Teleplay vs Screenplay vs Script: Hacking the Hollywood Lingo

What is the difference between a teleplay, script, and screenplay?  Although some people think these terms are interchangeable, every screenwriter must understand the differences.We're going to break down how these types of scripts are defined and why it’s important to understand the differences between script, screenplay, and teleplay.Continue reading Teleplay vs Screenplay vs Script: Hacking the Hollywood Lingo

When is Pilot Season? And How Has Digital Streaming Affected It?

Pilot season is a term people in the industry use often. It’s not a season only for writers, but is a great time for actors to get cast in an upcoming series. But when is pilot season? When should you be prepared? With new digital streaming services, is the season a’changin? Let’s find out. Continue reading When is Pilot Season? And How Has Digital Streaming Affected It?

How to Write a Car Chase Scene in a Screenplay [with Examples]

There’s something about a car chase that captivates an audience.  Maybe it’s the need for speed, or, perhaps it’s the knowledge that at any moment the scene can come to an abrupt end that gets the heart racing. But is it easy to pull off? Nowadays, sophisticated audiences require more from their action scenes.  Car chases are a staple of the silver screen and it takes a true craftsman to pen a great chase. So how does a writer craft a car chase scene that is both readable and cinematic?  Let’s first take a look at the evolution of these…

A Complete Guide To Understanding Script Coverage (Free Template)

Script coverage is an essential part of the development process, but many screenwriters and even some producers are in the dark. If you’re pursuing a job in the entertainment industry, keep reading.This post will guide you through the entire process of script coverage, including how they rate scripts and places for you to find professional resources and script coverage jobs. Plus, we include a free script coverage template.Continue reading A Complete Guide To Understanding Script Coverage (Free Template)

Making It: Key Hires — Pre-Production Process: Ep2

EPISODE 2Department Head HuntingThe first step to building a great film crew is securing department heads. Watch as the team hires their DP and 1st Assistant Director and discusses crew and camera budgets.Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.EPISODE 2Assembling the A-TeamNow is the time to begin building your team so that you can hire an effective film crew. You'll also want to put together your production calendar so that you can stay on track. You may have an idea for your budget, but the department heads might have some objections.In the second episode of our Pre-Production web-series, we hire…

Making It: Script Breakdowns and Budgeting — Pre-Production Process: Ep1

EPISODE 1Budget BombshellMeet the team and watch how they must rework their script so that it will fit inside their limited budget.Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.EPISODE 1Art meets commerceYou have a great idea for a TV show. You’ve already written the pilot, but producers won’t read unsolicited scripts and you’re tired of visualizing the idea in your head. That’s when you decide it’s time to make a proof of concept — a pilot presentation. Where do you begin?The answer is Pre-Production. In the first episode of our Pre-Production web-series, we perform a script breakdown to create a preliminary film…

Making It: Wrapping Up Production — Pre-Production Process: Ep6

EPISODE 6MAKING ITThat's a wrap!The official premiere of 'Mental Mistakes'The wait is over! In our final episode, we take a quick look back at the production and discuss takeaways.  At the end we show you the fruits of our labor with the premiere of Mental Mistakes. Subscribe on Youtube MAKING IT: EPISODE 6How we got here... and the premiere We developed an idea for a TV show. We wrote the pilot script, and then secured a budget for a pilot presentation. We went through the entire pre-production process from breaking down our script, creating a film budget, hiring key department heads,…

Making It: Final Preparation — Pre-Production Process: Ep5

EPISODE 5MAKING ITThe Californian JobFilm Crew Jobs, Equipment, and Production Insurance It's time to build your entire film crew for various jobs and duties, and secure your production equipment. This means camera, sound, and design. Don't forget deal memos and production insurance.  Subscribe on Youtube MAKING IT: EPISODE 5How to secure crew and gear up  It's time to put together you entire film crew for the various production jobs and duties, but also secure the filming equipment you'll need for the day. This includes your camera, sound, design, grip equipment, craft services, lunch, deal memos, and production insurance. In the fifth episode…