How to Write a Telephone Conversation in a Screenplay

Phone calls can be an essential component to a film’s narrative and the driving force behind a scene. They can be an opportunity for suspense, humor, and conflict. It is important to understand how to write a telephone conversation in a screenplay in the common case that your story calls for one (no pun intended). Although formatting can often be confusing, we’ve broken it down so that you can implement a proper screenplay format phone call into your next script.Continue reading How to Write a Telephone Conversation in a Screenplay

What is Dialogue — A Writer’s Guide to Spoken Words

Movies are a visual medium first and foremost, which means making on-screen imagery as effective as possible. And if you’re making a narrative feature, you will more than likely be needing dialogue. Movies didn’t start with traditional dialogue tracks, but these days, virtually every movie in existence has it. But what is dialogue, why does it matter, what makes good vs. bad dialogue, and how can you make the most of it?Continue reading What is Dialogue — A Writer’s Guide to Spoken Words

How to Write Text Messages in a Script — Formatting Explained

With an increasing presence of technology in film, it is important to understand how to write text messages in a screenplay. Text messaging has become not only commonplace, but necessary in day to day communication for most people. It is only appropriate that this form of communication comes up in the lives of a story’s characters. Let’s take a look at how screenwriters write a text message in screenplay format and understand a few techniques that will help you become an expert at screenwriting text messages. Continue reading How to Write Text Messages in a Script — Formatting Explained

Match Cuts & Creative Transitions with Examples – Editing Techniques

Everyone loves to see a great scene transition, but how do you connect scenes on a deeper level? Consider using a match cut. Using similar colors, shapes, actions or even dialogue, match cuts add that extra level of meaning to create a more cohesive and seamless narrative. In today’s post, we’re going to break down match cuts so that you not only understand how they work but also why they are so much more effective than a normal scene transition. Continue reading Match Cuts & Creative Transitions with Examples – Editing Techniques

Best Free Romantic Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

  Welcome to StudioBinder's screenplay library, where love takes center stage and hearts flutter with emotion. Immerse yourself in our curated selection of the best free romantic movie scripts, filled with tender moments and captivating love stories. From whirlwind romances to soul-stirring connections, this treasure trove of romantic scripts is a haven for both aspiring screenwriters and hopeless romantics. Indulge in the enchantment of these stories and let your heart soar. Enjoy! Continue reading Best Free Romantic Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Welcome to StudioBinder's screenplay library, your ultimate destination for heart-pounding thrills and explosive action. Dive into our handpicked selection of the best free action movie scripts, featuring adrenaline-fueled plots and unforgettable characters. From high-stakes heists to jaw-dropping stunts, this treasure trove of action scripts is a must-have resource for aspiring screenwriters and action enthusiasts alike. Get ready for an action-packed ride. Enjoy!Continue reading Best Free Action Movie Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Best Free Comedy Scripts Online (PDF Downloads)

Welcome to StudioBinder’s screenplay library, your go-to resource for the finest free comedy scripts. From cutting satires to raunchy farces, these iconic comedy scripts hold a myriad of valuable lessons for aspiring screenwriters. By studying the very best the genre has to offer on the page, comedy writers can learn how to tackle the challenge of keeping an audience laughing for two hours. Explore the best in comedy scripts and enjoy.Continue reading Best Free Comedy Scripts Online (PDF Downloads)

Character Tropes — 15 Common Character Types Explained

What is a character trope? In screenwriting, a trope is a common element of a story. In other words, a trope is something we see a lot. In a character sense, it’s a type of character we see a lot. The term trope is derived from the Greek (tropos) for “turn, direction, or way” and it’s meant to explain moments where the story figuratively shifts from one direction to another. However, tropes have come to be misnomered as cliches — and the term character trope often has more to do with the overuse of certain characteristics than it does with…

Genre Conventions — The Building Blocks of Genre Storytelling

Most movies can be characterized as being one genre or the other. If the plot involves a love triangle, that’s most likely romance. If the plot is about a space marine, it’s most likely science-fiction. If the plot involves a group of kids running away from a monster, that’s probably horror. The things that make up the conventions of a genre, also known as genre conventions. What are genre conventions, you ask? You’ll soon be getting an answer via definition, along with plenty of examples.Continue reading Genre Conventions — The Building Blocks of Genre Storytelling

What is a Wipe Transition in Film — Editing Transitions Explained

Transitions can be an incredibly effective storytelling device that filmmakers use to visually communicate to the audience. One of the earliest transitions is the wipe transition. What is a wipe transition? First used in 1901 in Robert Paul’s Scrooge, the wipe was used from the top of the frame to the bottom, emulating the visuals of a curtain dropping. Wipes continued to be used most famously in the Star Wars franchise and continued to evolve in modern filmmaking. Although the traditional wipe is less predominant in more recent films, filmmakers are taking the principles of the wipe and creatively reinventing…