Narrative films are made up of scenes. It should come as no surprise, then, that it’s pretty important for a screenwriter to know how to write a scene. If you can’t write a good scene, you can’t write a good movie. So what are some of the fundamental elements of a great scene? How can… Continue reading How to Write a Scene — Elements of a Great Scene Explained
Syntax EssentialsOpen menu What is Syntax What is Passive Voice What is Active Voice Active vs. Passive Voice Sentence StructureOpen menu What is Text Structure What is Sentence Structure Simple Sentence Structure Compound Sentence Structure Compound-Complex Sentence Structure Complex Sentence Structure A simple sentence is a fundamental tool of language. Don’t believe me? Each sentence… Continue reading What is a Simple Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips for Writers
All too often, the term “static character” carries a negative connotation. Some think this implies that a character is boring, overly simple, or even poorly written. However, the complete opposite can be true. Some of cinema’s most memorable characters are also static characters such as The Dude from The Big Lebowski, Anton Chigurh from No… Continue reading What is a Static Character — Definition, Examples in Storytelling
If you have a great concept for a film, odds are you want to tell it immediately. That’s good, but even better is writing with a plan — and that means a great film treatment. Continue reading How to Write a Film Treatment (FREE Film Treatment Template)
Adages, idioms, axioms, aphorisms: what makes each unique? We’re going to break down what makes aphorisms unique by asking the question “what is an aphorism?” and by exploring aphorism examples. By the end, you’ll know what aphorisms are and how to utilize them in everyday writing and conversation. Continue reading What is an Aphorism — Definition,… Continue reading What is an Aphorism — Definition, Examples and Writing Tips
How to Format a ScreenplayOpen menu Formatting a Screenplay Screenplay Font Margins Scene Headings Sluglines Action / Description Action Breaks Character Cues Dialogue Transitions Chyrons Flashbacks TV Script Format 101 Pre-Lap How to Use O.S. in a Script How to Use CONT’D in a Script FREE Movie Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for… Continue reading How to Write a Character Cue in a Screenplay
Two is always better than one when it comes to Juxtaposition. Other than being the game-winning word in your next Scrabble match, what is juxtaposition? It is a frequently used term throughout the artistic world from photography to literature to film. Despite its frequent use, its meaning can be quite vague. We’ll define juxtaposition with… Continue reading What is Juxtaposition in Film? Definition and Examples
Oh yes, we’ve come back to the ever-feared spec script; code-word for a script that isn’t commissioned. Writers far and wide, famous and infamous, all work on spec scripts. But what is a spec script? And what does it look like? Fear not, we’re going to answer those questions by looking at some spec script… Continue reading Spec Script Examples — What Does a Spec Script Look Like?
A great story is often, if not always, synonymous with great characters. Crafting great characters is not an easy feat. So it’s no wonder that readers and writers alike gravitate toward the best characters in storytelling. Analyzing characters can be incredibly helpful for crafting your own characters or simply understanding your favorite story more deeply.… Continue reading How to Write a Character Analysis — Tips and Techniques
What does pacing mean in the context of storytelling? What makes one story feel fast or another one feel slow? How can pacing be controlled? Throughout this post, we will be answering all of these questions and digging into everything you need to know about narrative pacing. Let’s get started with a definition.Continue reading What… Continue reading What is Narrative Pacing — And How to Control It
By GenreOpen menu Comedy Sci-Fi Action Romantic Animation Thriller Drama Crime TV Scripts Horror Fantasy Western Musical War ResourcesOpen menu Best Screenplays to Read Shane Black Movies & Screenwriting Explained Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for… Continue reading Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Script PDF — Download & Analysis
Syntax EssentialsOpen menu What is Syntax What is Passive Voice What is Active Voice Active vs. Passive Voice Sentence StructureOpen menu What is Text Structure What is Sentence Structure Simple Sentence Structure Compound Sentence Structure Compound-Complex Sentence Structure Complex Sentence Structure A complex sentence structure might sound daunting. What is a complex sentence structure? I’ve… Continue reading What is a Complex Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips
Basic CharactersOpen menu Types of Characters in a Story Protagonist Deuteragonist Antagonist Hero Anti Hero Tragic Hero Tritagonist Superhero Anti-Villain Villain Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Common Character Types Character Archetypes Types of Villains Femme Fatale Mad Scientist Mary Sue Damsel in Distress CharacterizationOpen menu What is Characterization Characterization Examples in Movies Characterization of Anton… Continue reading Types of Villains — 10 Forms of the Villain Archetype Explained
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… Continue reading What is Subtext — How to Use Subtext in Screenwriting
By GenreOpen menu Comedy Sci-Fi Action Romantic Animation Thriller Drama Crime TV Scripts Horror Fantasy Western Musical War ResourcesOpen menu Best Screenplays to Read Shane Black Movies & Screenwriting Explained Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay Best Horror Movie Scripts to Download StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for… Continue reading Interstellar Script PDF Download — Plot & Theme Analysis
Understanding the key differences between a story and a plot is imperative for any aspiring screenwriter. While these two elements often get used interchangeably, they are actually two distinct concepts that define how stories are structured and told. By learning to incorporate them both effectively into your projects, you will be able to craft truly… Continue reading Plot vs Story — Differences Every Screenwriter Should Know
Metaphor Mixed Metaphor Visual Metaphor Extended Metaphor Implied Metaphor Dead Metaphor No matter what you write, it’s agreed that metaphors are an important literary device. But, what is a metaphor? What does metaphor mean? In this article, we’ll explore this question and answer how they can enhance your screenwriting. We’ll prove a list of metaphors… Continue reading What is a Metaphor — Definition and Examples in Lit. & Film
Basic CharactersOpen menu Types of Characters in a Story Protagonist Deuteragonist Antagonist Hero Anti Hero Tragic Hero Tritagonist Superhero Anti-Villain Villain Foil Character Character TropesOpen menu Common Character Types Character Archetypes Types of Villains Femme Fatale Mad Scientist Mary Sue Damsel in Distress CharacterizationOpen menu What is Characterization Characterization Examples in Movies Characterization of Anton… Continue reading What is a Hero — Definition, Examples & Types Explained
EssentialsOpen menu What is a Scene What is The Three Act Structure What is Story Structure What is a Story Beat What Is a Plot Plot vs Story What is a Non-Linear Plot What is a Plot Device What is Freytag’s Pyramid Screenplay StructureOpen menu Screenplay Structure Examples What is a Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s… Continue reading What is the Climax of a Story — Definition, Examples & Structure
Poetry BasicsOpen menu What is a Poem What is a Stanza in a Poem What is Dissonance What is a Sonnet What is a Haiku What is Prose What is an Ode What is Repetition in Poetry What is a Stanza in a Poem How to Write a Poem Types of PoemsOpen menu Types of… Continue reading What is an Ode — Definition, Examples, and Structure Explained
