How to write a screenplay treatment that will get more script requests. In this post, we're going to not only clear up some of the confusion surrounding the screenplay treatment and also how to write one that's bound to impress an exec, manager or producer. We'll also look at how to write a screenplay treatment […]
Movie script analysis examples and hacks used by pro writers that will improve your script. Here's an exclusive look inside our script analysis process and some of the hacks used by our professional screenwriters. These screenplay analysis hacks are designed to simplify confusing screenwriting advice. We also include some practical exercises we suggest writers use to improve […]
8 out of 10 writers have been told how to write a scene the wrong way... The most common advice given on how to write a scene is to approach it from the angle of escalating conflict between a protagonist and antagonist. Aspiring writers are told to ask themselves when writing a scene: • What’s the […]
Why creating a character bio isn't a great starting point (and what to do instead). You've probably heard that in order to create a great character, you should start with a character bio. Maybe you've been told to ask questions about your character like: • What do they feel about their body? • Who was their […]
Why your script characters feel "flat" and how to fix it. Have you ever been told that your script characters feel "flat"? It's a common note to receive. But we're going to show you how to stop getting it and how to write characters the smart way. After reading this post, you'll know how to flesh […]
Most aspiring writers think there are just 2 or 3 screenplay beats in act 1... In his book, My Story Can Beat Up Your Story, Jeffrey Allan Schechter lays out how to toughen up your act one by including the following twelve screenplay beats. And in this post, we're going to break down the ones […]
Have You Been Told to Just "Write What You Know"? You have probably heard the old adage to "write what you know." It's a cliche, but a very popular one. Many screenwriters and writers, in general, think they're better off writing about personal things. In other words, rather than "making things up from scratch." In […]
Did you know there are 12 secret script beats you should include in act 1 of your screenplay? You have probably heard that Act 1 of a screenplay should include at least two script beats, or "plot points": a call to action (sometimes called a screenplay Inciting Incident) and an Act 1 turning point at […]
Today we're going to tackle the screenplay flashback, its three different types and how to use them in your script. Unfortunately, aspiring writers are constantly told by screenwriting "gurus" to never employ certain devices in their scripts. Nine times out of ten, this is just dumb advice. One of the most popular refrains you may […]
Here are eight keys to writing a scene that pops off the page and grabs the reader. Writing a scene—especially the big ones at major plot points—usually means adding these eight key principles that move the story forward and keep the reader engaged. In order to illustrate these eight key principles we’ll be using the scene […]