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.
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Learn MoreLessons From Looper: The Difference Between World-Building and Story
How To Write a Flashback in a Screenplay
Unlock the power of flashbacks in your script! Learn when and how to format flashback scenes, use visual cues, and seamlessly integrate them into your plot to reveal character motivation, build tension, and elevate your screenplay. Featuring examples from The Shawshank Redemption and Memento.
Shawshank: King vs Darabont
Explore the key differences between Stephen King's novella and Frank Darabont's film in Shawshank: King vs Darabont, examining changes to Red's crime, the role of Brooks, and Andy's escape.
Avatar Script Inciting Incident
This article analyzes the Inciting Incident in the Avatar script, identifying it as paraplegic Marine Jake Sully being assigned his late twin brother's Avatar body, giving him the chance to walk again. It highlights director James Cameron's decision to cut extensive setup—including scenes of environmental devastation on Earth and Sully's military service—from the original treatment to get the audience into the action and the story's "focused throughline" as quickly as possible.
Your Screenplay’s Title Page
Learn the essential elements and proper formatting for your spec screenplay title page, including title, writer credit, and contact info.
Shot Headings: Misc.
Master miscellaneous screenplay shot headings (slug lines). Essential formatting tips and examples for indicating Time, Date, Weather, CONTINUOUS, and FLASHBACK in your script.
Shot Headings: Time of Day
Learn the essential screenplay format rules for shot headings and time of day. Discover when to use DAY and NIGHT and when to use alternatives like MORNING, LATE AFTERNOON, EVENING, MAGIC HOUR, SUNSET, SUNRISE, and DUSK, complete with examples from famous screenplays.
Shot Types: Shot Subject
Learn how to properly use "Shot Subject" in your screenplay sluglines, including popular formats like CLOSE ON and INSERT, and when it is necessary to include them.
Shot Headings: Shot Types
Learn common screenplay shot headings like CLOSE ON, INSERT, WIDE SHOT, and POV to direct your reader's attention.
