How to format dialogue in a screenplay: top 8 dialogue format "errors." Peppering a spec script with dialogue format errors may not completely derail the reader’s experience, but they definitely don’t help. This is because they tell the reader one of two things: 1. You’re not a very experienced writer and are unaware of how […]
How do you know if your script's ready to send out into the industry? You’ve finished a screenplay. But how do you know if your script's ready to send out? How do you know when it’s “finished”? Here's our ultimate 12-point questionnaire to find out whether your script is ready to take on the world. […]
How to pitch a movie idea and sell your script with style. You’ve learned how to write a screenplay. You’ve written a few Grade A spec scripts that have received ringing endorsements from script coverage services or acquaintances who work in the industry. You’ve learned how to sell a screenplay and now, finally, the moment […]
Protagonist and antagonist conflict: why it's between 3 characters not 2. When it comes to the protagonist and antagonist in a screenplay, aspiring screenwriters are constantly being told cliches like: • "A strong story is based on the protagonist-antagonist conflict.” • "Your protagonist and antagonist are the two most important characters in the script.” • […]
How to find time to write: 48 ways to become a more productive writer. On the one hand, you'd like to know how to find time to write to finish that screenplay, TV pilot or treatment (or start one, for that matter.) You want to begin making headway toward your writing goals. On the other hand… […]
Movie title ideas: 3 ways to come up with the coolest titles ever. Movie title ideas matter. A lot. While you’ve probably heard a lot about how the first page of your story is the most important when it comes to first impressions—it’s not. It’s actually the title. When your script lands on the desk […]
Character arc: the secret sauce to demonstrating your hero's growth. Creating a strong character arc can be a difficult and confusing enterprise for many writers. If you want to break into the industry, though, it’s vital. Well, almost always vital… James Bond doesn’t have much of a character arc. Neither does Mavis, the protagonist in […]
Show don't tell: how to turn a talky script into a visual masterpiece. When it comes to advice on script dialogue, the old chestnut "show don’t tell" is one of the most oft-repeated out there. However, it can be deceptively hard to put it into practice. In this post, you’ll learn how to finally master the […]
Script dialogue: if your characters are just talking you're doing it wrong. When it comes to how to write great dialogue in a script, most advice tends to be quite vague. For example, you'll often hear how “script dialogue should…” • “Propel the story forward” • “Reveal character and theme” • “Build conflict and drama” […]
Script ideas: 5 proven ways to unlock original movie ideas. Are you the kind of writer who has notepads full of script ideas that you don’t have enough time to write? Or do you spend hours staring at your computer screen waiting for “inspiration to strike?” Unfortunately, we’re not all gifted with the ability to […]
