In the ever-changing world of story telling and formats, the way of adding interest to your plots is changing. Consider non-linear, mobile phones, audio bytes, virals and online formats which have revolutionized the way we can propel our plots. Many techniques can also be used in conventional storytelling media. Here are some of them: ADDING… [Read more…]
December 25, 2009
Characters are arguably the most important component of your story since they drive action, which in turn, drives the theme. Characters in your screenplay are a composite of human traits, rather than a replica. It is therefore essential that your characters are given three dimensions to make them believable and more attractive to your audience.… [Read more…]
December 17, 2009
I’ve previously discussed the current dire state of studio-based cinema, but have neglected to discuss the state of independent cinema. For much of 2009, it was widely considered that indie cinema was laid to rest, with many studio-based or affiliated distributors such as Warner Independent, Fox Atomic and Miramax either shutting their doors or being… [Read more…]
December 11, 2009
No this isn’t a playground game, but a business lesson for screenwriters. How do we get paid? Mainly by check, but sometimes in magic coffee beans… The first type of payment for your script story is typically an OPTION. This is analogous to renting your literary property. They usually last for six to twelve months… [Read more…]
December 10, 2009
Actually, a lot. Writers are often told to write that page turning opening scene to hook the reader, because that is the first thing they read in your script. Prior to reading the ubiquitous “fade in”, the title is actually the first thing a reader sets their eyes on. How does it make them feel?… [Read more…]
December 7, 2009
After a slight diversion, this is the last of the “In Too Deep” series. So what is SUBTEXT? In short, it’s the difference between what we actually and and what we can’t or won’t say. The greater the difference, the better. Subtext is used to add layers, depth, richness and texture to screenplays through mystery,… [Read more…]
December 3, 2009
While other industries have been struggling to survive over the past year, film exhibition has enjoyed a paradoxical boom. Around summer time, box office was around 15% higher than the same time last year. Box Office is up around 9% this year compared to last year. That’s good, right? Yeah. We’re slowly emerging from the… [Read more…]
Fellow screenwriters have been bugging me to do script consultations. Contact me for details via my twitter account @jgsarantinos
The next deadline for the Hollywood Outreach Program at The Scriptwriters Network is Saturday 15 September 2012. Visit www.scriptwritersnetwork.org for more details. Get studio quality coverage. Top scripts are recommended to agents, managers and production companies.
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December 26, 2009
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