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It might seem like a good idea to write a screenplay's story using a non-specific location. This would allow the production to be filmed anywhere. However, using a known location has far more benefits. Let's explore why location matters in screenwriting. Using a known location creates a strong visual and a sense of the familiar... Continue Reading →
Are you a screenwriter who feels like you've been chewed up and spit out by the big Hollywood shark? If so, let me help you change the status quo in 2021. It can be frustrating to spend weeks, months and even years writing a screenplay or TV pilot, only to be ignored by producers and... Continue Reading →
A screenplay is written for the visual medium known as motion picture. This means the story's key components are revealed visually rather than via dialogue. In contrast, television relies more heavily on dialogue to reveal information than visuals. This is primarily due to the smaller visual screen compared to a motion picture 'theater' screen. A... Continue Reading →
The word 'thriller' in a speculative screenplay means 'mystery'. If a story has a crime and a mystery, but we know who the culprit is early in the story, then it's a Crime Thriller. If a story has a crime, no mystery and we know who did it asap, then it's a Crime Drama. The... Continue Reading →
Primary slug indicators are pretty straightforward. We're either inside written as INT., or outside written as EXT., at a specific location like JOHN'S HOUSE and it's either DAY OR NIGHT. For example: EXT. JOHN'S HOUSE - DAY The writer might show John shoveling snow in the driveway, then he goes back inside. Assuming the story... Continue Reading →
A screenplay's page length is important. Get it wrong and the writer risks not being taken seriously in Hollywood. By getting it right, the writer shows an understanding of screenwriting and the market. The general rule for screenplay length is anything over 120-pages is too long and under 90-pages is too short, regardless of genre.... Continue Reading →
