What is the setting of a story? Is it simply the time and place of a story? Or is it something more? We’re going to look at some examples of setting in literature and film to see how writers and directors communicate time, place, and more in their works. But before we jump into some examples, let’s quickly review how setting is an integral part of every story. Continue reading What is the Setting of a Story — Elements of Storytelling
Does it seem like every story imaginable has already been told? Instead of looking toward the future for your next project, why not delve into the past? Your next film could be a remix of something that’s come before. And before you get worried about Johnny Law, you’ll find many works exist within the public domain. But what is public domain and how is it used? Keep reading to see why Night of the Living Dead is free for anyone to watch. Continue reading What is Public Domain and How is it Used? A Guide for Creators
Both dysfunctional and profoundly human, Little Miss Sunshine is packed with emotional gut-punches and unique lessons in storytelling. Screenwriter Michael Arndt creates complicated characters, sets high stakes, and dangles success in front of the protagonists up until the very end. So, writers, take note; the Little Miss Sunshine script is a true model of solid screenwriting and our analysis will clarify exactly why that is. Continue reading Little Miss Sunshine Script PDF Download & Analysis
Studios, producers, executives, agents, and managers are always looking for the next great up and coming screenwriter. One of the best ways they find them is through screenwriting fellowships. The best screenwriting fellowships are a win win. They allow writers to develop their scripts while also gaining access to various execs and producers that can carry their career forward. Studios win because they are able to attract the best writers to their programs, potentially hire them, and/or produce their work they’ve developed in the program. So, what are the best screenwriting fellowships to apply to? Let’s find out. Continue reading Best Screenwriting…
Screenplays are meant to tell a cinematic story. This can be difficult, however, without the advantage of visuals. Screenwriters are stuck with using words to communicate highly cinematic scenes. One of the best tools they have to do this is the parenthetical. Parentheticals allow screenwriters to fit in small, but vital information within a dialogue scene. Parentheticals can completely change how a scene reads and how a reader understands the story. What is a parenthetical in a script and how can you use it in yours? In this article, we’ll dive a bit deeper into parentheticals and take a look…
Few film endings are as iconic and impactful as the unforgettable resolution to The Graduate. Be sure to watch our video essay below for a full breakdown of The Graduate ending scene, then read on for further analysis. We’ll be digging into the four factors that culminate in the film's ending being as effective as it is: writing, build-up, music, and spontaneity. This is — The Graduate ending explained. But first, let’s examine how screenwriter Buck Henry and director Mike Nichols crafted a scene that penetrated the zeitgeist and remains just as poignant and relevant today.Continue reading The Graduate Ending…
You cannot capture a man’s entire life in two hours. All you can hope is to leave the impression of one,” says Gary Oldman in David Fincher’s oeuvre to Citizen Kane. But whose life is Citizen Kane an impression of? Charles Foster Kane? William Randolph Hearst? Orson Welles? Or Herman Mankiewicz? Perhaps it’s an impression of none of them; or all of them. We’re going to break down the Citizen Kane script by summarizing its plot and by analyzing its characters. We’ll ask questions like: who wrote Citizen Kane? And what is Citizen Kane about? By the end, you’ll know…
The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most influential films of the past thirty years. Watch any crime TV show or gritty detective movie and you’ll see the movie’s impact in spades. Much of the film’s success has been credited to Jonathan Demme’s skillful direction and the cast’s legendary performances, but neither would be possible without The Silence of the Lambs’ immaculate script, which set the gold standard for serial killer thrillers. Download your own copt of The Silence of the Lambs script as we break down the themes, characters, and dialogue.Continue reading The Silence of the Lambs…
Christopher Nolan is one of the most revered directors of the 21st century, known for his cerebral blockbusters like Inception and The Dark Knight. Much is made of his striking visual style and expert direction, but his work as a screenwriter is equally important to his career success. While Nolan’s cinematic subjects are far ranging—from sci-fi epic to revenge thriller to war drama—there are many common themes and tools that he uses time and time again. Let’s look at the Christopher Nolan writing process and what every writer should take away from it.Continue reading Christopher Nolan’s Writing Process Explained & Script…
The term “Plot device” has grown to be taboo in the world of writing. Most screenwriters associate the term with an inherently negative connotation, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Plot devices have existed since the inception of stories, and for good reason.So what is a plot device? In this article, we’re going to define what a plot device is, then look at some examples from film that show how they can be used in both poor and effective ways. Continue reading What is a Plot Device? Definitions and Examples
