Screenwriter Salary: How Much Do Screenwriters Really Make in 2023

You’ve heard stories about studios paying millions of dollars for scripts. Probably prompting the deserved question, “How much do screenwriters make?” Today, we’re going to take a look at the events that got the spec market to where it is today. But we’ve got the insider’s perspective, and we’ve done the research. You’ll leave this… Continue reading Screenwriter Salary: How Much Do Screenwriters Really Make in 2023

How to Write Action Breaks in Dialogue — Examples & Tips

How to Format a ScreenplayOpen menu Insert Image Formatting a Screenplay Insert Image Margins Insert Image Scene Headings Insert Image Sluglines Insert Image Action / Description Insert Image Action Breaks Insert Image Character Cues Insert Image Dialogue Insert Image Transitions Insert Image Chyrons Insert Image Flashbacks Insert Image TV Script Format 101 FREE Movie Scripts:… Continue reading How to Write Action Breaks in Dialogue — Examples & Tips

What is a Non-Linear Plot — How to Write Stories Out of Order

Our physical experience of life is chronological. Yet our internal experience of life may not be. We reminisce on the past and anticipate the future. This uniquely human experience is portrayed on the big screen through non-linear storytelling. What is a non-linear plot used for? Non-linear plots allow filmmakers to rearrange time in an order… Continue reading What is a Non-Linear Plot — How to Write Stories Out of Order

What is a Backstory — Building a Foundation for Your Narrative

You’re pretty familiar with Bruce Wayne, aka Batman. He lives in Gotham City, he stops crazy villains, and he spends a lot of his time with bats. But did you also know his parents are dead!? That’s what we call backstory, something most characters in fiction have with them whenever we start their story. So… Continue reading What is a Backstory — Building a Foundation for Your Narrative

What is a J-Cut in Film — Editing Techniques Explained

There are a few fundamental editing techniques that every editor should know. One of the major ones is the J-cut. Just about every movie you watch has some sort of J-cut within its edit. J-cuts help move the film along in an engaging way, but can also be an incredibly effective storytelling device when used… Continue reading What is a J-Cut in Film — Editing Techniques Explained

Best Screenplays to Read for Aspiring Screenwriters — Top 10

What are the best movie scripts to study as an aspiring screenwriter? Reading great screenplays is an important part of the learning process for any developing screenwriter. By looking at the work of great writers, we can explore a multitude of styles and approaches. Studying great scripts can strengthen and inform your own writing. We’ll… Continue reading Best Screenplays to Read for Aspiring Screenwriters — Top 10

Academy Award For Best Film Editing — Top 20 Winners Ranked

There is a saying: the best film editing is the editing that nobody notices. Though there are exceptions, this is pretty widely accepted as truth for the most part. So if good editing purposely avoids standing out, how are the nominees and winners of the Best Film Editing Oscar picked out and decided? The editing style… Continue reading Academy Award For Best Film Editing — Top 20 Winners Ranked

How to Write a Biopic Screenplay — Research & Writing TIps

Writing a biopic screenplay can present an enormous challenge for even the most veteran screenwriters. That’s because biopics often involve legal and circumstantial challenges that aren’t an issue with other forms. Don’t fear though: we’re going to show you how to write a biopic screenplay step-by-step. By the end, you’ll be ready to write a… Continue reading How to Write a Biopic Screenplay — Research & Writing TIps

What is a Deuteragonist — Definition & Examples for Writers

You’ve heard of a protagonist and an antagonist. And now you can really knock the socks off your screenwriting buddies by discussing how your script’s deuteragonist impacts the plot. But what is a deuteragonist and how can you make sure yours serves a vital function in your story. You’re the hero of your filmmaking journey… Continue reading What is a Deuteragonist — Definition & Examples for Writers

What is a Film Score — Movie Score vs. Soundtrack Explained

BasicsOpen menu What is Sound Design What Does a Sound Designer Do Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing What is Voice Over What is a Foley Artist What is Diegetic Sound  What is Non-Diegetic Sound What is a Film Score What is Asynchronous Sound What is Music Licensing TechniquesOpen menu Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording Filmmaker’s… Continue reading What is a Film Score — Movie Score vs. Soundtrack Explained

Best Aaron Sorkin Screenplays — PDF Downloads & Analyses

Aaron Sorkin is one of the film industry’s most well-known and respected screenwriters. Sorkin has proven equally adept at writing for feature films, television shows, and even for the Broadway stage. His recent leap into directing his own scripts has likewise been met with major acclaim and awards attention. Sorkin has a reputation as one… Continue reading Best Aaron Sorkin Screenplays — PDF Downloads & Analyses

What is a Mixed Metaphor — Definition & Examples for Writers

What is a Metaphor What is a Mixed Metaphor What is a Visual Metaphor What is an Extended Metaphor What is an Implied Metaphor What is a Dead Metaphor Metaphors in and of themselves are a powerful tool to communicating ideas and concepts efficiently to a reader. However, when multiple metaphors are used in conjunction… Continue reading What is a Mixed Metaphor — Definition & Examples for Writers

Best Screenwriting Classes Online — Top Free & Paid Options

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… Continue reading Best Screenwriting Classes Online — Top Free & Paid Options

Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite Movies of All Time — 20 Cinematic Gems

When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them no, I went to films. – Quentin Tarantino Quentin Tarantino is not just a world-class filmmaker but also a renowned film lover. He is a lifelong cinephile with an encyclopedic knowledge of the medium. Tarantino always packs his films with homages to the… Continue reading Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite Movies of All Time — 20 Cinematic Gems

How to End a Story — Different Types of Story Endings Explained

Human beings have been telling stories for as long as we have roamed this Earth. Storytelling has gone from oral tradition to a natural part of the cinematic landscape. And in-between it all, we have learned how to end a story. Throughout our years telling stories, we have learned that there are ultimately four ways… Continue reading How to End a Story — Different Types of Story Endings Explained