How to Write a Story Outline that Works [FREE Script Outline Template]

If you want to write a script, and finish it, story outlines are helpful. Why? Because once you have waded even knee-deep into the writing, it's easy to lose sight of things. Even worse? Predators named fear and self-doubt will be stalking you.Continue reading How to Write a Story Outline that Works [FREE Script Outline Template]

15 Best Inciting Incident Examples for Screenwriters and Directors

We all know every story starts at the beginning, right? But what’s the thing that truly starts every story? The answer is the inciting incident. It’s a critical element to all narratives. This is true if you're writing a half-hour sitcom, an epic action movie, or a small rom-com set in your apartment.Continue reading 15 Best Inciting Incident Examples for Screenwriters and Directors

Ultimate Guide to Film Terms: The Definitive Glossary of Film Terminology

Browse Film Terms  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z Whether you’re working on your first or 100th film, there is always something new to learn. When you need to update your film terminology, this resource will be your best friend. We’ve included as many film terms as humanly possible all on one page, so let’s get into it.Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Film Terms: The Definitive Glossary of Film Terminology

What is a Monologue — Definition, Examples & Types Explained

What is a monologue? Some of the most iconic lines in the history of literature and cinema have come from monologues. As a character spills their thoughts and emotions into a speech, they often create memorable lines that connect to other characters and the audience. In this article, we’ll explore the monologue meaning and its significance in storytelling and analyze iconic examples. We’ll also look at the three types of monologues with examples of each. Let’s dive in.Continue reading What is a Monologue — Definition, Examples & Types Explained

13 Best Screenwriting Contests You Need to Enter Now

I think we all can agree, screenwriting contests can be useful tools for both new writers and those with experience under their belts. They’re excellent ways to get noticed, but some of the contests out there can’t take you as far as some others. So what are the best screenwriting contests to enter? Continue reading 13 Best Screenwriting Contests You Need to Enter Now

Protagonist Examples — Do’s and Don’ts for Screenwriters

Have you ever watched a movie and wondered why you loved the main character so much? Or, perhaps you found the lead to be unlikeable and dozed off halfway through? Today, we will be going over several protagonist examples, what makes them great and why the strength of the protagonist will make or break a story. Continue reading Protagonist Examples — Do’s and Don’ts for Screenwriters

Michael Scott: How They Created TV’s Funniest Character

Six years after the series finale of The Office, it placed #1 among the most watched TV shows on Netflix. And while there are many reasons for this, the character of Michael Scott has undoubtedly made the show timeless. Whether he is conducting a hilariously pointless meeting, closing a deal at Chili’s, or trying to save the branch from closing, Michael Scott is one of the most original characters in TV.While the hilarity of Michael Gary Scott is completely obvious in retrospect, the writers of The Office had a hard time creating this inimitable character. In fact, The Office was…

What is Conflict in a Story? A Quick Reminder of the Purpose of Conflict

We all know that conflict is needed to keep viewers engaged, to create an emotional response, and to ultimately, push the story forward. Without conflict in a story, the film, show, or novel, may seem a bit, well, boring. It’s also true that conflict can be defined by all of the “types” that exist — internal, external, people vs people, people vs society, etc. And while all of those things are helpful, it’s not a fully developed definition. This article takes a macro perspective, answering what is conflict in a story by highlighting why we need it in the first…

What is Point of View? Definition and Examples in Lit and Film

I am, you are, she is, they will be — these are all things we say on a near-daily basis, and they’re all examples of different points of view. But what is point of view within storytelling and how can writers use it strategically? We’re going to explain everything you need to know about point of view in literature, with cinema and video game examples as well. But first let’s review the basics.Continue reading What is Point of View? Definition and Examples in Lit and Film

What are Script Versions and How to Keep Them Organized

Back in the day, any time a revision was made to a script, a new copy would be printed on different colored paper. Luckily, StudioBinder takes the guesswork out of this and assigns a color to any new document revisions automatically. But it doesn’t stop there. We'll walk you through why script versions are created in the first place and how to keep those versions organized. Continue reading What are Script Versions and How to Keep Them Organized