The scene descriptions in your screenwriting have a tricky, sometimes tumultuous, relationship with script readers. How so, you ask? Some script readers scan through screenplay scene description to speed up their reading process. I’ve spoken to studio level readers who read scene titles and dialogue. This approach tells them the story and gives them an…
Tag: screenplay
Are Story & Plot The Same Thing?
No sir. For starters one begins with an ‘s’ and the other with a ‘p’. Story has five letters and plot has four. Enough frivolities. Your screenplay is a delicate, finely-tuned literary instrument. Screenwriters must be well aware of these two terms to ensure the integrity of their screenwriting. Although both terms are inextricably linked,…
6 Simple (& Super Effective) Ways To Stop All The Characters In Your Screenplay Sounding The Same
One issue screenwriters commonly face is writing a distinct voice for each character. Every character sounds the same in the first draft of many screenplays. Let’s take a look at dialogue and see how voice can be tailored to each character. But first, let’s define our terms. Dialogue is simply the words that are spoken. Voice is how…
How To Write Loglines To (almost) Guarantee Interest In Your Screenplay
Loglines are the most common way to pitch your screenplay and get a movie producer to read your film script. What is the secret to a perfect movie script logline that will generate film producer interest? Read on.
How To Determine WGA Screenwriting Credits
Are you a screenwriter unsure how the WGA screenwriting credit system works? Screenwriting credits for theatrical motion pictures are designed by the WGA to give screenwriters due credit for their work. It may sound simple, but a lot of time (and often argument) goes into completing the term “written by”. Writing credits, in the presence of…
Writing The Super Spec Movie Script
Screenplays that get made often contain three key elements: a strong concept and hook, bankable cast and an appropriate budget. As a screenwriter, you only have control over the first element. A strong concept that is easily pitched will take your script higher up the pile. A good concept will eclipse technical issues with your script…
The Types Of Fear In Horror Films
Fear is a negative emotional response precipitated by an actual or perceived danger. It often manifests as anxiety or an increased awareness of harm. It is an primal survival mechanism designed to remove us from an imminent threat. On a deeper level, it helps us tackle the negative situations we experience in life. It is…
The Dual Protagonists
There is a long held mantra of screenwriting that there can only be one protagonist in each story. It is the character that undergoes the most change. By definition, the protagonist should occupy the most screen time. More recently, such character structure is becoming skewed to allow for dual protagonists. That is, two characters, occupying…
Creating A Powerful Hero
According to The Scriptlab, the most important character in your screenplay is your protagonist: your hero. Without them, there is no story. Good stories are about character growth and change. 1) CREATE AN INTERESTING PROTAGONIST YOUR AUDIENCE WILL HOPE AND FEAR FOR When creating your hero, audience connection is key. Your hero needs to be…
The Essence Of Science Fiction Stories
Science fiction movies do well at the box office Science fiction is a genre that pushes the boundaries of the current laws of science. The are a hybrid of fantasy and what could happen. Science fiction relates to futuristic technologically advanced societies revolving around a central question of human potential; good or bad, Imagine if…? Imagine if we were immortal,…
Breaking and Entering The Screenwriting World
Barri Evans discusses the tricky world of breaking into the business. Why does the industry say no so often to aspiring writers? They’re looking for talent? The next hot thing? If you want people to eat at your restaurant, you don’t keep the front doors locked, right? Or do you? Advice for aspiring writers can…
How The Good Guy Defeats The Bad Guy
The dance between the good and bad guys (or gals) is becoming more intricate in cinema. The morality lines more skewed. Are the good guys exclusively good and the bad guys pure evil? Not anymore. However the predominantly bad guy (villain) doesn’t normally win in movies. Chris Soth considers what end should our villain/antagonist/bad guy…
Gideon's Screenwriting Tips: Now You're a Screenwriter 