Advice
Layered Storytelling: Building A Mystery
Layered storytelling isn’t just a technique—it’s an art form that can transform any story into a multi-dimensional experience. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or even a short story, the ability to weave depth and complexity into your narrative is what keeps readers hooked, making them eager to dive deeper into the world you’ve crafted. Here’s how to use layered storytelling to create narratives that captivate and resonate.
The Art of Crafting Complex Stories
At its heart, layered storytelling is about more than just telling a story—it’s about creating a world rich with meaning. When you embed multiple elements like subtle details, recurring motifs, and hidden clues, your story becomes an intricate puzzle that readers can’t resist piecing together. The more layers you add, the more immersive and thought-provoking the narrative becomes. This approach rewards sharp readers who love discovering deeper meanings and connections.
Intertwining Subplots: The Secret to Multi-Dimensional Stories
One of the most effective ways to add layers to your narrative is by incorporating subplots that enrich the main storyline. These secondary threads don’t just run parallel—they intertwine with the central plot, offering unexpected revelations and twists. A seemingly minor character’s journey or a subplot that at first appears unrelated can become pivotal as the story progresses, creating an intricate web of connections. Whether it’s adding emotional depth in a drama or intensifying suspense in a thriller, intertwining subplots elevate the story’s complexity.
Characters as Layers: Unveiling Depth Over Time
In layered storytelling, characters are more than just vehicles for plot progression—they’re layers themselves. Each character should come with their own baggage: motivations, secrets, and backstories that gradually unfold as the narrative develops. By revealing these facets piece by piece, you add dimension not only to the characters but to the story as a whole. A character’s hidden past or evolving personality traits can be just as crucial to the story’s depth as any plot twist.
Thematic Exploration: Weaving Meaning Throughout
Themes are the glue that holds a layered story together. By weaving your central themes into every aspect of your narrative—character arcs, dialogue, settings—you create a story that resonates on multiple levels. Whether your theme is about love, identity, or survival, it should be reflected subtly in the actions, conversations, and decisions of your characters, creating an invisible thread that ties everything together. This thematic depth keeps readers engaged, as they start to pick up on the broader ideas your story is exploring.
The Power of Foreshadowing: Planting the Seeds
Foreshadowing is the subtle magic that makes layered storytelling come alive. By planting small, seemingly unimportant details early on, you create moments of realization later that leave readers feeling both surprised and satisfied. These “aha!” moments happen when they realize that what seemed like a casual comment or visual clue was actually a crucial piece of the puzzle. The key to successful foreshadowing is balance—it should be subtle enough to maintain suspense, but clear enough to feel fair once the connections are revealed.
Temporal Manipulation: Adding Layers Through Time
Playing with time is one of the most dynamic ways to add complexity to your story. Non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, and multiple timelines allow you to control the flow of information, creating layers of intrigue and suspense. You can strategically reveal backstory, withhold key details, or juxtapose different moments in time to create contrast and tension. Whether it’s exploring a character’s past or jumping between future and present, manipulating time adds richness and depth to your narrative.
Symbolism and Imagery: Hidden Meanings Beneath the Surface
Symbolism and recurring imagery are powerful tools in layered storytelling. These visual or conceptual elements can act as clues, unifying the narrative and giving readers something to ponder long after they’ve finished the story. A recurring object, color, or piece of dialogue can take on symbolic meaning, offering new insights each time it appears. This subtle use of imagery not only adds layers to the narrative but gives readers something to interpret and decode as the story unfolds.
Balancing Complexity and Clarity: The Key to Success
The art of layered storytelling lies in striking the right balance between complexity and clarity. While multiple layers enrich a story, too many can confuse or overwhelm the reader. Every element—whether it’s a subplot, symbolic detail, or character twist—must serve a purpose. Each layer should enhance the narrative without cluttering it, and every twist should feel earned. The goal is to engage your readers intellectually and emotionally, not to lose them in a maze of unnecessary complexity.
Engaging Readers with Multifaceted Narratives
Mastering the art of layered storytelling allows you to create immersive stories that linger in the minds of your readers. These stories are not only entertaining but also challenge readers to dig deeper, think critically, and reflect on the meanings behind the narrative. A well-layered story isn’t just read—it’s experienced. It invites readers to uncover hidden depths, leading them to new discoveries with each reading.
By embracing this technique, you transform your narrative into something far more than a straightforward tale—it becomes a rich, multi-faceted journey, where every layer enhances the overall experience. So, whether you’re writing a fast-paced thriller, a touching romance, or a thoughtful drama, layered storytelling can make your story resonate on a deeper level, keeping readers engaged from the first word to the last.
Advice
How to Create Emotion in Film

Emotions are the foundation of the human experience. They shape our decisions, color our memories, and drive our relationships. In cinema, emotions are not just an added layer—they are the very heart of storytelling. If a film leaves its audience unmoved, it is often deemed a failure. Understanding how emotions work, both psychologically and cinematically, reveals the secrets behind films that truly resonate.

The Psychology of Emotion
Where Do Emotions Come From?
Modern psychology has long sought to answer two central questions about emotion:
- Where do emotions originate?
- How can they be categorized?
For filmmakers, the origin of emotion is especially relevant. Evolutionary psychologists argue that basic emotions are products of natural selection, serving crucial roles in survival by aiding decision-making, motivation, socialization, and memory.
Components of Emotion
Psychologist Klaus Scherer identifies five components of emotion:
- Cognitive Appraisal: The brain’s identification of an emotion.
- Bodily Symptoms: Physical manifestations, like a racing heart.
- Action Tendencies: How we are motivated to respond.
- Expression: Outward signs, such as facial expressions or gestures.
- Feelings: The subjective experience of the emotion.
Theories of Emotional Experience
- James-Lange Theory: Early theorists William James and Carl Lange posited that emotions are the result of physiological reactions. For example, “I’m sweaty, so I must be nervous.”
- Cognitive Appraisal Theory: Richard Lazarus later argued that thought comes first. We appraise a situation, then experience both physiological and emotional reactions. One person might see a rat and feel fear; another might see the same rat and feel joy.

How to Create Emotion in Film
1. Write Emotion into the Script
- Script as the Heart: The emotional impact of a film begins with its script. Audiences must care about the story and its characters; when characters feel, viewers feel.
- Recontextualized Repetition: Repeating lines, objects, or motifs in new contexts gives them deeper meaning (e.g., the shoes in Jojo Rabbit or the song “Remember Me” in Coco).
- Dialogue: Well-crafted dialogue can move through a spectrum of emotions, as seen in the monologue from Steel Magnolias, which shifts from sadness to rage.
Example: “Toy Story 2” Flashback
Jessie’s flashback uses dialogue, repetition, and context to build a powerful emotional arc, culminating in the line: “You never forget kids like Emily or Andy. But they forget you.”

2. Use Visual Storytelling to Evoke Feeling
- Lighting: Sets the mood—low-key lighting creates tension (Alien), while bright light evokes relief (The Lord of the Rings).
- Camera Angles and Movement: High angles can convey guilt (Manchester by the Sea), close-ups foster intimacy (Interstellar), and wide shots can evoke grandeur or loneliness (La La Land).
- Color: Red can induce unease; cool tones suggest melancholy.
- Framing: Focusing on faces or omitting them (as with Emily in Toy Story 2) centers the audience on the emotional experience.
- Camera Movement: Moving toward a character can create empathy; pulling away can evoke isolation.
3. Hone Emotion in Post-Production
- Editing: The rhythm of cuts and transitions can heighten or prolong emotion. Dissolves can evoke memory and nostalgia; hard cuts can underscore abrupt loss.
- Music: Perhaps the most potent emotional tool, music can make us cry, thrill us, or terrify us. The song “When She Loved Me” in Toy Story 2 is a prime example.
- Sound Design: Beyond music, sound effects can amplify tension or anxiety (e.g., the fry cracker in Boogie Nights).

Table: Filmmaking Techniques for Evoking Emotion
Technique | Example Film/Scene | Emotional Effect |
---|---|---|
Recontextualized Repetition | Jojo Rabbit (Rosie’s shoes) | Heightens heartbreak |
Dialogue | Steel Magnolias (monologue) | Shifts through grief and rage |
Lighting | Alien (low-key), LOTR (bright) | Fear, relief |
Camera Angles | Manchester by the Sea (high angle) | Guilt, empathy |
Color | Toy Story 2 (golden to muted) | Nostalgia, melancholy |
Editing | Eternal Sunshine (intercutting) | Nostalgia, longing |
Music | Toy Story 2 (“When She Loved Me”) | Sadness, loss |
Sound Design | Boogie Nights (crackers) | Anxiety, tension |
Conclusion
No two movies are alike, but the best films share a common goal: to move us. Whether through writing, visuals, editing, or sound, filmmakers draw on the science of emotion to craft experiences that linger long after the credits roll. Great films make us feel—sometimes joy, sometimes sorrow, but always something real.
Advice
10 Types of Shots Every Filmmaker Should Know

Understanding camera shots is fundamental for new filmmakers. Each shot type not only frames your subject but also shapes the story, mood, and emotional impact of your film. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ten essential shots, with practical advice and tips to help you master them from the start.

1. Wide Shot (Long Shot)
- What it is: Shows the subject within their environment, often from a distance.
- Why it matters: Establishes context, location, and scale. It’s often used as an opening or establishing shot.
- Beginner advice:
- Use wide shots to orient your audience at the start of a scene.
- Pay attention to composition—avoid cluttered backgrounds and keep the frame balanced.
- Don’t be afraid to move your camera to find the most visually interesting angle.
2. Full Shot
- What it is: Frames the subject from head to toe, including some background.
- Why it matters: Captures body language and movement, crucial for action or dance scenes.
- Beginner advice:
- Use full shots to show physicality or when characters interact with their environment.
- Make sure the subject isn’t too small in the frame—keep them prominent but not cramped.
3. Medium Shot
- What it is: Frames the subject from the waist up.
- Why it matters: Balances the subject and background, ideal for dialogue and character interaction.
- Beginner advice:
- Use medium shots for conversations and to show relationships between characters.
- Watch for distracting elements in the background and keep the camera steady.

4. Medium Close-Up
- What it is: Frames the subject from the chest or shoulders up.
- Why it matters: Highlights facial expressions while still providing some context.
- Beginner advice:
- Use this shot to capture subtle emotions.
- Ensure the subject’s eyes are in focus and well-lit.
5. Close-Up
- What it is: Fills the frame with the subject’s face or a specific detail.
- Why it matters: Captures emotions, reactions, and important details.
- Beginner advice:
- Use close-ups to emphasize key moments or reactions.
- Avoid overusing close-ups; they’re most powerful when used sparingly.
6. Extreme Close-Up
- What it is: Focuses on a very small detail, such as eyes, lips, or an object.
- Why it matters: Intensifies emotion or draws attention to a critical element.
- Beginner advice:
- Use extreme close-ups to highlight something crucial or to create tension.
- Make sure the detail you’re focusing on is relevant to the story.

7. Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)
- What it is: Shows the subject from behind another character’s shoulder.
- Why it matters: Connects characters and provides the audience with a sense of perspective.
- Beginner advice:
- Use OTS shots in conversations to establish spatial relationships.
- Maintain consistent eyelines and follow the 180-degree rule to avoid confusing the audience.
8. Point-of-View Shot (POV)
- What it is: Shows the scene from a character’s perspective.
- Why it matters: Immerses the audience in the character’s experience.
- Beginner advice:
- Use POV shots to make viewers feel part of the action.
- Keep the camera movement natural—avoid shaky footage unless it serves the story.
9. High Angle Shot
- What it is: Looks down on the subject from above.
- Why it matters: Makes the subject appear smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable.
- Beginner advice:
- Use high angles to convey vulnerability or power dynamics.
- Don’t overuse—reserve for moments when you want to emphasize a character’s situation.
10. Low Angle Shot
- What it is: Looks up at the subject from below.
- Why it matters: Makes the subject appear larger, more powerful, or imposing.
- Beginner advice:
- Use low angles to show dominance, heroism, or intimidation.
- Be mindful of background elements—avoid clutter or distractions above your subject.
Essential Shot Composition Tips for New Filmmakers
- Plan Your Shots: Create a shot list before filming. This helps you visualize each scene and ensures you capture all necessary angles.
- Use a Tripod or Stabilization: Keep your shots steady, especially as a beginner. Shaky footage can distract from your story.
- Frame Carefully: Pay attention to the background, edges, and what’s in focus. Use the rule of thirds to create balanced, engaging compositions.
- Vary Your Angles: Don’t shoot everything from eye level. Experiment with high, low, and side angles to add visual interest.
- Practice Regularly: Try recreating shots from your favorite films or practice with everyday objects at home. Review your footage and look for ways to improve framing and composition.

- Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Don’t rely solely on auto settings—learn manual controls for exposure, focus, and white balance.
- Don’t neglect sound—bad audio can ruin a good shot.
- Don’t overuse shallow depth-of-field or camera movement without purpose.
- Always get enough coverage—shoot a variety of shot sizes for each scene.
Quick Reference Table
Shot Type | Description | Typical Use Case | Beginner Tip |
---|---|---|---|
Wide/Long Shot | Subject in environment | Establishing location, scale | Keep frame balanced, avoid clutter |
Full Shot | Head-to-toe framing | Body language, movement | Subject should be prominent |
Medium Shot | Waist up | Dialogue, character interaction | Watch background, keep steady |
Medium Close-Up | Chest/shoulders up | Facial expressions, context | Focus on eyes, good lighting |
Close-Up | Face or detail fills frame | Emotions, reactions | Use sparingly for impact |
Extreme Close-Up | Isolated detail (eyes, object) | Intense emotion, critical detail | Highlight story-relevant details |
Over-the-Shoulder | Behind another character’s shoulder | Conversations, perspective | Maintain eyelines, 180-degree rule |
Point-of-View | From character’s perspective | Immersion, subjective experience | Keep movement natural |
High Angle | Camera above subject | Vulnerability, power dynamics | Use for emphasis, not overuse |
Low Angle | Camera below subject | Power, dominance, heroism | Watch for background distractions |

Final Advice for New Filmmakers
- Start Simple: Focus on mastering the basics before experimenting with complex shots or movements.
- Learn by Doing: The best way to improve is to shoot regularly, review your work, and seek feedback.
- Tell a Story: Every shot should serve the story. Don’t use a shot just because it looks cool—make sure it has a purpose.
- Be Patient: Filmmaking is a craft that takes time to develop. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and keep practicing.
By understanding and practicing these ten essential shots, and following these tips, you’ll build a strong foundation for visual storytelling and set yourself up for success as a filmmaker.
Advice
How to Find Your Voice as a Filmmaker

Every filmmaker aspires to create projects that are not only memorable but also uniquely their own. Finding your creative voice is a journey that requires self-reflection, bold choices, and an unwavering commitment to your vision. Here’s how to uncover your style, take risks, and craft original work that stands out.
1. Discovering Your Voice: Understanding Your Influences
Your unique voice begins with recognizing what inspires you.
- Step 1: Reflect on the themes, genres, or emotions that consistently draw your interest. Are you inspired by human resilience, surreal worlds, or untold histories?
- Step 2: Study the work of filmmakers you admire. Analyze what resonates with you—their use of color, pacing, or narrative techniques.
Tip: Combine what you love with your personal experiences to create a lens that only you can offer.
Example: Wes Anderson’s whimsical, symmetrical worlds stem from his love of classic storytelling and his unique visual style.

Takeaway: Start with what moves you, then add your personal touch.
2. Taking Creative Risks: Experiment and Evolve
To stand out, you must be willing to challenge conventions and explore new territory.
- Experimentation: Try unusual storytelling structures, such as non-linear timelines or silent sequences.
- Collaboration: Work with people outside your usual circle to gain fresh perspectives.
- Feedback: Screen your projects for trusted peers and be open to constructive criticism.
Example: Jordan Peele blended horror with social commentary in Get Out, creating a genre-defying film that captivated audiences.

Takeaway: Risks are an opportunity for growth, even if they don’t always succeed.
3. Telling Original Stories: Start with Authenticity
Original projects resonate when they stem from a place of truth.
- Draw from Experience: Incorporate elements of your own life, culture, or worldview into your stories.
- Explore the “Why”: Ask yourself why this story matters to you and how it connects with your audience.
- Avoid Trends: Focus on timeless narratives rather than chasing current fads.
Example: Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird was deeply personal, based on her experiences growing up in Sacramento. The film’s authenticity made it universally relatable.

Takeaway: The more personal the story, the more it resonates.
4. Developing Your Style: Consistency Meets Creativity
Style is not just about visuals—it’s how you tell a story across all elements of filmmaking.
- Visual Language: Experiment with colors, lighting, and framing to create a distinct aesthetic.
- Narrative Voice: Develop consistent themes or motifs across your projects.
- Sound Design: Use music, sound effects, and silence to evoke specific emotions.
Example: Quentin Tarantino’s use of dialogue, pop culture references, and bold music choices makes his work instantly recognizable.

Takeaway: Your style should be intentional, evolving as you grow but always recognizable as yours.
5. Staying True to Yourself: Building Confidence in Your Vision
The filmmaking process is full of challenges, but staying true to your voice is essential.
- Stay Authentic: Trust your instincts, even if your ideas seem unconventional.
- Adapt Without Compromise: Be open to feedback but maintain your core vision.
- Celebrate Your Growth: View every project, successful or not, as a stepping stone in your creative journey.
Example: Ava DuVernay shifted from public relations to filmmaking, staying true to her voice in films like Selma and 13th, which focus on social justice.

Takeaway: Your voice evolves with every project, so embrace the process.
Conclusion: From Idea to Screen, Your Voice is Your Superpower
Finding your voice as a filmmaker takes time, courage, and commitment. By exploring your influences, taking risks, and staying true to your perspective, you’ll craft stories that not only stand out but also resonate deeply with your audience.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
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