The Difference Between a Script and a Movie
Learn the crucial difference between a spec script and a finished movie. It's more than a blueprint—it's your proof of concept designed to get you a meeting.
Matt Lazarus
Matt Lazarus was a professional screenwriter and story consultant who was deeply dedicated to the craft of screenwriting. He passed away on July 16, 2020.
Beginning his industry career in 2003, Matt held development roles at Untitled Entertainment, CAA, and Platinum Studios (Cowboys and Aliens). He became a Writers Guild of America (WGA) member in 2007 after selling a horror script to RKO, and his produced credits include co-writing the feature film Blood, Sand, and Gold (2015). He also sold a movie to Cartoon Network in 2011.
Matt was committed to supporting fellow writers through story coaching that was designed to be affordable, regular, and useful, excelling at breaking advanced concepts into simpler processes and exercises.
Analyzing a Premise Test
Master the Premise Test formula to clearly diagnose your screenplay idea. Learn why clear communication trumps vagueness in writing.
How Is Act Two-A Different from Act Two-B?
Understand the essential difference between Act II-A and Act II-B in the three-act structure and how the Midpoint shifts the story.
What Makes a Great Antagonist?
A great antagonist isn't about motivation; it's about their relationship to the protagonist. Learn why a face and conflict are essential.
The Screenplay Logline Formula
If you can't tell your story in 75 words, you can't tell your story. Learn the powerful logline formula (Premise Test) to expose flaws and perfect your screenplay concept.
Lessons From Looper: The Difference Between World-Building and Story
Don't mistake cool world-building for a story. Analyze the sci-fi film Looper to learn how to create a solid plot that works in any setting.
