Wednesday, December 31, 2014

What is blocking and why is it needed on stage and on set?

When on stage and on set actors need to know what to do in regards to motion. This practice of motion is called blocking. Blocking is needed because the director has to show what motions he or she wants from the actors while on stage performing. It's also important for the actors to practice these motions repetitiously so the play will run smoothly. Although mainly used in theatre blocking is used in many other entertainment aspects as well.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

What is a Query Letter?

Ambitious writers and film makers need doorways just like anyone else in the entertainment world. A query letter is suppose to give you that doorway. Query letters are submitted to major publishers or theatres with a synopsis and a few sample pages designed to impress them enough to pick up your work. Most do write back saying they like your work or not it depends on the agency you send it to. To sum it up, a query letter is like a request to be noticed and accepted by a major publisher.

Monday, December 29, 2014

The gift and the curse of Installation Art

While walking by a tree outside in the summer a woman notices cards hanging from it, she stops for a second then continues on. In a suburb someone places an exhibit of an abandon house in an empty lot, while driving by observing, a car smashes into a parked vehicle. These are two examples of installation art. The gift of installation art is the fact that it catches the eye because of what the eye can be trained to see. The curse is it distracts the viewers as well, by taking them on a path they did not expect because most installation art is three dimensional. Installation art is different, its an unexpected change and sometimes its needed to remind people that anything can take up space. The amazing thing about installation art is the fact that the observer will look at it for a good length of time to capture the moment. The catch is will it show the observer that perception at times can be deceiving and will this art help you see through that perception?   

Friday, December 26, 2014

What is an ensemble?

When watching a performance it is important to know how many people are on stage and who is playing or speaking. Sometimes there is one person, and sometimes there are two or three. In a music or dance routine when there is a group of people performing it is called an ensemble.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The art of baking bread.

There are many forms of art that people pass by everyday without even knowing the craft is an art. Did you know that cooking is an art? They call it Culinary Arts and baking bread is one step closer to learning more about this amazing art of mixing things that come from nature. Here is one way to cook bread (measurements vary depending on the size of the loaf):
  • 1 package of dry yeast or 2 Tbsp
  • Not warm but mild hot water about 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit  - 3/4 to 2 cups
  • Bread flour (not to be confused with regular flour all purpose is fine) - 3 to 5 cups
  • 1-1/2 to 2 Tbsp. of Sugar
  • 1 to 2 Tsp. of Salt
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. of Oil (Vegetable shortening)
  • 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 cup of milk
  • 3 loaf bread pan
  • Thermometer preferable fast read
  • Heat the oven to about 375 degrees
Notes: Once the bread is mixed let it sit for about 8 to 10 minute. Mix until it looks like the surface of the moon adding about three more cups of flour in addition to the two you started with (depending on your loaf size); the bread should become doughy. Once doughy knead it with more flour then let stand in a butter laced bowl and let sit after shaping it into a loaf for about 30 minutes (some cooks cover with a damp cloth or towel while it sits). After the 30 minutes the dough should rise then cut three slashes in the top then let cook for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Once done let it cool then serve it.

Monday, December 22, 2014

The purpose of the fill light:

Sometimes it's hard to get rid of shadows when performing on stage and in films so they use a special light. This special light is called a fill light. The fill light is specifically used to get rid of shadows. The type of light used depends on the stage or set lighting used in the scene.

Friday, December 19, 2014

A simple description of Thermal Binding:

Books all over the world provide knowledge, but how to make a book is even better knowledge. Lets conceder these bright ideas when binding books together: Two leaves sewn together, punching holes in paper with metal clips or taking tissue paper and gluing them together. What about thermal binding? Thermal binding takes a strip of paper laced with glue or plastic of sort, then is firmly placed on the edges of grouped sheets of paper and heated to bind the sheets together. This is a simple description of thermal binding.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Five tips on how to memorize your lines.

Everyone would love to be in the spotlight and get their big break doing something major, but first you have to deliver and put the work in. The work requires memory and in entertainment that is about 75% of the job unless you have a plan to cheat. Here are five tips on how to memorize and get through lines:
  1. Spend two hours reading your lines over and over again. Repetition is one of the best ways to drill things into your brain. That is why you always carry your words on you, just in case you end up stuck somewhere and you have some time to kill.
  2. Go to rehearsal and don't miss. Not to many people know the power of practice and one to two hours of reading four or five days a week can make a big difference.
  3. Make a song with your lines. It sounds weird, but little tricks that can embed a line in your brain works miracles.
  4. You can also cheat by placing your lines somewhere where the audience or camera cannot see them.
  5. Have a friend or family member practice with you without your lines and when you cannot think of the line ask them to give it to you. Two hours of this four days a week can make it happen.
Good luck.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

How your fingers are numbered when playing the piano.

One simple way to learn how to play the piano is to know how your fingers are numbered before placing them on the keys. When playing the piano your fingers have numbers. Lets start with the left hand. Your pinky finger is number 5, your ring finger is number 4, the middle finger is number 3, the index finger is number 2 and the thumb is number 1. Follow the same numbers with your right hand and you are one step closer to learning how to play the piano.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

What is a monologue?

If you have ever watched a talk show and at the beginning of the show the host tells jokes, then you have some idea on what a monologue is. An act away from a dialogue, a monologue consist of one person expressing their thoughts. Usually when two people have a conversation, it's just that, two people. A monologue is one person engaging an audience or even just themselves in the mirror with no response except laughter or boos. The purpose of the monologue is the same as a solo singer; to deliver the message from their perspective just like a singer would sing a song.

Monday, December 15, 2014

What is the difference between stereo and mono?

There are different ways to extract sound. One method is mono, which is used for mainly talk shows or AM stations etc.. The mono extraction has one wave and sends sound through one channel. It can be identified by one black band on the tip of the silver or gold male end of the connections. Stereo runs through two channels and is mainly used in films and FM stations etc. Stereo has two waves usually labeled left to right. Stereo connections can be identified with two black bands on the tip of the silver or gold male end of the connection.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Describing the Vintage look.

In the fashion world there are different looks. One particular look that can make a model standout in the new era is the vintage look. The vintage look, which is at times considered to be modest or old fashion, is the look that uses a light fabric or older garments of sort. There are many designers and fashion models who still display this look even in this new world of fashion. Male models also use the vintage look at times. Professional models know this look and should be honored for keeping history looking good in modern days.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

What is the Matinee?

Sign of the times when an entertainment guru gets their 15 minutes of fame and someone asks them, if he or she will be at the matinee and they respond with a "Huh?" Well, true wisdom is enough to know that it's what's in the heart that counts. The matinee is the afternoon show of a performance and yes, I looked it up.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

5 Media terms that deal with your cost:

Every occupation has terms. The media has a language of its own that is used to explain the purpose of an action or object. Here are five terms that deal with cost:
  1. Ad Allowable- this terms explains the amount you can spend within your budget.
  2. Back-end sales- a transaction made in regards to an infomercial.
  3. Cost of Goods- The total cost of the process.
  4. Cost per lead- The cost involved with questions about a product an example would be: if someone calls wanting to know more about your product. That phone call is considered a lead.  
  5. Cost per order- the total cost to generate one order.
For more media terms visit:
http://www.lincolnmedia.com/resources/glossary-of-media-terms

Monday, December 8, 2014

5 Tips on how to develop characters.

Characters are important to writers. Being able to match faces with the vision on screen can be even trickier. Developing your characters takes time and thought. Here are five tips to help you create your own characters:
  1. Base your characters off of someone you know.
  2. Use your imagination and create someone you have always wanted to be.
  3. Find a dummy and make him smart or find someone smart and make them a dummy.
  4. Read the bible or other well know books and develop your characters around the one of your choice.
  5. Make something live again or make something you wish could talk speak words of life.
These are just five ways to create. Just remember: writing has to take the reader to your place of thought and then back home. The catch is to create so others can create.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Examining Abstract Art Work

The magic of art comes from the spirit. It can be described by many, as a divine gift that a person has to interpret what they see. Abstract art work is the presence of shapes, images and even figures drawn from pure emotion. A good example, would be splattered paint on a paper. Abstract art is everywhere. Some amateurs or those with minimal art experience would look at some pieces of abstract work and loss out on the message that the artist is portraying. They may feel the work is to vague. Abstract work has feeling that embraces your thoughts. This feeling traps you into the mind of the artist. The lines, shapes and colors exploit the viewer to want to know more about the piece of work. A shape on a piece of paper with an orange line through it, would be a good example of abstract work. If you draw a person, this may be considered outside of abstract work, although some pieces my look like a person. That is the magic of abstract pieces,  most of the images are unintentional and may seem that the artist is going nowhere.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Identifying the Snare Drum.

Most music genres require certain producers. Each tempo or rhythm changes as the ages go by. The artist must deliver the song with feeling. That feeling is what moves the listeners. It may be safe to say that about 80% of that feeling comes from the instruments. The snare drum is a percussion instrument that is included in a drum set. It sits on a stand as a table top would sit from the floor, it has rattles which are little metal wires that stretch across the heads of the drum called snares. Some only come with one rattle depending on the type. There are many fashions of snare drums depending on the usage. The sound is uniform and is often used in marching bands, especially military. A good description would be a round wheel shaped instrument with two plastic heads as the hubcaps. The typical snare drum (which depends on the usage) that is tapped with the drum stick is about 14,8,6 or 3 inches deep. The plastic or Mylar skins are about 10-7 mils thick depending on the type of snare drum and the usage. This instrument creates a sound similar to taping a thin hollow bucket with a very small thin chain attached to it.
For more information on the snare drum search you selected knowledge sources or look online and search snare drum.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The many different types of Theatres and Stages.

Sometimes people confuse theatre with an actual place that cost money to rent, but actually any location can be a theatre. One important word that gives theatre its custom, is "platform stage". A platform stage is the stage itself and can be setup anywhere with any size. Some places even use crates as a stage. The idea is to have a place where people can sit around and watch a performance. A good example, is watching little kids play house, it may not appear to them what they are doing, but if they had an audience they would actually be performing. Some other forms of theatre stage setups include:
  1. The arena stage, where the stage is in the middle and the audience is all around.
  2. The proscenium stage, where the audience is seated in the front of the stage. The apron or arch most commonly is in the front of the stage, some don't have an arch at all.  
  3. Thrust stage, which seats the audience on just three sides excluding the back of the stage.
  4. There are also other profile, flexible or traverse stages often used for fashion shows or basketball games.
The idea is to put the center of attention in an environment that can be seen.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

What is an e-book and what makes it different from a printed book?

The concept of printing can open our minds up to a world of ideas on how to mass produce, but what if we used computers to print what's in our imagination. This idea was on the minds of a lot of noble thinkers and slowly came to reality as the years progressed. They call it the e-book. The e-book has the same purpose as a printed book but has many different functions. Here are some pros and cons:
  1. The e-book saves trees
  2. The e-book is just a digital copy of a printed book, what happens if the publisher goes out of business or the battery dies.
  3. The devices used to read the e-book cost a lot of money to produce.
  4. People can hack digital content but can share printed content.
  5. Printed books takes a lot of resources to produce, where as e-books just need to be uploaded.
  6. Although it is cheaper to publish an e-book, your readers will spend a lot on the device used to read it. You will spend quite a bit on printed books but the reader can keep the book for a lifetime.
  7. Storage on e-books are much better because printed books take up space and you could put bookshelf makers out of business.
  8. With the e-book you can zoom in on content and have audio read the content to you on some devices. When using a printed book you just have a magnifying glass or glasses with an audio device playing the content.
  9. Some e-books give off light, printed books don't.
Well, these are just a few examples of the pros and cons of e-books verses printed books. There are also a ton of intellectual differences that come with them as well. I guess the truth of the matter depends on the author, "Is your goal to make a profit or just to share ideas?"

Monday, December 1, 2014

Five good ways to promote your film on a small budget.

Most people think you have to have millions of dollars to promote a film. Well, although money makes a big difference you don't necessarily have to have a lot. Here are five simple ways to promote your film on a small budget:
  1. Have a movie premiere or see if a local theatre will let you show your movie.
  2. Release a trailer online and share it with your friends.
  3. Release the film online and receive revenue from the advertisements to invest in the next project.
  4. Pass out fliers, business cards, and print posters so people will know where to find your film.
  5. Set up a booth at an event that is in the same genre of your film and have the actors, business cards, fliers, and posters on display along with the film itself.
These are five ways to draw awareness to you films. There are plenty of sites online that can assist in raising money, but promoting a film and raising money takes time. The key is to start small and work your way into the market.  

Friday, November 28, 2014

How to make a background image in a film look real using a matte.

Ever wonder if the background of a good scene in a movie was real? Have you ever saw something in a movie that looked so real in the background but it made you think twice? To answer your questions if you answered yes or no, the possibilities that what you saw was real are about 20%. Most movies use what they call mattes, which are images or just covers that are inserted to make what you are watching look real. Mattes have been around in the movie business for a long time and I don't think they are going away anytime soon. If a director is trying to save money or just cannot afford the location then chances are that what you are seeing in the background is a matte. To simplify what a matte can do, take a picture of a cat with a black background then place black mattes around the image so only the head of the cat is showing. When you edit the image it will look as if the cat has no body. If you want to get fancier then take the head and place it on a human body and it will almost look like you have a human with a cat head.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thinking about becoming a Videographer?

The term videographer makes people think that the job is simple. Okay, all you have to do is put video sequences together, "Wow!" Actually the job of the videographer takes time and patience. A videographer has to know a lot about technical equipment; here is a little taste of things that they have to know:
  1. How to edit video to make it appeal to the audience.
  2. Have some knowledge on cinema, hardware, cameras, computers, editing software, audio devices and a load of other technical equipment that comes with the package of making good videos.  
  3. Know video terms like progressive or interlaced etc.
  4. Understand the speed at which a camera is shooting and be able to slow it down or speed it up to create the vision that the director is trying to portray in the minds of the viewer.
Anyone can be a videographer but those who do it for a living know that you have to stay at it for a while to master it. Even when you get to the level of mastering video and being the jack of all trades, the wise know that you can never know enough. Videographers are like money that you spend but will never have enough to pay for what the job is really worth. The catch is that a good videographer just has a passion for what they do but will never feel that they are getting what they are worth because no one knows what they know but those who do what they do. To sum it up, if you see someone wearing sunglasses in front of a computer at 3 AM and you know there is no sun outside. There might be a good chance that they're editing video.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The purpose of the alto pitch vocal.

When listening to a song you will notice changes in the vocal pitch throughout the song. The term alto is the high tone. Just like rhythm, tempo or other measures of music, vocals have measures as well. In a solo piece, which is one singer on stage, an alto usually sings at a very high pitch sound and sings very high notes. Such terms are used to segment music in categories from low, medium and high pitch sounds. This keeps things organized so that the musician or singer can comprehend the levels at which they are to deliver the sounds. The purpose of the alto it to deliver a high pitch sound when singing.

Monday, November 24, 2014

How entertainers get paid.

Some people always think the life of an entertainer is easy but actually it's not. Entertainers have to entertain to get paid. Most entertainers start out poor and have no life at all outside of the stage. The truth of the matter is that everything you are watching them do cost money and if they cannot draw a crowd to pay for the things you see then they are worthless in the business aspect of the matter. Here is an example:
Annie just got her first gig in a movie. She stood out and only had a few lines. The movie was an independent project and Annie did not get paid for the project. The director of the film got the movie produced and people not only liked it but they loved it. Annie now goes from being an unknown actor to a celebrity overnight. She is getting calls from directors all over the world to be in their films. Annie now will need an agent and also people to manage her demand. Her price tag as an entertainer went from $0 to $1,000,000 if she can continue to stand out. She will need body guards, good friends, good business associates, and good lawyers. Everybody she gets on stage with will be worth money.
To sum this up, this is the life of everyone who you see on any screen or stage whether local or national. Everything they do is in the spotlight and every illegal download, every bad press, and every flop leaves them with less money to continue on supporting their fans. That is the business of it but the truth is that the person who is on stage is still an individual that yearns and would do anything for love.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Identifying the Hi-Hat

Instruments have names, each name identifies the instrument, then when played the name identifies the sound. The Hi-Hat is part of the drum kit in the percussion group. It has two cymbals mounted on a stand and has a pedal used to hold or clash the cymbals. It makes a direct sound similar to the sound of two tea tops clashed together. The hi-hat is used in many different genres of music, it is identified by open or closed hi-hats, which is when the two cymbals are together or apart. You also have the pedal hi-hat, which is when the pedal is used to strike the two cymbals in regards to playing and reading music.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Using the comma

The English language is organized and requires practice to get it right. Different cultures create confusion when it comes to proper punctuation and grammar. The comma is used when writing your thoughts down for others to interpret correctly. Here is an example: "Brian, who is such a critic, is always getting himself into trouble." In this sentence there are pauses that have to be present, so we use the comma to show those pauses. The purpose is so the sentence is read like it is spoken. This helps the reader comprehend the dialogue between parties clearly.

For more information on comma use visit: http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/commas.asp 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

How to make a good Trailer for your Movie or Theatre project

A lot of what people decide to watch is determined by the trailer. Formatting a trailer can be even tougher because you have to compose a number of clips so people will want to see your project. There are a lot of companies that make trailers but just in case you decide to do one yourself here are some tips:
  • Format your trailer just like a theatrical play: Act 1, Act 2 and Act 3 for example
  • Take clips from your project and place them is a story format just as if you were telling a story, an example would be: Beginning, climax and ending.
  • You may want to add some sound effects, voice overs or music within your trailer to make it appealing to the viewer.
  • If you are trying to get in the big leagues of film trailers, the Motion Picture Association of America usually requires the trailer to be no longer than two minutes. If you are using it for internet or home use then go as long as you want but I recommend no longer than three minutes.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Six ways on how art can be used to combat evil.

One thing you can say about entertainment and art is it has made the dream of people working together in all walks of life possible. Although many great entertainers have been lost along the way, art continues to strive at getting people to unite. Each genre of music, movies, fashion and theatre has its own meaning that gives the viewer the ability to comprehend the message. Here are six ways to use your skills to combat an issue or evil act:
  1. Make a song that can bring people out of a situation that seemed impossible to get out of and use the lyrics of the song to do it.
  2. Paint a picture of a place that was once a place of torment but is now a place of peace.
  3. Rap about a place that you dream of and create a drum pattern that will make a little child with nothing play alongside of you.
  4. Write a script that will make one survivor of a genocide become the leader of a new nation.
  5. Design a dress that will be presented on stage or in a play that will remind everyone that art is a gift and if used wisely can create eternal wisdom.
  6. Give a speech about the facts and explain how you where able to overcome.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Five tips on how to build a fan base.

Every artist starts out in the hole, rather they are rich or poor. The artist is never rich because keeping things alive takes money and loyal fans. Although money is important fans are even more important. The key is to maintain that fan base which takes a while to build up. Here are five simple ways to build a fan base:
  1. Use social media to get in contact with loyal friends who you know will support you and be at your shows. Try to get them to invite others.
  2. Get e-mails and contacts so you can keep the people already supporting you informed on your next shows etc.
  3. Use as much free press as you can and let people know your mission as an artist.
  4. Perform or sign books at charity events and never hesitate to do goodwill shows or signings.
  5. Be yourself, support those who support you and ask your fans what they like. 
Bonus: Then let the good Lord do the rest:-}

Friday, November 14, 2014

Tips on how to make money off of poetry .

Many poets struggle to get their talent published and they even have a hard time making a profit off of their work. Here are three creative ways to make money off of your poetry:
1. Put your poems on T-Shirts to sell.
2. Put music behind your poems to promote and sell them.
3. Place your poems on calendars or in frames and put them on the market.
All of these methods should give you a creative way to sell and promote your poems, if you want to take it a step further, get them copyrighted.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

How some cultures alter words to mean different things (Bread and Slang)

Every culture changes through time but really nothing changes but behavior and creativity. In the inner city, on the farm and even in Washington they use slang or words that alter the meaning of another word. Here is an example:
"All this "BS" in DC is driving me crazy. They spending all of my hard earned bread on stuff that don't got nothing to do with me. They need to get it together before I bus a cap. If God broke bread why can't we."
In this term the person used slang to express themselves. They are using bread to explain money, bus to explain shoot and cap to explain bullet. They also used DC and BS which is an adult term for Bull S**t and DC meaning the capital of the United States. Slang words often give more flavor to a subject and really can be fun if used properly and at the right time homie. "You ant fresh az um izzz lil duggy."

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The difference between Analog and Digital.

The movement of electrons is called current. Current flows through wires, resistors and other devices designed to transmit electricity. This process is seen everyday in this new modern age. When referring to analog and digital you are referring to quantity or how much current is flowing through a wire or circuit. Analog refers to quantity while digital has a set amount. A good example would be turning up the volume on your radio, that is an analog signal because you are adjusting the quantity of the sound wave flowing to your speakers. Then you have the digital signal which has a set quantity. Think of 1 and 0 or on and off. You allow one unit of electrons to flow to turn on the light. Then you allow zero units of electrons to flow to turn the light off. This is the difference between analog and digital.
For more information visit: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question7.htm

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

How can I get the Media to publish my story?

Journalist have the job of taking everyday stories and bringing them to the forefront with words. Over the years the media has been hit hard with the emerging digital age and many journalist have had to find work elsewhere or find another craft. For a story to get the attention of the editor or journalist it has to have feeling and make people want to know what, who, why, when and where. Stories that are often published are things that no one would expect to happen. It's strange but most people seem to love a good story that they can discuss with others. If you want to get your story out there sometimes it helps to have a reporter or editor at your local media outlets that you are familiar with, this usually helps. It is also helpful to release a press release and follow up especially if it is an event. Try to keep in mind that freedom of the press is for the public to bring certain issues to center stage.

Monday, November 10, 2014

A simple way to explain a Record Label.

There are many record labels in the world, most are independent and three are considered major record labels. A record label is considered the brand or trademark that the artist, manager, engineers and producers are under. To make this seem simple, take a pen, put a fancy looking symbol on it then take it to a lawyer and pay him or her to put it in some files so no one else can make the same fancy looking symbol on your pens. Then if someone does use your fancy looking symbol the law will be in your favor because you paid the lawyer. Now all your have to do is replace the pen with an artist and the fancy looking symbol with a label and you have a record label. All of the incentives that come with that label rely on sales and the ability of the artist to please his or her fan base.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Some key tips on using Semicolons and Colons.

The English language has rules and structures that can make things clear when communicating on paper or in person. One example is a semicolon (;). the semicolon is used to combine two complete sentences. An example would be: Susan is a genius; her record of accomplishments is off the charts. Another punctuation is called the colon (:). The colon is used most of the time when listing items or examples. An example would be: 1. I just used one or 2. This is the example.


For more information on colons and semicolons visit: http://www.gcsu.edu/writingcenter/colonrules.htm

Thursday, November 6, 2014

How the Media uses certain terms (Red Herring) to describe specific conversational situations.

If you are a news guru then you need to know a few things about conversation. One important argument technique is what they call, "Red Herring". Red Herring is when you divert a topic from one important subject to another to win an argument. This happens a lot in political interviews when a candidate is asked a question, but does not want to give a straight answer because they have a different objective or hidden agenda. A good example of a red herring would be:


Interviewer: "What is your take on border issues?"
Interviewee: "I think we should open the border."
Interviewer: "In an interview with CCC you said we should close the border."
Interviewee: "Yes, but I also recommended a tax on border patrol and if I can get those cuts then our economy would grow much faster in the next three to four years."


If you notice the interviewer asked a question on border patrol and the interviewee did not want to answer the question so they diverted the conversation to tax cuts. This is what Media speculators call a red herring.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Some important terms in theatre.

One thing you will learn about a craft, hoppy or job is that they all have their own language. Theatre has terms that give relevance to the nature of the business. First lets start with the wings: the wings are the right and left leaving areas of the stage. Most wings have hanging curtains that hide the actors exiting or entering from stage right or left. Next lets focus on the greenroom: the greenroom is the room where the actors gather before they are set to enter on stage. Depending on the theatre, every greenroom is different, some still use the traditional green color which originated in London theatre. Another term you may hear a lot of in theatre and entertainment is acoustics, this refers to how the sound quality is within the theatre or area where the entertainment is presented. The acoustics can depend on the size, walls or even the type of material used on stage. It's also important to note that the section where the audience is seated is known as the house. This area, in some theatres, is sometimes used in the production to allow the characters to bring the audience off stage and into the action.
For more theatre terms visit: http://teachers.oakarts.org/~mberry/Theatre+Vocabulary+List

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Using Prepositional Phrases

In languages all across the world people need to describe things. English writers often need to modify nouns or pronouns so they use words like: below or inside. Using a prepositional phrase is simple, just try to describe what you are talking about and "boom" you did it. A good example would be: The dog ran inside the house.
For more information on Prepositional Phrases visit: http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/prepositions/Prepositional-Phrases.html

Monday, November 3, 2014

The inside scoop on filming permits and finding a location to film.

Filming permits can be obtained through a filming office within the city, some cities don't have one at all. To film at a location, usually the director just gets permission from the person in charge at the location. There is a slang term called gorilla shooting, when a director films random scenes at a location without permission. If you ever see some actors and a small group of people jump out of a minivan in a park with a camera chances are they're gorilla shooting. In most cases the film never turns out as planned but getting the film done is the goal. Good footage is really the main goal of the person editing the film. It is also important to note that every state has different rules on governing a film or production company. These rules usually only apply when you are filming on private property. Most of the time you do need a permit or permission to shoot on public property.

Friday, October 31, 2014

What is a MIDI and has it hurt or improved the Music Business?

Think of this, I want to control one device with another, well someone thought of that then it changed the music industry and other companies who couldn't get a grasp on that concept. They call it the MIDI or Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This device took analog and digital and made them compatible. Most MIDI devices are like keyboards, but the question remains, "Have they improved or hurt the music business?" Some say improved because they have helped those who cannot play instruments make music and some say hurt due to the fact that those who play instruments can make music and play instruments. If it makes no sense then lets clear it up. Instruments are hard to make and take special laborers to make them, they also have to be tuned properly. Digital music requires the same effort except you have to know the language to fit in and that takes practice. The MIDI device took each world of music and not only connected a keyboard to a computer to sync each instrument together but also took inexperienced musicians and professional musicians by connecting them as well. Although this may seem complex it's quite simple. Lets say you have a sound and you want to use it over and over, what do you do? Do you keep playing the instrument and recording the sound or do you take the sound hook it up to a computer, record it then sequence that same sound with less effort just by connecting the instrument to a computer. I guess that leaves one last question, has the MIDI hurt or improved the music business?   

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Working your way up to the climax when writing a script.

Script writing can be frustrating at times but the climax is always the deciding factor on how your story will be viewed by the critics. A good word that explains the climax would be revelation. The climax is the point where everything either comes together or falls apart. It's important to give the viewer the "ah" moment or the moment of disbelief. Three good tips on working up to the climax would be:
  1. Put the characters in a position that seems impossible to get out of, then figure out a way to make them succeed or fail.
  2. Make everything a mystery by showing random characters within the plot then make those characters standout as the climax unfolds.
  3. Trap the subjects or make a character who was assumed to either be dead or gone reappear as the story reaches the climax. 
These three tips should give you a good format as you then have to work your way down to the ending. Good luck:-) 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

How to develop a novel?

In literature there are certain pieces of work that take time and thought. A novel is a piece of work that requires creativity and a well thought-out and creative format. Novels, although fiction, should bring the reader inside of the minds of your characters, while also engaging them with real life situations. Writers who write novels should be well versed on the situations in which they are trying to put their readers in. Defined as a fictitious piece of literature, a novel should seem real to the reader in some sense and also keep them within the content of the dialogue taking place within the story. Novels develop as the writer develops. It is important for the writer to grow with the story as the novel develops. In a novel the reader should keep probing the story to want to know more about the characters and the situations in which the writer puts the reader in. It is also fair to say that the reader should also develop as the novel develops as well.    

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Tips on Trademarks

Trademarks are designs, names and images that a company takes legal ownership of. The process for them to retain that trademark cost a lot of money and takes time to register. If a certain brand or trademark is used in any fashion without permission and is used to gain the attention of prospects for a profit, things can get out of hand for the person who owns the trademark. In films and other entities that involve production and progress always look for the small TM logo on certain products or apparel when characters are on set or when editing try to blur them out. If you don't have permission or do not have legal endorsements from the company you should follow the correct procedures or ask questions so you don't have to go through any more hardship to reach your goal.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Defining Television Standards

The concept of television has always dazzled the imagination. Who could imagine seeing people in one room millions of miles away right at home? Television has evolved over the years with digital technology that enables engineers to create programs with higher resolution etcetera. Since its invention television has always improved but there have also been some failures. Like any other invention there has to be standards. The most common and only legitimate television standards are PAL and NSTC. These standards are defined by regions on a geographical scale. PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is the standard system mainly used by the European Union. In detail PAL has many different specifications than other standards used by other countries. This mainly has to do with the color (colour) variations.  NTSC (National Television System Committee) is the system regulation that the majority of the West Coast use and some on the East Coast. You also have SECAM which is not very different from PAL just a different form of color transmission. What makes each standard different is color transmission. As digital technology advances analogue usage declines, yet each standard still has the same core function and changes as innovative visual technology advances.

There is a lot of information on television standards online by searching: PAL, NSTC or SECAM.

Friday, October 24, 2014

The Blueprint for Constructing a Rhythm & Blues Song

There are many formats to writing a song depending on the type of song you are trying to produce. Before you start your song, remember that a bar is a measure of beats similar to counting 1beat_2beat_3beat_4beat or 1_2_3_4. The timing varies by the tempo, which is the speed or pace of the song. Here is a little basic example on how to structure a rhythm and blues song:
  • 8 Bar Intro 32 Beats
  • 8 Bar First Verse 32 Beats
  • 8 Bar Chorus 32 Beats
  • 8 Bar Second Verse 32 beats
  • 8 Bar Bridge 32 Beats
  • 8 Bar Hook 32 Beats
  • 8 Bar Close 32 Beats
This is just an example to give you an idea of how a song is formatted. Once you produce the beat and the singing begins this format could change depending on the producer.  

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Understanding the (Mapping) Stage Terms in Theatre

Theatre has terms just like other fields of study. The stage terms are always the best to start with. Here is a list of stage terms:
  • Upstage-is the area moving away from the audience; if you were on stage you would move towards the back of the stage.
  • Downstage-is the area moving towards the audience; if you were on stage you would move towards the front of the stage closer to the audience.
  • Stage right- takes you to the audience's left but is your right when standing on stage. (Imagine standing face to face with someone, when you move left you are walking to their right and when you move right you are moving to their left. On stage you are moving to your right.)
  • Stage Left- takes you to the audience's right but is your left when standing on stage facing the audience. (Imagine standing face to face with someone, when you move left you are walking to their right. If you move right you are walking to their left. On stage you are moving to your left.)
  • Center- move to the center of the stage.
  • Full Front- The front part of your body is facing the audience.
  • Full Back- The front part of your body is facing the back of the stage.
  • Cross- when you move from place to place on the stage.
  • Blocking- When all actors move on stage as directed in rehearsal then carried out in the live performance.
For more information on Theatre terms visit: www.district 196.org

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

How to cite References when Publishing a Book or Report.

In the academic world, a reference is a source of information that builds on the process of knowledge and creative thoughts. There are a few different ways to cite references when publishing a book. Citing references usually depends on the subject matter of the book or report. APA style is usually used for psychology, education and other fields relating to the social sciences. MLA style usually relates to the arts, literature and humanities. AMA style is used to cite medicine, health, and biological sciences. Turabian style is used for college student for all fields of study or subjects. Chicago style is used in magazines, newspapers and usually publications outside of the scholar realm. When siting references on websites just use a hyperlink to the website that you used for the information.   
Example of APA style:
In-Text Citation:
 West B. K. (2003) reported that "faith only matters to those who can see things in the physical world." (p. 204)
 Jane, D. O. (2003). Theology: Christianity. The Journal for Christian Studies, 249, 59-100.

Example of MLA style: 
In-Text Citation:
West states, "that those who believe in God have a good sense of their own limits and ideologies therefore, there has to be a creator." (206)
Doe, John K. "Christianity or nothing. The true life of those who believe." The Journal for Christian studies 6.4 (2003) 54-78. Print.

Example of Chicago style: 
Text:
Two men where accused of the crime but refused to be on the witness stand.(footnote here)
Footnote or Endnote:
8. John Key Doe, The Murder without a witness: Volume 1. (Ohio: West Enterprise. 2008), 205.
Bibliography Entry:
Doe, John Key. The Murder without a witness: Volume 1. Ohio: West Enterprise, 2008.

For more examples visit these links:
http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm
http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/cittur.htm
http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citmla.htm
http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citchi.htm
http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citama.htm



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

What is an ISBN?

International Standard Book Number, is just what is says, it is a number to identify and distribute a book. ISBNs also help identify the author and publisher. Every country has its own system for identifying books, the United States uses the ISBN system. It is important to note that anyone can publish a book, but once it is placed on the market for distribution, duplication, and is in demand it is then important to have an International Standard Book Number. This number also allows people to search for your publication in search engines and accurately find your book and the company who published your book. ISBN numbers now come in groups of 13 rather than formally groups of 10 with the first three numbers representing the EAN (European Article Number), the second two numbers representing the group, the next four numbers representing the publisher, the next three numbers representing the title and the last number representing the check digit. For more information on purchasing an ISBN visit www.bowker.com

Monday, October 20, 2014

When is it Legal to Sample Music

I used fifteen to thirty seconds of someone's music or vocals, is it legal? To avoid any legal action when using copyrighted music you should always get permission from the publisher. Some labels even have a form on their webpage that you can fill out to maintain a license for sampling. You can also pay a fee in other cases as well. If you alter the sequence with a different instrument then you are fine as long as it is not exactly like the original. When you are using such material to make a profit, don't use samples unless you go through all the correct legal procedures. Fifteen to thirty seconds on Youtube may be fine just don't monetize the video. There is plenty of information on www.ascap.com and other sites that represent the protection of artist.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Understanding Copyrights

Copyrights were established to protect intellectual property so ideas could not be stolen without legal protection. Copyright laws are often broken every hour, but the legal process is simply for the person who created the idea. Once an idea is brought to comprehension and created in real time then it is automatically copyrighted by the creator. If the creator wants to protect it they should mail a copy to themselves or send it to a close friend or relative for legal protection if they cannot not afford a legitimate copyright. It would be wise to get the documents notarized or stamped with dates by the post office. The copyright office does have a website to process copyrights on your own with listed fees. To learn more about copyrights visit www.copyright.gov 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Making Peace with Art

The concept of art is to understand that it is everywhere. In art there is good and evil. Stories have to have a protagonist and antagonist. The mind of a writer is advanced because it's always moving and coming up with new ideas. When every you criticize or judge an artist try to look at yourself first and see what the artist made in his artwork then discuss it and get a picture of what they painted in your mind. The goal of the piece will then be clear for you to make peace instead of war. Once you achieve that you will make peace with art.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

How to fight writer's block

There are many ways to fight writer's block especially the kind that comes when you need to write the most. Here are five tips:
1. Try to find a goal when you write then write until you reach it.
2. Go for a walk or do something to stimulate your thoughts like running.
3. Read
4. Make something up then keep going until you get tired.
5. Find a sad moment in your life and write about it.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Tips on Publishing a book

In this new day and age you typically don't really need a major publisher to publish a book. There are many self publishing companies who will publish your book at a listed price or you can publish on your own. Although grabbing a major publisher does have some benefits self publishing leaves you with more freedom and rights. Self publishing is very hard and takes a lot of time and effort to get your book in the hands of the readers, but in the long run it leaves you with more freedom and options. Plan accordingly and set a budget to market your book if you decide to go in alone and try not to waste money on things you can do yourself when marketing your book.