Screenwriting Articles

Welcome to our scriptwriting article archive!

Here you'll find a ton of helpful articles carefully collated by us over the years through our monthly newsletter ScriptTips (subscribe) with contributions from many professional screenwriters.

If you want to learn screenwriting and about the craft of writing movie scripts from constructing character arcs to formatting and writing engaging dialogue then this is the place to start.

We also have information about screenwriting books, graduate film school writing programs and much more on our screenwriting resources page.

And check out out lots of handy screenwriting tips in our scriptwriting blog.

2001 A Space Odyssey: HAL Reads Lips

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this classic "movie moment" from Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking 2001: A Space Odyssey.

How To Create Memorable Characters & Develop A New Story In Three Easy Steps

Marilyn offers advice on how to improve your story and characterization.

Citizen Screenwriter

Screenwriter, author and teacher Charles Deemer discusses the screenwriter's social responsibility within the "Real World".

Casablanca: I Stick My Head Out For Nobody

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this pivotal scene from the classic Casablanca.

Exploring Unusual Character Relationships To Improve Your Script

Marilyn offers advice on how to improve your story and characterization.

10 Rules For Using Parentheticals In Your Screenplay

Screenwriter and script consultant Trevor Mayes discusses the proper use of parentheticals in your screenplay.

Using Personal Experience To Write Better Stories

Marilyn offers advice on how to use personal experience to improve your screenplay.

Taxi Driver: Woman In The Window

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this powerful scene from Scorsese's Taxi Driver.

Writing A Sitcom Pilot: Theme

Successful TV writer and producer Sheldon Bull discusses the importance of choosing a strong central "theme" when writing your spec sit…

Act “As If” to Truly Write Better in Half an Hour

Marilyn applies an acting techqniue to help improve your writing.

A Filmmakers & Screenwriters Guide To Networking

Filmmaker Chris Jones offers some top tips for making those all important business connections.

Adaptation: Hypocritical Oath?

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this scene from Charlie Kaufman's Adaptation.

How To Create Living, Breathing Characters and a Basic Plot in 30 Minutes

Marilyn suggests a technique for writers to draw upon their own friends and families experiences to help create more three-dimensional …

Porco Rosso: Pig Or Prince?

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this poignant scene from Hayao Miyazaki's animated feature Porco Rosso.

How Do You Know When Your Screenplay Is Ready For Market?

Producer and script consultant Wendy Kram offers sage advice for eager screenwriters who are preparing to shop their script.

How To Improve Your Plot By Doing Research

Marilyn offers some practical advice on how to improve your script through research.

Laura: In Love With A Corpse

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this memorable scene from Otto Preminger's Laura.

What I Learned About Screenwriting From My Composer

Produced playwright and fiction author Persephone Vandegrift applies her experience of working on a soundtrack to her film to developin…

Three Simple Techniques To Assess Your Screenplay’s Marketability

Marilyn offers some sage advice on how to assess and improve your screenplay's marketability.

12 Years A Slave: Hanging With Solomon

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this powerful scene from Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave

Scriptwriting: How To Write Killer Dialogue

Former Hollywood Lit Manager Michael Ferris offers some great advice on how to make your script POP.

A Simple Way To Develop Rich Characters

Marilyn offers advice on how to improve your script by putting yourself in the shoes of one of your story's key characters.

Network: Hell In The Boardroom

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this powerful scene from Sidney Lumet's Network

What Bad Science Fiction Can Teach Us About Writing Screenplay Description

Screenwriter Chip Street offers some great advice on how less is more when it comes to writing screenplay description.

The Twelve Writing Tips of Christmas

Marilyn offers some great advice on how to get your creative juices flowing over the holiday season.

Swimming With Sharks: Sweet Talk

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this great scene from Swimming With Sharks.

Unlikable Main Characters

Screenwriter, teacher and script consultant Erik Bork explains how sometimes empathy is more important than likability.

Avatar: Alien For Dessert

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this exciting scene from James Cameron's blockbuster Avatar.

10 Questions To Ask Before Adapting A Book Into A Screenplay

Marilyn offers some great advice on the things you need to consider before adapting a novel into a screenplay.

The 7 Mistakes Rookie Screenwriters Make

Producer, author and creator of the Raindance Film Festival Elliot Grove offers some great advice for newbie scriptwriters.

How Can Valentine’s Day Help Your Plot?

Marilyn explores how understanding your characters' attitutude to love and romance can help your screenplay.

Falling Down: Fifty Cent For A Soda

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this explosive scene from Falling Down.

Don’t F@#%ing Pitch Your Movie Like This!

Screenwriter and script consultant Trevor Mayes discusses the art of pitching your movie.

How to Write Your Screenplay or Novel Better and Faster

Marilyn offers some great advice on how to get your writing project off the ground.

The Bourne Identity: Mystery, Suspense, Surprise

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this powerful scene from The Bourne Identity.

Secrets of the 3-Minute Pitch

Story consultant, author and lecturer Michael Hauge offers some great advice on how to sell your screenplay.

The Key To Success

Marilyn offers some practical advice on how to be successful in life and screenwriting.

Jaws: Who's The Baddie?

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this great scene from Spielberg's Jaws.

The "Long Haul" Journey of a Screenwriter...

Screenwriter Mark Sanderson shares his experience of his own "long haul" screenwriting journey.

How Do You Know When Your Screenplay is “Finished?”

Marilyn offers some advice on when to stop tinkering with your screenplay.

The Wire: Officer Down

Script Consultant Karel Segers highlights this tense sequence from hit show The Wire.

4 Ways to Unlock Your Screenwriting Potential

Writer and filmmaker Dan Black discusses various ways to improve your screenwriting.

How Living a Day in the Life of Your Characters Can Help Your Story

Marilyn offers some advice on how to write better characters by puttin yourself in their shoes.

Barton Fink: Kiss His Feet!

Script Consultant Karel Segers discusses a hilarious scene from the Coen Brothers' Barton Fink.

Three Important Things to Know When Writing a Screenplay

Marilyn discusses the differences between writing novels and for the Big Screen.

The Parallax View: Kuleshov On Steroids

Script Consultant Karel Segers dissects a powerful cinematic sequence from Alan J. Pakula's The Parallax View

This Scene Sucks: Screenwriting Mistakes to Avoid

Award-winning filmmaker and comedy writer Timothy Cooper highlights some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing screenplays.

How to Spice Up Your Villain or Obstacle

Marilyn offers some practical advice on how to write a better villain.

Whiplash: What's Your Major Malfunction?

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this powerful and disturbing scene from Whiplash.

4 Tips On Writing The Opening Scenes Of Your Action Screenplay

Writer and licensed therapist Dan J. Marder offers some sage advice on how to take the opening of your action script to another level.

How Creating a Soundtrack Can Improve Your Screenplay

Marilyn explains how creating a soundtrack for your screenplay can improve your writing.

King Kong: Thank God For The Snake

Script Consultant Karel Segers discusses this classic scene from King Kong (1976).

Nightcrawler: Hungry Coyote

Script Consultant Karel Segers dissects this powerful scene from Nightcrawler.

How to Format a Professional Screenplay

Freelance writer and script reader Nicole Url offers some practical advice on how to correctly format your movie script.

An Original Backstory Can Be the Key to a Strong Plot

Marilyn explains how creating a strong backstory can help the writing of your protagonist and screenplay.

The French Connection: Business or Pleasure?

Script Consultant Karel Segers dissects a scene from William Friedkin's classic The French Connection.

How To Write Great Dialogue

Author Nina Munteanu offers some practical advice on writing better dialogue from the perspective of a novel writer.

A Six-Step Strategy To Improve Your Writing Productivity

Marilyn offers some great advice on hoe to be more productive.

Sicario: Crossing The Threshold

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this tense sequence from Sicario.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Your Screenplay

Freelance writer and script reader Nicole Url offers some practical advice on how to avoid making common mistakes in your screenplay.

Screenwriting Tips To Take Your Script To The Next Level

Author and scriptwriter Lia London offers some great tips on improving your stageplay or screenplay.

A Cure For Writer's Block

Marilyn offers some great advice on how to overcome writer' block.

Spotlight: A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects a scene from 2016 Academy Awards Best Picture winner Spotlight.

Hope Changes Everything

Actor and short filmmaker John Montana offers some advice on how to manage your career and expectations.

How to Find the Concept for Your Screenplay, TV Pilot or Novel

Marilyn explains the importance of drawing upon universal emotions in screenplay writing.

Ex Machina: Who's The Protagonist Now?

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this pivotal scene from A.I. movie Ex Machina.

Under The Skin: Beach Fun

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects this disturbing scene from Under The Skin.

The Cure For A Lack Of Self-Confidence

Marilyn offers some advice on how to build your self-confidence and become a successful writer.

The Big 7 Differences Between Writing Novels & Screenplays

Former Hollywood Lit Manager Michael Ferris explains the key differences between writing novels and screenplays.

Easy Rider: Road To Redemption

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects a poignant scene from road-movie classic Easy Rider.

Finding the Hero’s Journey in Crowd Favorite Films

Creative Content Specialist Sara McGuire examines the Hero and Heroine's Journey in popular movies.

Is Writing with a Partner a Good Idea?

Marilyn offers some advice on script collaboration.

Frozen: Disney's Snow Queen

Script Consultant Karel Segers dissects Disney's Frozen.

How The Past Can Block Your Storytelling

Marilyn reveals how dealing with past events in your life can help move your writing career in the right direction.

Kung Fu Hustle: Duck!

Script Consultant Karel Segers dissects this unique movie moment from Kung Fu Hustle.

Eight Writer Archetypes: Which One Are You?

Author and blogger Erik Deckers delves into the mind of a writer.

The Protagonist’s Relationship With Theme & Structure

Script Consultant Alex Bloom discusses the relationship between the protagonist, theme and structure.

Chariots Of Fire: Running With Synths

Script Consultant Karel Segers looks back at Oscar winning classic Chariots of Fire to see whether it stands the test of time.

The Creative Business of Screenwriting

Marilyn offers advice on how to treat your writing career like a business.

Westworld: The Original Terminator

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects the pop culture classic Westworld.

How to Develop Characters Intuitively

Writer, writing coach and blogger Lauren Sapala delves into character observation to help build more complex three-dimensional characte…

Shaun Of The Dead: Death By Slackers

Script Consultant Karel Segers disects pop culture favorite Shaun of the Dead.

How To Take Stock Of Your Year And Have Fun Doing It

Marilyn offers some advice on reviewing your year as the holidays approach.

Marketing Your Script from Day One

Actress, writer, stuntwoman and producer Kristina Michelle offers some practical business advice for writers.

How NOT To Raise Money for A Feature Film

Writer and director Brian O'Malley gives the lowdown on what to avoid when trying to raise funding for a film.

The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage, or Fiction

Screenwriter and script consultant Erik Bork discusses how to make your screen story a viable product for entertainment industry profes…

How To Get A Producer To Read Your Movie Script

Produced playwright and fiction author Persephone Vandegrift tackles the age-old question that faces every new writer of how to get the…

Creating Wonderfully Wicked Villains

Clinical Psychologist Carolyn Kaufman peers through the psychological looking glass to shed some light on what makes fiction villains t…

Interview with Richard Walter - Chair of the UCLA Screenwriting Program

Questions and Answer Feature with the longtime Chair of the UCLA Graduate Screenwriting Program Richard Walter

The Hero's Journey - Mythic Structure of Joseph Campbell's Monomyth

How to structure your story with Movie Outline script writing software following the mythic structure template of Joseph Campbell's Her…

Five Reasons Why Writing Plays Can Make You a Better Screenwriter

Playwright Jonathan Dorf reveals how writing stage plays can help improve your screenwriting.

Writing is Deleting: Script Editing Techniques For Screenwriters

Script-a-thon co-director Matt Giegerich gives practical advice on rewriting your screenplay.

High Concept Screenwriting Defined: How To Write High Concept Movies

Screenwriter Steve Kaire gives the low-down on writing high-concept movies.

Hit Me With Your Best Subplot!

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses multiple plot lines and how to use them in your screenplay.

Television Script Format

Script analyst Diane House sheds some light on the structure and formatting of teleplays.

Act Two - The Elusive Heart of the Screenplay

Jengo Robinson dissects the crucial second act of the classic three-act screenplay structure.

How To Write A Treatment

Marilyn Horowitz delves into the process of writing a screenplay treatment.

Sample Movie Treatment - Example Story Synopsis For A Film Script

Marilyn Horowitz provides a sample of a movie treatment.

Creating Movie Characters That Jump Off The Page

Screenwriter and author Robert Gregory Browne gives some insightful advice on effective character development.

Screenplay Writing: Taking the Mystery Out of Writing Mysteries

Hollywood screenwriter, psychotherapist and author Dennis Palumbo unlocks the secrets to writing effective mystery stories.

Script Notes: Feedback For The Faint-Hearted

Screenwriter and script consultant Julie Gray gives practical advice on the best way to give feedback.

Writing For Television: The Top 10 Reasons to Write a Spec TV Pilot

Emmy-nominated producer, writer and script consultant Ellen Sandler reveals the importance of writing spec pilots.

Subtext Speaks: How To Write Effective Movie Script Dialogue

Playwright and screenwriter Penny Penniston explains the importance of using subtext when writing screenplay dialogue.

Achieve Success As A Screenwriter

Freelance writer Brian Konradt gives some great pointers on how to be a successful screenwriter.

Screenplay Story & Theme: Making Movies About One Thing

Award-winning writer Stanley Williams explains how your story's moral premise can strengthen your screenplay.

Screenplay Structure in Four Easy Pieces

writer and script consultant Jengo Robinson breaks down the structure of film.

Screenplay Structure: Building Your Story From the Ground Up

Screenwriter and author Robert Gregory Browne helps lay the foundations for a structurally sound screenplay.

Rewrite Your Script: 3 Angles of Attack for Rewriting A Screenplay

Author of Your Screenplay Sucks! William M. Akers gives practical advice on how to approach a rewrite of your script.

Say Goodbye to Writer's Block: Introducing the Moral Premise

Award-winning writer Stan Williams explains how your story's moral premise can strengthen your screenplay.

How To Write A Professional Screenplay: Tips From the Chair of the UCLA Screenwriting Program

Sound advice on the Dos and Don'ts of script writing by longtime Chair of the UCLA Graduate Screenwriting Program Richard Walter.

Screenplay Format: A Guide To Industry Standard Script Formatting

A guide of how to professionally format and layout a Hollywood movie script.

Is Your Movie Script Ready for the Marketplace?

Script consultant Donie Nelson gives practical advice on preparing your script for submission.

Lawrence of Arabia Screenplay Deconstructed Using Narratemes Story Structure

"Lawrence of Arabia" Screenplay Deconstructed Using Vladimir Propp's Narratemes Story Structure.

Vladimir Propp's Narratemes & Morphology of the Folktale

Vladimir Propp's Narratemes & Morphology of the Folktale.

The 11 Laws of Great Storytelling For the Movies

Professor, screenwriter and script consultant Jeffrey Hirschberg reveals the key elements of writing an engaging screenplay.

Writing With Passion – Without It, Forget It

Screenwriter, author and script coach Christopher Keane makes you think twice about writing anything if your heart isn't in it.

Creative Writing: An Accident Waiting To Happen

Produced screenwriter Dan Bronzite explains how listening to your inner voice and going with the flow can help you write a better scree…

22 Ways to Learn & Improve Your Screenwriting

Writer, producer and author Hal Croasmun gives you some great tips to improve your writing and get your script sold.

The Right Hook: How To Secure Literary Representation With Your Best Logline & Pitch

Producer Marvin V. Acuna explains how important it is to get your logline and pitch right when seeking literary representation.

Hidden Structures In Great Stories And Their Enormous Power

Writer and story consultant James Bonnet dissects story structure's common thread through classic movies.

Pitching Your Script - Questions Every Producer Has About Your Screenplay

Writer, producer and author Hal Croasmun helps you make the right pitch.

See Your Script Through The Eyes Of A Literary Agent

Michael Hauge helps you understand the process of script reading from the perspective of a literary agent.

A Simple Plan.. A Brilliant Scene

Quigly Down Under scribe John Hill dissects what makes a good scene using the example of the movie "A Simple Plan".

Can Movies Make A Difference? - The Influence Of Cinema

Award-winning writer Catherine Ann Jones contemplates the influence of cinema.

Cinematic Storytelling and Directing the Director

Screenwriting teacher Jennifer van Sijll discusses how to write cinematically and whether to include direction in your screenplay.

Cinematic Storytelling: Using Dynamic Metaphors In Your Screenplay

Screenwriter and author Jennifer van Sijll discusses the power of metaphor in movies.

Finding and Developing Ideas For Your Screenplay

Authors of the critically acclaimed book 'I Liked It, Didn't Love It' discuss the genesis of story.

Dual Character Arcs in Erin Brockovich

Writer and teacher David Freeman discusses character development using the movie example of "Erin Brockovich".

Little Red Riding Hood - Learning to Write Better Characters from Fairytales

How to write better characters by learning from fairytale stories like Little Red Riding Hood.

Before You Leap: What To Do With The First Draft Of Your Script

Writer and script consultant Ray Morton offers some practical advice on what to do with the first draft of your screenplay.

How To Get An Agent

Author and former Studio Exec Marisa D'Vari gives some practical advice in obtaining literary representation.

The Hero's Role in Screenwriting

Quigly Down Under scribe John Hill discusses the traditional Hero's place in contemporary film-making.

Using Metaphor In Story Writing

Teacher and story consultant James Bonnet discusses the subtext and message behind movie story structure.

Movie Storytelling & Free-Form Screenwriting

The pros and cons of free-form cinematic storytelling and adhering to the rules when writing your screenplay.

The Freedom to Shop: Contracts For Optioning A Screenplay

Robert Seigel discusses contract alternatives to the standard screenplay option agreement for screenwriters.

Rewriting Your Screenplay: The Road to your Audience

Gordy Hoffman, winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival, shares his experience of rewriting movie scr…

Adaptation 101 - From Novel to Screenplay

How to successfully adapt a novel into a movie script.

Story & Plot Devices In Your Screenplay

Writer and script consultant Ray Morton looks into the trends of using writing devices in your movie script.

Using Juxtaposition In Your Screenplay To Make A Better Story & Script

How contrasting elements of your story and using juxtapostion in your screenplay can help your script.

Focal Points: Screenplay Theme, Structure & Characters

How the wrong theme, extraneous subplots and ill-considered characterization can sink a screenplay.

The Hollywood Screenwriter As A Multiple-Personality

Quigly Down Under scribe John Hill discusses the many guises of a screenwriter.

How To Write Screenplay Dialogue

How to write great dialogue for your film screenplay and how to write high structure, high concept movies

Screenwriting Habits: The Short Attention Span Screenwriter

Screenwriter & Teacher D.B. Gilles gets to grips with our screewriting habits.

The Top Ten Reasons For When You, As A Writer, Need A Lawyer

Entertainment Attorney Robert L. Seigel gives you the hard facts we always wanted to know about screenwriting and the law.

Breaking the Screenwriting Rules: Advice From Renowned UCLA Instructor

Renowned UCLA Instructor Howard Suber forces us to question formulaic screenwriting.

Writing An Effective Logline For Your Script - Marketing Your Screenplay

Jeff Bollow, independent film producer and entrepreneur, discusses the power of the logline.

Techniques to Establish Story Pacing For Your Script

Writer and Teacher Gerry Visco discusses the importance of effective script editing.

Screenplay Copyright: Script Registration Facts & Fiction

Scribe & Script Consultant Evan Smith gets into the nitty gritty of protecting your work.

Script Rewrites: How To Find Weaknesses In Your Script

Don Bledsoe, Founder of ScriptNurse, gives practcal advice on how to get the most out of your screenplay.

Getting Scripts Read in Hollywood: How Do I Sell My Screenplay?

Donna Michelle Anderson gives practical advice about breaking into Hollywood.

How To Conquer Writer's Block

Steven Barnes delves into every writer's nightmare - the dreaded Writer's Block.

Studio Pitch Meetings: An Amusing Look At Pitching Your Script

Quigly Down Under scribe John Hill's amusing POV on the stressful art of pitching your screenplay.

Writing Characters Using Conflict & Backstory

Corey Blake delves into character development for screenplays.

How to Keep Your Story From Stalling

How to write better stories by keeping your stakes high and cutting exposition.

The 4 Rules of Comedy Writing For Screenwriters

How to write a funny screenplay by following the simple rules of comedy.

Screenplay Writing Partners: How NOT To Collaborate on Scripts

Script Collaboration: The pros and cons of working with a writing partner on your screenplay.

How To Get Your Script A Date With Fame

Script consultant tips comparing the dating game to the world of screenwriting.

The Rules Of Series Television Writing

Author & Professor Pamela Douglas gives you some new rules for writing television.

A Glossary Of Screenwriting Terms & Filmmaking Definitions

Common terms and definitions used in Film Production & Screenwriting such as spec script, shooting script (final draft), intercut, voic…

Interview With Author Rex Pickett: Up, Down, and Sideways

Vera Caccioppoli, screenwriter and founder of Hi-Way-Haven, recounts her meeting with Rex Pickett, author of Sideways.

The Way Of Story: Inspiration In Creative Writing

Award-winning writer Catherine Ann Jones contemplates inspiration, creativity and an open mind.

The Art Of Plotting Your Story & Screenplay Structure

Screenwriter, teacher and author Linda Cowgill discusses the elements of effective story design.

Tracking Story Thru-Lines: The Secret To Successful Rewrites

Award-winning writer and story consultant Catherine Ann Jones offers an insight into rewriting your screenplay.

Story Structure: The Tragedy, Mystery and Romance Of Genre

Writer and story consultant James Bonnet dissects story structure.

The Essence Of Story Writing: Modern-Day Films Analyzed

Writer, teacher and story consultant James Bonnet breaks down story into seven critical elements using examples from modern-day films.

Creating Believable Villains For Your Story & Screenplay

Screenwriter & author Skip Press delves into the mind of the villain.

Writing Great Dialogue For Movie Scripts

Robert Piluso sheds some light on how to write effective dialogue for your movie.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 1 by The Unknown Screenwriter

The Unknown Screenwriter begins an excellent series of articles about constructing your script.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 2 by The Unknown Screenwriter

The Unknown Screenwriter continues an excellent series of articles about constructing your script.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 3: What I Learned from Aristotle

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses "Aristotelian Causality".

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 4: Memento & Pulp Fiction Non-Linear Story Telling

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses non-linear movie structure.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 5: Research

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses research and story planning.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 6: The Monomyth & Hero's Journey

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses the Hero's Journey and Monomyth paradigm.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 7: Structure vs. Genre

The Unknown Screenwriters clarifies the distinction between genre and structure.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 8: Your First Ten Pages

The Unknown Screenwriter examines the structural importance of the first ten pages of your screenplay.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 9: Your First Ten Pages & The Hook

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses the hook of your first ten pages.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 10: Your First Ten Pages & The Ordinary World

The Unknown Screenwriter examines the importance of setting up the protagonist's "Ordinary World" in the first ten pages of your script…

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 11: The Inciting Incident Part 1

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses the first act's inciting incident.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 12: The Inciting Incident Part 2

The Unknown Screenwriter continues discussing the first act's inciting incident.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 13: The Protagonist's Call To Action Dilemma

The Unknown Screenwriter examines the hero's "call to action".

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 14: Subplots & the Midpoint

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses how to use subplots and what should occur at the midpoint of your principle storyline.

Screenwriting Structure Series Part 15: Complications & Higher Stakes

The Unknown Screenwriter concludes his series of articles on structure.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 1

The Unknown Screenwriter begins an excellent series of articles about creating three-dimensional characters and engaging story arcs.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 2 - Personality Types

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses common personality types.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 3 - Personality Types

The Unknown Screenwriter continues his discussion of common personality types.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 4 - Personality Types

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses more common personality types.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 5 - Personality Types

The Unknown Screenwriter talks about more of the common personality types.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 6 - Building Your Character

The Unknown Screenwriter focuses on building your character bio and arc.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 7 - The Protagonist's Fatal Flaw

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses the protagonist's fatal flaw.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 8 - Theme

The Unknown Screenwriter discusses character and theme.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 9 - Exposure Therapy For Your Protagonist

The Unknown Screenwriter focuses on the protagonist's fear.

Transformational Character Arcs: Part 10 - Recap

The Unknown Screenwriter concludes his series on transformational character arcs with a comprehensive recap of what has been discussed.

The Very Best Way To Pitch: Bait The Hook To Suit The Fish

How to create a successful pitch for your screenplay.

How to Finish Your Script by Thanksgiving

Screenwriting tips to help you finish your script to a deadline.

How To Use A Specific Cultural Heritage To Improve Your Plot

How using culture in your story can imporove your script.

Change Your Structure, Improve Your Script

How to improve your screenplay by changing its structure.

How To Use The Formative Event Technique To Raise The Stakes In Your Story

Marilyn discusses the formative event of your protagonist's story.

How To Improve Your Plot By Asking Three Questions About Your Main Character

How getting to know your protagonist better will help your script.

How An Overheard Conversation Can Improve Your Plot

How the real world can help your fictional world feel real.

The Three Most Common Rewriting Challenges and How To Fix Them

Practical advice on how to attack a rewrite.

What's For Dinner?

How setting a scene around the dinner table can help a story.

Use the Cultural Context of Your Screenplay To Improve Your Plot

Marilyn's advice to let the world around you influence your screen story.

How To Create More Suspense in Act Two: Use An Event With A Deadline

How introducing a deadline to your second act can create suspense.

How To Improve Your Characters' Dialogue

Some good advice on how to brush up your script's dialogue.

How Remembering A Tragic Historical Event Can Improve Your Plot

Marilyn explains how using historical events as a backdrop can define a character and enhance your story.

Interviewing Your Characters: Using A Real Life Experience to Get More Creative

How using a real life experience can positively influence your screenplay.

Be True to Yourself.. And Smart With Your Script

Advice on how you should always write for yourself and from the heart.

How To Make Your Third Act Fresher and Better

Marilyn offers some practical advice on how to improve your script's third act.

Use The Four Magic Questions Of Screenwriting To Find The Emotional Logic In Your Story

How to create plot and character together using the emotional logic of your story.

How Would Your Main Character Escape?

Marilyn discusses a character's crisis point and escape in your story.

Deadlines Make Scripts Better, Every Time!

How sticking to a deadline will improve your writing and screenplay.

How To Write a Great Twist For Your Third Act

How to improve your ending and your script.

How To Write A Better Script By Using "Memories"

How to build three-dimensional characters by creating memories for them.

How To Use Christmas Eve To Raise The Stakes Of Your Screenplay

How using Christmas Eve as a backdrop to your story can help your script.

How To Get Mean To Finish Your Script

Marilyn advises writers to treat their protagonist mean to reveal their true character.

How To Eat Dessert First

How asking key questions about the end of your story can help your writing process from the start.

Want to Finish Your Script Fast?

Top tips to stop you procrastinating and finally finish your screenplay.

How To Set Up Act 1: Think In Your Hero Or Villain's Voice

How writing a first person narration from the perspective of your protagonist and antagonist can strengthen your first act.

To Dramatize Or Summarize? That Is The Question

Techniques to help you rewrite your screenplay.

Writing Your Screenplay: The Zero Draft

Lessons you can learn from the first draft of your screenplay.

How To Use Your Main Character's Belief System To Improve Your Plot

How understanding your protagonist can build a stronger script.

How To Tweak Your Plot In One Easy Thought

Create an original plot twist by asking what would drive your protagonist to commit murder.

How To Develop A Biopic: A Fast And Easy Way To Get Ready To Write

Practical advice on how to write a biopic screenplay.

How To Cross The Act II Threshold

Advice on how to successfully move your story into the second act.

How To Write A Better Third Act

Practical advice on tackling the final act of your screenplay.

Each Of Your Main Characters Should Have A Secret

How creating a secret for your principle characters can improve your script.

How do you secure the rights for a remake of an old movie?

Question by Ben in Texas.

Will entering screenplay competitions work against me when I try to sell my script?

Question by Keith in California.

What happens if I get a new agent but then an old project gets produced?

Question by Richard in Arizona.

As a UK writer, do I need to obtain a working visa to perform an assignment while in the US?

Question by Kim in the United Kingdom.

Can the public statements of public figures be freely incorporated into the dialogue of fictional characters in a screenplay?

Question by Reed in Colorado.

How do producers and arbitrators decide how credit is split between multiple writers?

Question by Monica in Illinois.

What details do I need to know regarding internet distribution of my produced script?

Question by Christian in Georgia.

What do you advise to pursue first, the stage production or the movie version of my script?

Question by Joseph in Texas.

Should I try and secure an agent or manager before sending my script to producers?

Question by James in New Jersey.

As a writer based in the UK, what pitfalls do I face in getting my script read and produced in Hollywood that US-based writers do not?

Question by Penny from London.

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