Sam Kench is an internationally-awarded screenwriter, independent filmmaker, and film critic. Lover of foreign films; hater of American remakes.
Sometimes, a hero is only as good as their villain. Whether they’re a charismatic villain that you love to hate or pure, unadulterated evil, these villains will stick in your mind for years to come. Be sure to check out our How to Write a Villain video essay below for a breakdown of three villainous… Continue reading The Best Villains of All Time — 23 Vile and Vicious Evildoers
There is a saying: the best film editing is the editing that nobody notices. Though there are exceptions, this is pretty widely accepted as truth for the most part. So if good editing purposely avoids standing out, how are the nominees and winners of the Best Film Editing Oscar picked out and decided? The editing style… Continue reading Academy Award For Best Film Editing — Top 20 Winners Ranked
What is a triadic color scheme? How can it be utilized in your filmmaking efforts, why does it matter and how is it different from other color palettes? We will be answering each of these questions, taking a look at the power and psychology of color in storytelling, and showcasing examples of triadic color schemes… Continue reading What is a Triadic Color Scheme — Definition and Examples
What is a character actor? The term has the potential to be confusing for two reasons. First: there are conflicting definitions for ‘character actor.’ Second: all actors are technically playing characters whenever they appear on screen, so it would be natural to assume that all actors are character actors. In this post we will clear… Continue reading What is a Character Actor — The Art of the Supporting Role
What are monochromatic colors? What is a monochromatic color scheme in filmmaking? Why does it matter and how is it different from other color palettes? These are the questions we’ll be answering alongside a dive into the purpose and psychology of color in storytelling and a look at some of the best examples of monochromatic… Continue reading What is a Monochromatic Color Scheme — Definition, Examples
What are the different styles of writing? How many different types of writing styles and forms of writing are there? There is some disagreement of how many major forms of writing there are. Depending on which source you turn to, you might be told there are only four different styles of writing or you might… Continue reading Different Types of Writing Styles — Forms of Writing Explained
Few films inspire as many diverse fan theories and interpretations as Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Is The Shining a film that can be definitively explained? Without Kubrick around to spell out his intentions, the answer is probably not. But that hasn’t stopped people all over the world from trying. In this post, we’ll break down… Continue reading The Shining Explained — 6 Compelling Theories on The Shining
Few props are as inherently cinematic as firearms. For decades, creative filmmakers have been pushing past the bounds of reality to craft truly inventive and unique movie guns. Whether in the action, thriller, or sci-fi genres, there are many examples of writers and directors injecting an added dose of creativity into their shootouts by inventing… Continue reading Famous Guns in Movies — Cinema’s Most Creative Movie Guns
What is the best DSLR camera? In 2021, there are many different makes and models of DSLRs on the market, and poring over the technical specs, features, and prices can be headache inducing to say the least. We’ve done the legwork for you, so that you can make an informed decision with your next purchase… Continue reading Best DSLR Camera — Top Picks for Photography & Video
What is slapstick comedy? Is it the same thing as physical comedy? And where does the name come from? We will be answering all of these questions, plus taking a trip through the history and evolution of slapstick, and looking at a number of great slapstick comedy examples from classic and modern movies. First, let’s… Continue reading What is Slapstick Comedy — Movie Genres Explained
What is fine art photography? How is it made and how is it different from other forms of photography? And, perhaps a larger question that has stirred debate for decades, can photography even be considered a fine art? We will be answering all of these questions and examining some of the best fine art photography… Continue reading What is Fine Art Photography — Types of Photography Explained
It was the book they said couldn’t be filmed. Many before him tried— to varying degrees of success— but the Denis Villeneuve Dune adaptation stands as the definitive cinematic telling of this intimidating science fiction story. So, how was Villeneuve able to succeed where others failed? We’ll start by taking a brief look at Villeneuve’s… Continue reading Dune — Denis Villeneuve Directing Techniques Explained
What is the best camera for beginners? When you’re just dipping your toes into a new craft, it can be overwhelming to parse through all of the various hardware options and find what best suits your individual needs. Whether you’re looking to get into videography, stills photography, or both, you’re sure to find an easy-to-use… Continue reading Best Camera for Beginners — Sony, Nikon, Canon & More
What is an analogous color scheme? How can it be utilized in your filmmaking efforts, why does it matter and how is it different from other color palettes? We will be answering each of these questions, examining how analogous colors function in traditional art, taking a look at the psychology of color in storytelling, and… Continue reading What is an Analogous Color Scheme — Definition and Examples
What is a Mexican Standoff? And for that matter, how does it differ from a regular standoff? In this post, we’ll be digging into the term, breaking down its origins, clearing up common misconceptions, and taking a look at some of the best examples. We’ll also be answering the question: why is it called a… Continue reading What is a Mexican Standoff — How to Direct a Showdown
Muzzle flashes are an integral element in every movie shootout. Though they might seem like a small detail, it can make the difference between a movie gunshot seeming cheap and fake or real and exciting. Muzzle flashes can be executed in a few different ways, and we’ll be explaining everything you need to know about… Continue reading Muzzle Flash Effect — Downloads, Tutorials & On-Set Tips
Are you asking yourself, how do I slow down a video? There are many reasons why one might want to slow down footage, but how is it done? The process is different depending on the particular editing program being used. In this post, we’ll be walking you through the four simple steps necessary to slow… Continue reading How to Slow Down a Video in Premiere Pro — Editor’s Guide
The horror genre is home to many bizarre concepts and boundary-pushing ideas. From straightforward slashers to subversive, social commentary-packed allegories, horror writers and filmmakers have delivered countless memorable films. Join us in counting down 10 of the best horror movie scripts you can download that are great to read for fans of the genre and… Continue reading 10 Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download, Read & Study
What is body horror? Even hardcore horror fans might have trouble translating body horror movies into words. It’s a little bit of a “you know it when you see it” kind of thing. In this post, we’ll be providing a body horror definition, digging into the history of the genre, and examining its place in… Continue reading Body Horror Explained — Inside the Best Body Horror Movies
What are Giallo films? This Italian term might be familiar yet mysterious to horror fans, or it might be completely unfamiliar to you. Whichever the case may be, you will leave here with a thorough grasp of the in’s and out’s of the Giallo genre. This is one film genre that can be a little… Continue reading Giallo Films Explained — Italian Horror, Argento, Bava & Beyond
