Reading Time: 5 minutesWhat is Dramatic irony? Definition & Meaning Dramatic irony in film is the existence of information presented to us as the audience that we learn before the characters in a story do. It’s presented in the three stages: The setup, the sustain/suspense, and the reveal. The difference between suspense and surprise To understand how to… Continue reading What is Dramatic Irony in Film? Definition, Examples & How To Use It
Screenwriting
Tips for screenwriters by screenwriters.
What is Irony in Film? And How To Use It in a Screenplay
Reading Time: 12 minutesOverview Definition: Irony is when a moment carries two meanings at once: what a character believes on the surface, and what the story situation makes true. What you’ve seen before: You feel this when a scene plays “normal” on the surface, but you already know something the character does not, so every line and action… Continue reading What is Irony in Film? And How To Use It in a Screenplay
What Is an Anti-Hero? Definition & Film Examples Explained
Reading Time: 10 minutesOverview Definition: An antihero is a main character who drives the story forward but uses morally shaky, selfish, or destructive choices to do it. What you’ve seen before: You follow a lead who lies, cheats, or hurts people, yet you stay locked in because their next decision can flip the whole scene. Example: In Taxi… Continue reading What Is an Anti-Hero? Definition & Film Examples Explained
Where to Find and Read Hollywood Screenplays For Free
Reading Time: 5 minutesAny aspiring writer knows it’s not enough to watch as many movies as possible – you must read as many screenplays as possible. But where do you find Hollywood-level screenplays online for free? Don’t worry, I’m here to help. 1. Go Into the Story. The writer Scott Myers and his blog series on Medium called… Continue reading Where to Find and Read Hollywood Screenplays For Free
What is a Motif in Film? Definition & Examples.
Reading Time: 10 minutesOverview Definition: A motif is a repeatable element in a film (an image, sound, object, line, or action) that returns at meaningful moments, so its meaning builds through repetition and variation. What you’ve seen before: You notice the same detail come back across scenes. After the second or third return, you start tracking it like… Continue reading What is a Motif in Film? Definition & Examples.
Hands-on Review: Arc Studio Pro Screenwriting Software
Reading Time: 7 minutesArc Studio Pro is a professional screenwriting software designed to take your next screenplay beyond simple text formatting and industry expectations to keep you more focused, ready to collaborate, and equipped to create beautiful stories. You can watch a quick introductory video of the software below: In an industry with a million ways to tell… Continue reading Hands-on Review: Arc Studio Pro Screenwriting Software
Hollywood Screenwriting Tips & How To Implement Them
Reading Time: 8 minutesThe video above, courtesy of Variety, presents eight excellent screenwriting advice from professional screenwriters. In this article, I discuss each of these quotes and give you tips and helpful exercises on how you can implement them in your work. Tip #1: Let the joy of the writing process be the reward. Never think you’ve written… Continue reading Hollywood Screenwriting Tips & How To Implement Them
What Is Plot In Film? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 16 minutesOverview Definition: Plot is the cause-and-effect sequence of events in a story. It tracks what happens, why it happens, and how each event changes the next one. What you’ve seen before: You have seen plot every time a character wants something, hits an obstacle, makes a choice, and then faces a result that changes the… Continue reading What Is Plot In Film? Definition & Examples
The Writer’s Block: Tips On What To Do When You Can’t Write
Reading Time: 7 minutesWriter’s block is a common struggle, but it’s not undefeatable. Here are some different ways I use to help me overcome that blank page, get the creative juices flowing, and generate new ideas. 1. Clear Your Mind. Take Breaks and Engage In Physical Activity Sometimes, moving away from your writing desk and clearing your mind… Continue reading The Writer’s Block: Tips On What To Do When You Can’t Write
Free Scriptwriting Software (Final Draft Alternatives)
Reading Time: 5 minutesIf you’ve been around the movie business, you’ve probably heard of the program Final Draft and how it’s more or less the “industry standard” for writing screenplay format. Despite its flaws, the high price being chief among them, Final Draft is great software – but it’s not the only one. Here are the best free… Continue reading Free Scriptwriting Software (Final Draft Alternatives)