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Rewriting is an integral part of the complex, multilayered process of transforming an idea into a produced film. According to some estimates, 90% of spec screenplays never make it to the screen and as many as 95 to 100 draft revisions are done even for movies that get made. Through an extensive collaboration that could …

What Is a Screenplay Rewrite? Insider Facts and Tips From Veteran Hollywood Writers Read More »

Have you ever reached the end of reading a book or watching a film and felt disappointed or frustrated at the resolution? As an audience member, perhaps you visualized a different ending or along the way wished the storyline had taken a more intriguing path. Well, aspiring screenwriters face this same challenge in reverse – …

What is a Reverse Screenplay? The Different Approach to Crafting Movie Scripts Read More »

Want to write an amazing screenplay that will wow producers and captivate audiences? Easier said than done for aspiring new scriptwriters trying to break into Hollywood. It’s tempting to just open a blank document and unleash your inner Tarantino. However, if you want to seriously impress the film industry and avoid cringe-worthy amateur mistakes, there …

How NOT to Write a Screenplay: 7 Amateur Mistakes Ruining Spec Scripts Read More »

Aspiring screenwriters know that winning or placing as a finalist in a reputable screenwriting competition can provide that crucial early validation of your talent. It’s also often a key stepping stone to breaking into the industry and getting your script sold or produced. With competition recognition on your resume, you instantly get elevated out of …

Top 7 Screenplay Contests to Jumpstart Your Screenwriting Career in 2024 Read More »

Getting your screenplay to stand out from the thousands of scripts studios, production companies, agencies, and managers receive every year requires immense creativity and persistence. Especially when you don’t have industry connections or a professional reputation that precedes you. As an unknown writer trying to get your screenplay read by the right people, the odds …

How to Get Your Screenplay Noticed: 8 Proven Strategies to Stand Out from 50,000 Scripts and Get a Screenplay Deal as an Unknown Writer Read More »

Lights, camera, lawsuit? Many great films like The Social Network, Argo, and Catch Me If You Can are “based on a true story.” But fictionalizing real events and people always carries legal risks. In 2018, the romantic drama A Private War, about war correspondent Marie Colvin, sparked a $300 million lawsuit from Colvin’s sister. She …

How to Write a Screenplay Based on Real Events Without Getting Sued Read More »

If you’re writing a screenplay, you know formatting is crucial for conveying important elements like scene settings, character introductions, actions, and transitions. One screenplay format you’ll commonly need is CONTINUOUS. But what exactly does CONTINUOUS mean and how do you use it correctly in a screenplay? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to …

How to Use CONTINUOUS in a Screenplay Read More »

Dreaming of selling your screenplay to a major studio and seeing your story come to life on the big screen? As a screenwriter, getting your script read by the right people is the biggest hurdle on the path to success. But thankfully, there are many options for aspiring screenwriters to submit their work and get …

Where to Submit Your Screenplay: 50+ Options to Get Your Script Seen (2024 Guide) Read More »

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and been captivated by a particularly powerful scene or image? Shots like the opening helicopter panorama in The Shining or the gruesome shower scene in Psycho? Masterful cinematography doesn’t just happen on set – it starts from the script. Writing effective shot descriptions in your screenplay …

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Shot Descriptions in Screenplays in 2024 Read More »

If you have a great idea for a movie, the first and most important step is to create a strong screenplay outline. This outline acts as the skeleton that supports the entire body of your script. Without a solid foundation in the outline stage, even the best concepts can fall apart in execution. An outline …

How to Write a Screenplay Outline That Hooks Hollywood in 10 Steps [Template] Read More »