It’s time we talked about the ever-so-dreaded “plot hole” -- it’s a term audiences crave, screenwriters fear and critics throw around with reckless abandon; but what is a plot hole? We’re going to explain what a plot hole is and why it’s such a contentious term by looking at screenwriting examples and critical discourse. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of plot holes and how to avoid them in your own writing. But before we get into our examples, let’s quickly review why plot holes are so important to writing and film criticism. Continue reading What is a…
As film’s continue to break box office records year after year, it is more important now than ever for writers to be protected. Protection over their work, money, and even their health and wellness. With major studios raking in billions of dollars annually, the WGA has ensured that writers throughout the country claim their fair share. So what is WGA and why does it matter? In this article we’ll clarify the history of the Writers Guild of America and the pros and cons of joining.Continue reading What is WGA — The Writers Guild of America Explained
Pixar has always found a way to tell stories that appeal not only to children, but to audiences of all ages. The Inside Out script proves to be no different. The complex concepts of emotional intelligence are simplified, but not compromised in this entertaining tale of a girl coming to terms with the changes in her life and how her emotions help her get there. Creating this story, however, was not a simple process. Let’s take a look at how the folks over at Pixar constructed Inside Out on the page.Continue reading Inside Out Script PDF Download: Plot, Characters &…
Learning how to properly write a screenplay can be a challenge. Luckily, you don’t have to go at it alone. Film school and other screenplay classes are always an option but they can be expensive, time-consuming, and of questionable quality. There are plenty of educational resources to learn screenwriting online but they are not all created equal. We’ve parsed through dozens of online script writing classes to deliver you the cream of the crop. Some of these are beginner screenwriting classes while others are for more intermediate and advanced writers. A couple of these programs are free screenwriting classes while…
What is realism in film? We hear the term “realistic” all the time, but how do we know if something is realistic when realism is so subjective? Well, in storytelling, there is an objective way to tell whether or not something is realistic. We’re going to explore what realism is and how it's used in film, with examples from Pather Panchali, the Before Trilogy, and more, but first let’s review where realism began.Continue reading What is Realism in Film? Cinematic Realism Explained
The Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone script is one of the best examples of how to write a franchise-launching movie. Whether you have an interest in adapting a novel, conveying a fantastical world in writing, or a little bit of both, there’s simply a ton of value in studying the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone screenplay. We’re going to look at how the script uses its characters, quotes, and verbiage to build an unforgettable world. Join us as we jump into Platform 9¾ to break down the screenwriting aspects of the wizarding world of Harry Potter!Continue reading Harry…
It is not uncommon for writers to find inspiration from their dreams. Dreams are a canvas of the subconscious that humans have innately interpreted throughout history. This allure to deciphering dreams has made them an incredible storytelling mechanism. Many screenwriters utilize dream sequences for their strong imagery and effective storytelling abilities. In this article, we’ll analyze how to write dream sequences in film and the do’s and don’t of the craft. Continue reading How to Write Dream Sequences in Film — Format & Story Tips
After their first viewing, many people need the Vertigo movie explained. This Alfred Hitchcock film is beguiling and its initial release in 1958 was disappointing. It made significantly less than other Hitchcock films to date and it was widely panned by critics. Subsequently, Hitchcock bought back the rights to the film but it was widely unavailable until 1983. And yet, as years went by, Vertigo slowly ascended the ranks of Hitchcock’s filmography, from cult favorite to critical favorite. Now, it’s considered not only one of Hitchcock’s best films, but one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time.What is it about…
A cliche is an expression in any artistic work that has been overused to the point of losing all meaning. A car failing to start while a killer is hot on the protagonist’s tail may have once worked as an effective way to build suspense. But now, audiences are more likely to roll than eyes than genuinely fear for the character. It's time to put these movie tropes and cliches to bed...for good.The following movie tropes list is in no particular order. Some are pieces of bland dialogue while others are plot points that have been done to death. We’re…
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
