So. You got some notes and you’re saying: There are a few things to consider before you do anything. Consider the source. Does this person know what they’re talking about? If not so much, if they are a fellow student or someone in a writing group or workshop, the only thing that counts about their…
Read moreNever feel that you’re ‘married’ to an idea, even if it was the original idea that sparked the story. It might have to go, like a scaffolding that comes down after a mural is painted. Laini Taylor (via psliterary) Reblogging with comments because it’s SO true for screenplays. When I read your script, I see…
Read moreYour Sad Sack Protag
Your protag isn’t relatable or sympathetic just because a bunch of bad things happen to them. Sympathy for your protag does not come from “woe is me” stuff like, “My mom picked today to kick me out of the house, even though I got fired and dumped and lost my phone before noon!” A pile-on of…
Read moreHow I know the writer is a horny little woman-hating moral cesspool-dwelling pervert
Wait. I found this in my drafts. I never finished the post, and now I can’t remember why I wrote it.
Read moreRespect and Your Protagonist
When you create your characters and sketch out your plot, you will notice the moments when the events of the plot challenge the values of your protagonist. It doesn’t really matter where on the alignment your character falls – – as long as in those moments, their decisions are consistent with who they are and…
Read morewriting-questions-answered: Anonymous asked: Do you have any knowledge about screenwriting? I was going to ask if the 120 page limit for a movie script was as strict as my internet search was making it out to be. (First time spec script writer) If not, perhaps you might know of some tumblr script writing blogs? I…
Read more10 Great Websites To Download Movie Scripts
10 Great Websites To Download Movie Scripts 1. IMSDB – Internet Movie Screenplay Database http://www.imsdb.com/ IMDB has proven a valuable resource for researching movie crews, casts, and trivia. IMSDB is just as useful for those looking for screenplays of all kinds and genres. 2. Go Into the Story http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/free-script-downloads/ Go Into the Story is the…
Read moreReporting
annerocious: A reporting scene is when someone comes running in to tell your protagonist that The Boy asked The Other Girl to the prom. As an example. Every time I read one, I want to call the writer on the actual phone, to hear their voice, so I can ask them why they didn’t SHOW…
Read moreWhy Screenwriters Should Think Like Film Editors – ScreenCraft
Why Screenwriters Should Think Like Film Editors – ScreenCraft This is what I mean. Do these things.
Read moreBaaaaad Protagonists
Protags work when, even if they are awful, they are RELATABLE. There must be something about them, despite the things they do of which WE CANNOT APPROVE, we UNDERSTAND (and this is the important part) because we have had THE SAME EMOTIONS. It’s tricky, and you have to show it to sell it by demonstrating…
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