & What Does a Second Unit Do?

Directorial DepartmentOpen menu Insert Image What Does an Assistant Director Do Insert Image What Does a 2nd Assistant Director Do Insert Image What is a Casting Director Insert Image What is a Second Unit Director Insert Image What Does a Director Do Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions If you’ve ever heard the terms ‘second… Continue reading What is a Second Unit Director & What Does a Second Unit Do?

Best Movies Like Die Hard — 12 Action Classics Just as Fun to Watch

Die Hard is a classic action (Christmas?) movie for a good reason. It’s gritty, it’s full of badassery, and it’s simply a blast to watch. And while Die Hard is definitely a great movie, plenty of other films accomplish the high-octane fun, action, and story of the film. Here is our list of the best… Continue reading Best Movies Like Die Hard — 12 Action Classics Just as Fun to Watch

What is the Exposure Triangle — Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

Exposure TriangleOpen menu Insert Image What is the Exposure Triangle Insert Image Aperture Insert Image ISO Insert Image Shutter Speed Insert Image Frame Rate Shot List Creator Light is responsible for every image captured in both photography and cinematography. How a camera captures light is determined by three variables that make up what is known… Continue reading What is the Exposure Triangle — Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

What is a Prop Master — Job Description and Responsibilities

Art DepartmentOpen menu Insert Image Art Director Insert Image Production Designer Insert Image Prop Master Insert Image Prop Maker Insert Image Storyboard Artist Insert Image Concept Artist Insert Image Scenic Artist Insert Image Set Decorator Insert Image Set Dresser Insert Image Set Designer Insert Image Weapons Master Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions Anytime you… Continue reading What is a Prop Master — Job Description and Responsibilities

How to Write an Action Scene in a Screenplay — 3 Methods

How do you write an action scene in a screenplay? How specific and technical should you get? Or, is it better to leave the action description simplistic with the knowledge that a director, choreography, and stunt coordinator will be working out the details of the action? Different screenwriters answer these questions in different ways, and… Continue reading How to Write an Action Scene in a Screenplay — 3 Methods

What is a Match on Action Cut — Definition & Creative Examples

Editing EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is Film Editing Insert Image What Does a Film Editor Do Insert Image How Does an Editor Control the Rhythm of a Film Insert Image How to Become a Film Editor Insert Image What is In Camera Editing Insert Image What is Screen Direction in Film Insert Image What… Continue reading What is a Match on Action Cut — Definition & Creative Examples

Screenplay Example for Formatting, Genres & PDF Downloads

What does a screenplay look like? Screenwriting and traditional prose writing share many characteristics and commonalities, but it is best to think of them as entirely different disciplines of storytelling. We will examine what the average screenplay looks like, how different genres prioritize different elements, and we’ll take a look at specific screenplay examples worth… Continue reading Screenplay Example for Formatting, Genres & PDF Downloads

Best Movie Shootouts of All Time — Locked, Loaded & Ranked

Ever since The Great Train Robbery introduced filmgoers to the joys of a glorious gunfight in 1903, shootouts have become a staple of cinematic spectacles. Throughout movie history, filmmakers have tried to one-up each other by creating the most titillating exchange of gunfire possible. Over a century since its inception, the shootout continues to be… Continue reading Best Movie Shootouts of All Time — Locked, Loaded & Ranked

What is Direct Characterization — Character Building Tips

Basic CharactersOpen menu Insert Image Types of Characters in a Story Insert Image Protagonist Insert Image Deuteragonist Insert Image Antagonist Insert Image Hero Insert Image Anti Hero Insert Image Tragic Hero Insert Image Tritagonist Insert Image Superhero Insert Image Anti-Villain Insert Image Villain Insert Image Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Insert Image Common Character Types… Continue reading What is Direct Characterization — Character Building Tips

What is a Reverse Angle Shot in Film — Shot Types Explained

The reverse angle shot can be found in nearly every movie you have ever seen. Its popularity among even the most stylish cinematographers and filmmakers it’s based on its function rather than aesthetic. So what makes the reverse angle shot so functional? What is it most commonly used for? In this article, we’ll take a… Continue reading What is a Reverse Angle Shot in Film — Shot Types Explained

What is Onomatopoeia — Definition and Examples in Lit. & Film

Onomatopoeia can make a BANG or THUD in your mind when reading a sentence. And while that sentence is definitely not the best example of the effects of onomatopoeia, we’ll be taking a look at some actual good examples of the literary device in this article. What is onomatopoeia? Let’s dive into how writers use… Continue reading What is Onomatopoeia — Definition and Examples in Lit. & Film

What is a Plot Device? Definitions and Examples for Screenwriters

Trope EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is a Trope Insert Image What is a Cliche Insert Image Tropes & Cliches to Avoid Character TropesOpen menu Insert Image Character Tropes Insert Image Stock Character Insert Image Mary Sue Insert Image Manic Pixie Dream Girl Insert Image Mad Scientist Insert Image Femme Fatale Insert Image Damsel in… Continue reading What is a Plot Device? Definitions and Examples for Screenwriters

What is Imagery — Definition & Examples in Literature & Poetry

Describing sensory experiences through the medium of writing and text can be difficult. By enlisting the use of imagery, writers are able to vividly describe experiences, actions, characters, and places through written language. What is imagery exactly. How is imagery in poetry and literature used? In this article, we’ll take a look at the imagery… Continue reading What is Imagery — Definition & Examples in Literature & Poetry

What is a Slug Line? Scene Heading Screenplay Formatting

While cinematography has the unique ability to visually draw an audience’s eye to something specific, screenwriters also have a unique tool to draw a reader’s attention to a specific scene element within a screenplay. The slug line is one of the best tools a screenwriter has for drawing attention and incorporating visual elements into a… Continue reading What is a Slug Line? Scene Heading Screenplay Formatting