Filmmaking is hard. We all know that. Fortunately, we have lots of tools, gadgets, and resources that make almost every phase of production easier: from screenwriting software that formats your scripts for you, to step-by-step online video tutorials. However, one aspect of production still seems to be absent from the bountiful spring of online help: securing, maintaining, and assign the copyrights for projects. Wading through all of the legal jargon, lengthy documents, and confusing rules and regulations can stomp out your creative fire, but, it looks like that's about to change with Chain of Title, a website geared toward making this process a lot less painful.
So, where is this resource? How can you get your hands on all of its useful and vital information? Well -- you can't. Not yet, anyway. Headed by independent documentary filmmaker and producer Jordan Clark, Chain of Title currently has a campaign on Indiegogo with a goal to reach $48,000 by June 1st. Check out the campaign video to learn more about what Chain of Title offers:
The website will offer descriptions of copyright laws and processes both in layman's terms and legal terms with videos to go along with each one. It will show you what you need, what it is, and how to get it. If you're on set and you have a question about trademarks, products, locations, you can access that information on your phone or online through Chain of Title's website. Not only that, but Chain of Title gives you access to extra releases, waiver forms, and other forms and documentation you may need on the go. Oh, did I mention that it's all free? Well -- it is. 100% free.
Why is all of that important to independent filmmakers? Well, Chain of Title gets its name from the series of documents and agreements that establish proprietary rights in a film; the "chain of title". It's one, if not the most important thing to secure when selling or distributing your work, since distributors and broadcasters won't touch it unless it has E&O insurance (errors and omissions), which you can't get without a clean chain of title.
For the independent film community, I think this would be an invaluable resource to have. Most of us view ourselves as artists, auteurs, or just people who like to have fun by making movies. But, I doubt that most of us would consider ourselves primarily salespeople or attorneys. Clark shares about his experience being an independent filmmaker and having to deal with the task of learning about copyright law.
I wish that there had been something like this for me when I needed it -- When I started making my first film I had no idea how to do this. I had to go out and find the resources available, usually in a book written by a lawyer. But, these books were based on winning or losing based on copyright law, and I wasn't so concerned about winning or losing, because I didn't have the money to go to trial if there was an issue. My concern was complete avoidance of problems.
With Chain of Title, independent filmmakers can approach their projects in a different way: with less fear and more confidence knowing that the legal aspect is simplified for them. You don't have to become a lawyer overnight. You don't have to sweat over unknowingly infringing on other people's copyrights, or being helpless when someone has infringed on yours. You can easily learn what you need to know so your film isn't dead in the water.
So, if you think that Chain of Title would be a valuable resource for independent filmmakers, check out their Indiegogo campaign. It's full of tons of information, perks, and even a pie chart that breaks down the cost of building the website. You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook.
What do you think about Chain of Title? What was it like for you going through this aspect of production? Would a resource like this be helpful?
The most central elements of any story, be it a novel, a film, a TV series, or a stage play, are its characters.
They are the drivers of the story. They drive the content, they drive the conflict, and they provide the points of view. There are two requisite types of characters—dynamic characters and static characters.
Dynamic characters are those who undergo notable internal (personal) changes throughout the course of a story. By that definition, static characters are those who refuse to change.
What is a Static Character?
A static character is a type of character in any story or narrative that remains essentially the same at the end as they were in the beginning. Their personality, their beliefs, and their outlook don’t go through any change, and there is no personal development in their journey.
It sounds potentially awful, doesn’t it? If characters are the “drivers” of their story, what good are they if they remain “static”? It sounds too simple—almost boring.
But there is another side to their story—their usefulness.
That’s right! These Immutable creatures can be quite useful with all their static glory. Before we explore how, let’s see what their characteristics are.
'To Kill a Mockingbird'Credit: Universal Pictures
Characteristics/Traits of Static Characters
Behavioral Consistency
Their fundamental behavioral and other personality traits remain consistent throughout the story and never undergo any change.
Lack of Personal Growth
Just like their outer shell, their inner personality—their beliefs, prejudices, virtues and vices, and their core values—never undergo any transformation. They remain consistent in representing particular ideas and values.
Supporting Role
Many times, they play secondary roles to dynamic characters. However, there are several exceptions to this rule.
Represent Stability
Their static character traits are often symbolic of rigid traditions and unchanging forces in the story. In short, they provide a sense of stability in a changing story world.
Predictable Reactions
They typically respond to situations in expected ways.
Purpose-Driven
They often cater to specific narrative functions rather than showing any growth or change. They also often serve to contrast with dynamic characters.
Reliable
They help move the story forward through their predictable but reliable actions.
Familiar Touchpoints
They create familiar points of reference for the readers and viewers.
Reflect Reality
In the real world, we do not change significantly or dramatically in response to events. Static characters represent this real-world truth by staying true to their core nature.
Let’s watch a video explaining the key differences between dynamic and static characters.
So, if you had any doubt in your mind that static characters are the product of faulty writing—well, they can be, if they unintentionally turned out this way and are serving none of the above-mentioned purposes—then just know that well-crafted static characters aren’t underdeveloped but are deliberately created to fulfill important storytelling purposes.
More often than not, their consistency can be not only as meaningful as the transformation of dynamic characters but also can be quite complementary to their transformation.
Examples of Static Characters
As I mentioned earlier, static characters are mostly found to be in supporting roles, but they just as frequently serve as protagonists as well as antagonists. There have been quite a few.
'No Time to Die'Credit: Universal Pictures/United Artists
Static Protagonists
Sherlock Holmes
One of the most iconic characters, Sherlock Holmes, despite being highly complex and deep, is still a static character. His core traits, such as exceptional observation and deductive skills, intellectual arrogance, detachment from emotional entanglements, eccentric habits, and disregard for social conventions, never change.
His skeptical and cynical worldview is constant throughout all his stories. He never alters his views and never forms any meaningful relationships—except, to some extent, with Dr. Watson.
James Bond
Another iconic—and may I say, quite similar—static character. James Bond’s unwavering confidence, arrogance, and charm never fade. His exceptional skills as a spy and combatant never fluctuate. His stony outer shell is so consistent that it’s one of his signature personality traits.
Just like Sherlock, James Bond never forms any meaningful relationships. He is always sophisticated and dresses suavely. So much so that even his taste in women and drinks never change, women are always hot sirens, and the drink is always a Vesper Martini, “shaken, not stirred.”
Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Atticus Finch, widely considered to be one of the greatest heroes of American cinema, is surprisingly a static character—and obviously for the good. His unwavering moral compass, his sense of justice and equality, his courage to stand up to society (and the legal system) to defend what’s right, his idealistic parenting philosophy, and his respect for all people never fade.
Seriously, why change if you are already pretty perfect, right?
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2'Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Static Antagonists
Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter franchise)
One of the greatest villains, Lord Voldemort, literally from his Tom Riddle days to the day when Harry Potter disintegrates him into dust, He Who Must Not Be Named remains doggedly consistent with his vile traits.
He is never any less cruel and sadistic than he was before. His narcissistic belief in his superiority never leaves him, and neither does his hatred for Muggles and “impure” wizards and his pursuit of immortality. He always remains unable to fathom what love is, and to his last breath, he remains fearful of death.
The Joker (Batman franchise)
Batman’s archnemesis, the Joker, is one of the easiest examples to distinguish as a static character. Throughout all his media appearances, he remains steadfast with his nihilistic worldview and his belief that chaos and madness are the only constants, and thus the natural states of humanity. His obsession and symbiotic relationship with Batman never change, and neither do his signature sadistic tendencies.
Captain Hook (Peter Pan)
Just as Voldemort is obsessed with Harry Potter and the Joker is obsessed with Batman, Captain Hook is obsessed with Peter Pan. His singular focus on revenge against Peter Pan never goes down. He is always theatrically vain and is always concerned about “good form.”
His continuous fluctuation between gentlemanly refinement and brutal piracy is as constant as it is funny. He always presents a mixture of courage and cowardice, and his leadership style with his pirate crew never evolves.
'Shrek'Credit: DreamWorks Pictures
Static Supportive Characters
Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit franchise)
You might ask how someone who changes from “Grey” to “White” can be termed a static character. Valid question.
He is static because his fundamental character traits, values, and purpose never change. He always remains wise and intuitive regarding the larger struggle against evil, Sauron. His optimism, believing small and seemingly insignificant people like Hobbits can and will change the world, never fades. He always remains patient and strategic in confronting evil.
Donkey (Shrek franchise)
The first (and only) animated character in the list, Donkey, is a colorful, funny, and lovable character—and a static one. Why? Because he never ceases to be who he is—a chatty, utterly enthusiastic, optimistic, loyal, dedicated, and sometimes annoying friend. He always remains “that guy” who speaks without thinking and creates awkward situations.
Red (The Shawshank Redemption)
Red is one of the best characters in one of the best movies, and he is a static character. Why does he fit the classification? Let’s see.
His consistent core traits are his cynical worldview, his prison-hardened perspective, his straightforward and honest nature, and his resignation from life in prison. And, inside the prison, he consistently remains “that guy who can get things.” (Of course, he does gain a new worldview by the end, when he has hope for a fresh start.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, static characters are those who never undergo any change, and their core traits and values always remain the same. There is no character development. And yet, they are vital elements in storytelling because they provide consistency, contrast, and depth to the narrative.
While they never change, their static nature is complementary to the transformation of dynamic characters. They may come across as sidekicks, villains, or heroes, but they always highlight one fact—staying true to oneself can be just as powerful as a dynamic transformation.
Filmmaking is hard. We all know that. Fortunately, we have lots of tools, gadgets, and resources that make almost every phase of production easier: from screenwriting software that formats your scripts for you, to step-by-step online video tutorials. However, one aspect of production still seems to be absent from the bountiful spring of online help: securing, maintaining, and assign the copyrights for projects. Wading through all of the legal jargon, lengthy documents, and confusing rules and regulations can stomp out your creative fire, but, it looks like that's about to change with Chain of Title, a website geared toward making this process a lot less painful.
'To Kill a Mockingbird'Credit: Universal Pictures
'No Time to Die'Credit: Universal Pictures/United Artists
'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2'Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
'Shrek'Credit: DreamWorks Pictures
