Have you ever watched a film that had some level of predictability, but despite this kept you engaged and entertained up until the credits rolled? Odds are the filmmaker behind the movie had a solid understanding of the genre. Most movie-goers have a basic understanding of popular movie genres such as comedy, romance, and dramas. But to be a filmmaker in addition to being a film fanatic, it’s important to understand the components that define a film’s genre. Continue reading What is Genre — Definition and Examples of Genre Conventions
Plot is the backbone of any great story. But what is a plot exactly? In this guide, we’ll explore the plot definition, how it differs from a story, and the essential elements of a plot that make a narrative compelling. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, understanding plot meaning and different plot types—from linear plots to nonlinear storytelling—is key to crafting unforgettable stories.Continue reading What Is a Plot? Types of Plot, Definitions, and Examples
A great screenplay is worth millions (sometimes billions!) of dollars, so protect them through watermark PDFs! Are there simple steps to help increase the security of your script? YES! And they are readily available in StudioBinder. We’re going to show you how to create a watermark PDF of your script that also includes headers and footers. Continue reading Watermark PDF: How to Protect Your Screenplays
What is subtext? The age-old adage says that subtext is what’s inferred by reading between the lines, but how do we know what to look for? In this article, we’re going to define what subtext is, then look at some strong examples from screenplays. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply subtext into your own scripts.Continue reading What is Subtext — How to Use Subtext in Screenwriting
When you’re starting out as a screenwriter, it can be hard to know how to forge a path. There are lots of "experts" out there, but you want to get your information from the best screenwriting websites. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best twelve screenwriting websites so we can help you on your way to success.Continue reading 19 Best Screenwriting Websites to Fast Track Your Career
What does deus ex machina mean? Writers work hard to put their characters into terrible situations to find new and creative ways to get them out. It’s entertaining and it’s a sign of a great, organic story. Conflict needs to live and breathe. But conflict also demands resolution. Catharsis. But for some writers, that catharsis comes cheap. This post explores the deus ex machina meaning in film with a few examples. Let’s jump in. Continue reading Deus ex Machina — Meaning, Definition & Examples
Exposition in film or screenwriting is one of the most difficult aspects to master. It’s necessary for our audience to understand our characters and plot, but we don’t really want the audience to be aware of exposition, in and of itself. When that happens, it can jar the audience right out of our story. And it also just makes our writing look bad. In this post, we’ll take a look at ways to avoid the common pitfalls of clunky exposition, as well as some excellent examples of exposition that have been seamlessly integrated into the overall narrative.Continue reading 12 Secrets…
The answer to the title question is pretty obvious: screenwriters write screenplays, right? Well, yeah, but there's much more to the craft than the finished product. Every writer has their own process so let's hear from some incredibly talented and iconic screenwriters to see how they approach their stories. Once we get the full picture from those who do it everyday, we can better answer the question, what does a screenwriter do?Continue reading What Does a Screenwriter Do? The Fundamentals of the Job
Screenwriters have a tendency of defining the three act structure by either vehemently opposing it or swearing by it. Some define it entirely differently than others. How is that possible? Well, let’s answer ‘what is the three act structure,' learn its original intention, and see if we can find some middle ground between the many perspectives.Continue reading What is The Three Act Structure — And Why It Works
A screenplay is an entirely different beast than a novel, essay, or poem. Instead of a finished work of art, a screenplay is a blueprint for a final product — and yet it still requires artistry. The modern screenplay has strict formatting requirements and conventions. Before you become the next great screenwriter, you need to know the rules of the medium, where they come from, what forms they take, and how they’re used. In this ultimate guide, we'll cover the history of screenplays, their elements, and their types. Let's jump in.Continue reading What is a Screenplay — The Ultimate Guide…
