Storytelling
Scandal, Star Wars, and Being “Out of Character”
Why some choices can seem so out of character, they leave fans of stories like Scandal and Star Wars feeling betrayed.
Storytelling
In Defense of Night Court and Other Guilty Pleasures
Here’s why some media gets called a “guilty pleasure,” and why we need to stop saying that.
Storytelling
From Indiana Jones to James Bond: Which Traits Define a Character?
A female Indiana Jones? Why not? Here’s how to tell a defining character trait apart from a trait that can evolve over time.
Storytelling
Why Black Sails Has One of the Best Main Characters in TV History
Here’s why Captain Flint on Black Sails is one of the best-written characters in this current era of Peak TV.
Storytelling
How Jordan Peele Changed Get Out from Script to Screen
Compare the biggest changes between Jordan Peele’s screenplay for Get Out and his finished film.
Storytelling
Why Black Panther and Wakanda Are the Keys to Marvel’s Future
How the success of Black Panther changes action movies and lays the groundwork for Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Storytelling
The 3 Story Elements That Jumanji Gets Right
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is satisfying despite its shortcomings. How? Because it gets the three most important aspects of any story right.
Storytelling
3 Worldbuilding Details Your Fantasy Story Needs (and 3 It Doesn’t)
If your story doesn’t hook your audience early, they won’t keep reading. Here are three assets every good story needs, and three more that make readers (okay, me) quit.
Storytelling
How Good Editing Saved Star Wars
From Star Wars to Casablanca, some of Hollywood’s best-loved classics were saved in the edit. Here are three ways editing can make or break a film.
Storytelling
The Identity Crisis That Defines Every Sports Story Ever Written
When Nick Foles and the Eagles defeated Tom Brady and the Patriots to win Super Bowl LII, it exposed the fragile “truth” behind every sports narrative.