Investigative

Fixing the Worst Scene in Your Screenplay (exclusive member ebook)

November 2, 2026July 16, 2026 by Industrial Scripts

There’s a well-known Howard Hawks quote that goes: ‘A good movie is three good scenes and no bad scenes’. Casting aside its direct meaning, it also hits on an interesting …

How Do You OVERCOME Creative Burnout as a Screenwriter?

November 2, 2026May 5, 2023 by Industrial Scripts

Feeling exhausted from writing? Struggling to tap into the imagination you once had? Questioning going back to the job you earned your college degree for because your parents are on your back and your writing dreams seem bleak? Then congratulations! You just had a date with creative burnout. But what exactly is creative burnout? And how does one overcome it as a writer? We explore… Table of ContentsWhat is Creative Burnout?What are the Solutions to Creative Burnout?The Mind of a

Why Does Your Screenplay Page Count REALLY Matter?

October 30, 2026April 12, 2023 by Industrial Scripts

Trying to hit a certain page count is probably one of the least exciting elements of writing and polishing a screenplay. But for those sitting down to read it, a …

The Eternal Sunshine Ending: How to Write a GREAT Conclusion

November 2, 2026March 27, 2023 by Industrial Scripts

In this article, we take a look at the ending of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in order to learn what makes it so powerful and effective. What lessons can one learn from this great ending? And how might you incorporate such lessons into your own screenwriting? Table of ContentsWhy a Film’s Ending is So ImportantThe Eternal Sunshine Ending; Resolution and ObscurityWhy Does This Make for a Good Ending?The Eternal Sunshine Ending’s Philosophical Commentary 1. Dealing With Heartbreak2. To

The KEYS to Achieving Screenwriting Representation

November 2, 2026February 2, 2023 by Industrial Scripts

Screenwriting representation can be a white whale for all screenwriters, the thing that they feel will take them to the next level. And indeed, it can be the first step to becoming a professional and working screenwriter. But how do you achieve screenwriting representation? What are the steps to getting an agent? We look at the absolute key steps you should take to set yourself up for potential screenwriting representation. Table of ContentsWhy Should You Get Screenwriting Representation?Keys to Achieving

What is Personification and Why is it Useful in Screenwriting?

November 2, 2026January 25, 2023 by Industrial Scripts

Inside Out Personification in Screenwriting

Personification is a popular literary device that uses figurative language and can be a powerful tool in creating memorable characters and settings. However, it is not just used in poems and novels. It can be used by screenwriters and filmmakers to bring their stories to life – literally! In this article, we’ll define personification, explore why writers and screenwriters choose to use it in their work, and how it can be effective in storytelling. Table of ContentsWhat is Personification?Why is

What are the 15 Worst Short Film Cliches You MUST Avoid?

November 2, 2026November 16, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Short films are as prominent as ever as an effective form of expression for emerging filmmakers. However, a constantly used form runs the risk of certain techniques becoming overused and cliched. There are certain short film cliches that will instantly turn off audiences and those in the industry. With limited time and usually budget, it can be easy to fall back on these cliches to fill in gaps or force the film to progress. But remember, the foundation of a short film

What The Social Network Opening Scene Teaches Screenwriters

November 2, 2026November 2, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

The Social Network opening scene grips the audience into its world. It’s one of the most compelling examples of an opening scene in its use of quick dialogue, acute character set-up and rich conflict. Written by the characteristically sharp Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network, as a whole, is a masterful exploration of clashing egos. It’s ultimately a brilliant character study, taking a look at what drives someone with ruthless ambition. And it’s the opening scene that lays this thematic purpose

What is an Unreliable Narrator and How Do You Write One?

November 2, 2026October 21, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

It’s comforting to settle into a story where we can trust the narrator to guide us easily and expertly. The narrator is, after all, the audience’s compass through the story, a framing device on which they can rely heavily. However, not all narrators can be trusted with equal measure. The unreliable narrator can lead the audience down the wrong path either on purpose or by virtue of their personality. But what’s the use of an unreliable narrator in screenwriting? And

What is a Mary Sue Character And How Do You Avoid Writing One?

November 2, 2026October 13, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

In recent years, there has been a lot of dialogue around who the term Mary Sue can be ascribed to and what constitutes it. But what, fundamentally, is a Mary Sue character? And perhaps more importantly, with it being seen largely as a negative trait for a screenplay, what can be done to avoid it? In this article, we look into the meaning of a Mary Sue character and how you can protect against writing one in your screenplay. So,

How Do You Break into the Film Industry? 10 Important Lessons

November 2, 2026September 30, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

The film industry is infamously hard to break into. This applies whether you’re behind the scenes, in post-production or right in front of the camera. It can be tricky to find that first job to kickstart your career. However, there are ways to gain experience and impress employers – it certainly isn’t easy, but it’s also not impossible. So we’ve put together 10 important lessons for breaking into the film industry. What are the fundamental things you must know in

What is the Special Girl Trope and How Do You Avoid It?

November 2, 2026September 12, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

As a screenwriter, a trope can be both your best friend and your enemy. How is a writer meant to stand out when the same plot line has been repeated a million times before? At the same time, a trope is often a trope because it taps into something that audiences want to see. There is perhaps little better example of this than the Special Girl trope. Film constantly influences society; how we think about ourselves and how we view

The BEST Series Finales and What They Teach About Writing TV

November 2, 2026September 6, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

How do you finish writing a TV series? We all know the feeling of being disappointed by a series finale, mourning not only the loss of a treasured show but also an unsatisfying ending. But what about the series finales which leave us with our jaw on the floor (in a good way)? What can these brilliant series finales teach screenwriters about storytelling and about TV writing? We take a look at some of the best examples and analyze what

What’s SO Good About The Citizen Kane Ending?

November 2, 2026August 30, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Citizen Kane; a classic piece of cinema still studied in film schools throughout the world today. Written by Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles, it was directed by Orson Welles, who also took the starring role. The 2020 Netflix movie Mank even tells the remarkable story of how the film was created back in 1941. It’s the ending though, in particular, that stands out as one of the most iconic and cited examples of great storytelling in cinema history. But

What is Circular Storytelling? The KEY Lessons For Story Structure

November 2, 2026August 18, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Circular storytelling is a structural technique visible in many stories across film, TV, literature and other mediums. But what exactly does the structure entail? And could it be useful to your screenplay? We take a look… Table of ContentsWhat is Narrative Structure?What’s the Point of Circular Storytelling?Circular Storytelling in Other MediumsThe Hero’s JourneyCircular Storytelling in Dan Harmon’s Story CircleCircular Storytelling in SitcomsDetermining the Best Narrative Structure For Your ScreenplayIs Circular Storytelling Right for Your Story? What is Narrative Structure? Everyone

Forensic Scene Analysis: “I Drink Your Milkshake!”

November 2, 2026August 5, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

“I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!” – Some scenes in film and TV are so memorable they transcend their origin and become part of film culture. In this series, we take a look at what makes those scenes so beloved. We’ll break down why the scene works and what it demonstrates about the screenwriting craft. Understanding what turns a good scene into a great scene is illuminative when writing a screenplay. By looking at the finished product on

Is The Godfather Opening Scene the Best Opening Scene EVER?

November 2, 2026July 25, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

The Godfather Opening Scene - Bonasera Asking

What do great opening scenes do? They capture the essence of the upcoming story, whether the audience knows it or not. At their best, they lay out the story’s essential driving theme cinematically and grippingly as well as establishing tone, genre and some elements of characterisation. With this in mind, The Godfather opening scene makes a strong case for a perfect opening scene. But what is it exactly that makes this scene such a great opening to the film? And

5 VITAL Lessons Screenwriters Can Take from Aaron Sorkin Scripts

October 30, 2026July 20, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Aaron Sorkin is one of the few screenwriters whose name alone can get a film greenlit. And Aaron Sorkin scripts not only make great TV or film blueprints but are …

What Does a Script Coordinator Do? The BEST & SIMPLEST Breakdown

November 2, 2026June 27, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

When we think about screenwriting we tend to think about the writer behind the work we eventually see on the screen. But what about all of the other important jobs we don’t see that help the script become successful? A lot of work goes on behind the scenes. And for burgeoning writers, it can be easy to lose sight of the hard graft that goes on to make films and TV shows come to life. One of these crucial job

What is a Showrunner and What EXACTLY Do They Do?

November 2, 2026June 14, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Being a showrunner is one of the most unique and important jobs in contemporary television. The position is a combination of creativity, consistency and managerial responsibility. They’re the behind-the-scenes masters and the ones that make everything happen. But what exactly does the showrunner’s job entail? We take a look… Table of ContentsWhat is a Showrunner?What are a Showrunner’s Responsibilities?Showrunners vs Producers vs DirectorsHow Do You Become a Showrunner?1. Writing2. Writers’ Room3. Some Production ExperienceExamples of Famous ShowrunnersIn Summary What is

What Does a Pro Screenwriting Assignment REALLY Look Like?

November 1, 2026May 17, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Whether you’re an emerging screenwriter just starting on a new path or a well-developed professional you may be wondering what a pro typical screenwriting assignment looks like. All levels of …

A Screenplay Option Offer Comes In…Here’s How You Navigate It

November 2, 2026March 29, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Table of ContentsWhat is a Screenplay Option?Important Points to Know From the Very BeginningWhat About Money?Dollar Option on a ScreenplayHow Long Should the Optioning (and Renewal) Period Last?What’s Your Role During the Optioning Period?How Much Can Your Screenplay Be Changed?To Lawyer Up, or Not to Lawyer Up?A Screenplay Option – Final Points So, you’ve written a screenplay and a producer has approached you about a screenplay option. Amazing – right? You’re one step closer to having your work make it

What is the Definition of CINEMATIC, in Screenwriting Terms?

November 2, 2026February 17, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Table of ContentsThe Elements of CINEMATIC1. Visual Elements2. Music and Dialogue3. Dynamic Cinematic TechniquesMise-en-scène in the Definition of CinematicUsing Cinematic Language to Achieve “Cinematic”The Definition of Cinematic in TV SeriesIn Conclusion We’ve all heard the term “cinematic”. Film reviews, job offerings, script feedback, award acceptance speeches. Many people in the industry use this term, some of them quite lightly. But what is the real definition of “cinematic”? In the dictionary, cinematic means “relating to cinema”. Plain and simple. But not

Do You Still Need to Move to LA as a Screenwriter?

November 2, 2026January 5, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

When any person says their dream is to become a screenwriter, a comment you’ll often hear is “you should move to LA first”. Getting advice about how to start as a screenwriter from a professional in the industry?…“you should move to LA”. Telling a random stranger on the street that you want to be a screenwriter?…“you should move to LA”. Want to be a screenwriter with zero experience?…“you should move to LA first”. This isn’t particularly useful advice for screenwriters

Writing Dramatic Irony in Screenwriting: The Key Steps

November 2, 2026December 13, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

Table of ContentsWhat is Dramatic Irony?Three Common Types of Irony Key Ways to Use Dramatic Irony in Screenwriting1. Using Dramatic Irony for Suspense 2. Using Alternative Perspectives 3. Engrossing the Audience in the Character’s Tragedy 4. Writing Dramatic Irony for Humour 5. Creating Empathy for Naive Characters Things to Watch Out for When Writing Dramatic Irony In Conclusion: Writing Dramatic Irony EffectivelyIn Summary What is Dramatic Irony? Simply put, dramatic irony is a form of irony. It is both a

How to Handle Feedback: A Screenwriter’s Guide

November 2, 2026December 6, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

Table of ContentsWhat is Feedback?Why is Feedback So Important for Writers?Is All Feedback Equally Valuable?How Do You Know if Feedback is Good or Not? When in the Process to Get Feedback?How to Ask for Feedback?What to Expect/Look For From Feedback?Dealing With Negative FeedbackWhat to Do With Positive Feedback?In Conclusion Handling Feedback: In Summary What is Feedback? Feedback is an essential part of the creative process for any artist. And this is especially true for those in the film and TV

How Do You Write a Query Letter? 10 Tips to Getting Your Script Read

November 2, 2026August 5, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

It can be hard to figure out where to send your work or who to contact about possibly reading your writing. Your work could be something that’s already written. It could even be a piece you have thought about writing and you want to know if it’s worth it to get started. Either way, an essential part of getting your work out there is being able to write a query letter. Table of ContentsWhat is a Query Letter? Main Purposes

What Does a Story Editor Do? The ESSENTIAL Breakdown

November 2, 2026July 28, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes of all your favorite movies and TV shows. From designing sets and creating costumes, bringing what is on the page to life is a complicated process. Still, it all starts with words on the page that have been put there by talented writers. And those talented writers will often be aided in the process by a story editor. This role plays an important part in bringing a script to life. A

Deus Ex Machina: How to USE and/or AVOID in Screenwriting

November 2, 2026July 15, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

What is a Deus ex machina? It sounds like something technological and complex. But it’s actually quite simple. Well, have you ever just been watching a film totally invested, your anticipation at an all-time high waiting for the ending? The movie has been good, and you cannot imagine anything taking away from it. So, as the end approaches it becomes clear all hope is gone. Nothing will be able to save the characters in the film from certain death or

What is a Page One Rewrite? The ESSENTIALS of Rewriting a Script

November 2, 2026July 5, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

A ‘page one rewrite’. It can be one of the most dreaded words a screenwriter can hear and something that most writers will hope to avoid. However, it’s inevitable that at some point in your writing career you will have to start a script from scratch. It could be something about the structure that’s not working or something about the protagonist arc or well, everything. Either way, a page one rewrite will require you to keep the core ideas of

What is Method Writing? Meaningless Buzzword or Useful Tool?

November 2, 2026May 25, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

The market for stories has a wealth of new entrants every year. This is of little help to most writers who do not need any further reminders that they are in a tough industry. New approaches to writing, however, could be helpful to some writers seeking to stand out in such a competitive field or to break through writer’s block. And one approach that has gathered momentum in recent times is “method writing”. Table of ContentsIntroduction: What is Method Writing?Employing

What Can a Table Read / Read Through Do For Your Screenplay?

November 2, 2026May 18, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

A table read is one of the most important steps in the production process for any feature film or TV series. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your screenplay, you’ve collected feedback and you’re ready to send it out into the world. But before you unleash your carefully crafted words, have you ever heard them spoken aloud? A table read puts your screenplay at a huge advantage and can be crucial to its success. It can even be considered

Forensic Scene Analysis: ‘The Red Wedding’

November 2, 2026March 3, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

Understanding what makes great scenes really great is very useful when writing a screenplay. It gives you the tools and knowledge to write your own. In this article we are going to analyse and discuss the iconic scene ‘The Red Wedding’ in Game of Thrones, Season 3 Episode 9 ‘The Rains of Castamere’. SPOILERS AHEAD! Table of ContentsThe Importance of The Red WeddingThe Setup of The Red WeddingForms of the Setup Small Moments of Disclosure: How We Know Something is

Fact and Fiction: How to Handle THE TRUTH as a Screenwriter

November 2, 2026February 4, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

Oftentimes, a film based in reality will include a handful of fabricated details and interactions. Many people dedicate themselves to pointing out instances where true stories deviate from the truth. Such films and television shows are consistently challenged with intertwining fact and fiction. But if something claims to be a true story, why can it get away with including details that aren’t entirely true? Narrative films are not documentaries. Even documentaries often distort reality to serve their intended narrative, to

Political Thrillers vs Political Dramas: What Are the KEY Differences?

November 2, 2026December 15, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

While shows such as The Crown and House of Cards have been recent hits, political thrillers and political dramas have been around since the dawn of storytelling. After all, Shakespeare set many of his greatest plays amongst the halls of the politically powerful. Audiences have always been fascinated with gaining an insight into the world of politics. From stories set inside the White House, a Royal Court or the CIA. These stories get to the heart of conflict and to

Barry Berkman – ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 6

November 2, 2026November 12, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts’ articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Barry Berkman from Barry. Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Barry Berkman?Complex, Three-Dimensional CharactersCharacters in BarryMonroe FuchesGene CousineauSally ReedFinding PurposeBarry Berkman’s Double LifeBarry Berkman’s Character Development What Makes Barry Berkman an Original Character? What is an Original Character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when they’re long gone from your screens. It’s a

ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 4 – Cersei Lannister

November 2, 2026September 7, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones. What is an Original Character? What is an original character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when they’re long gone from your screens. It’s a character that serves as a reference point in casual conversation or a character that sums up a behaviour or generation. original, adjective“Not the same as anything or anyone

Forensic Scene Analysis: The Whiplash Scene – ‘Not Quite My Tempo’

November 1, 2026August 28, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

In this series, we’ll take a look at great, well-known scenes from films and TV. We’ll analyse these scenes to figure out what makes them work so well, what they …

Honestly, Should You Do a Screenwriting Degree? 10 PROS and 10 CONS

November 2, 2026August 25, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

More and more colleges and universities are offering academic pathways for screenwriters. This means a screenwriting degree is definitely something aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters will naturally consider at some point. It could be a master’s or a bachelor’s, a major, or a minor. Regardless, a screenwriting degree comes with its own set of opportunities and obstacles. When it comes to attending medical school, a prospective doctor has no say in the matter if they plan on getting a job. Lawyers

ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 3 – Villanelle

November 2, 2026August 4, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

Welcome to Original Characters, an ongoing series of Industrial Scripts articles examining the most original characters to appear in both TV and film. This article will focus on Villanelle from Killing Eve. What is an Original Character? What is an original character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when they’re long gone from your screens. It’s a character that serves as a reference point in casual conversation or a character that sums up a behaviour or generation. original, adjective“not the same

49 Fixable Reasons A Screenplay Reader Passed On Your Project

November 2, 2026January 3, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

49 Fixable Reasons A Screenplay Reader Passed On Your Project Every writer has experienced that moment of wanting to throw the towel in after getting rejected. However, it’s important not to be defeated by the thoughts of the person typically on the other end of your screenplay: The Screenplay Reader. Getting that ‘Pass’ on the screenplay you’ve put your blood sweat and tears in for months or years can be tough to swallow. It’s too easy to take the screenplay

How to Expertly Develop Your Character’s Fatal Flaw

December 20, 2019December 20, 2019 by Industrial Scripts

A Character’s Fatal Flaw – What Does it Mean? In good stories, as in life, one of the most important aspects is the search for growth and the striving …

15 Examples of Bad Writing in Really GOOD Movies and Shows

July 29, 2020October 18, 2019 by Industrial Scripts

If you pay even a sliver of attention to people’s critiques of TV and film, then you understand that great screenwriting isn’t necessarily a given, even for shows and movies …

An Honest WriterDuet Review: Is It Worth It?

July 26, 2019July 26, 2019 by Industrial Scripts

An Honest WriterDuet Review by Industrial Scripts WriterDuet is a software for writing and editing screenplays, focused on being modern, intuitive, and user-friendly. It’s got a variety of different …

Save the Cat Analysis Series: AMERICAN PIE

February 27, 2019 by Industrial Scripts

One of the world’s most popular screenwriting books , Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat has brought clarity and a sense of direction to thousands of screenwriters, who were looking for the logical …

Stop Obsessing About One Script Reader’s Notes

October 30, 2026May 22, 2018 by Industrial Scripts

At Industrial Scripts, we hear it all the time. You can almost hear the echoing footsteps of the query, before it arrives: “Can I have the same script reader as …

How To Generate Narrative Momentum in Screenplays

July 16, 2026October 23, 2017 by Industrial Scripts

There’s a great quote from F. Hauser and R. Reich that states: “In all the best material, the outcome is inevitable and inherent in the opening moment and every moment …

Should Screenwriters Write “Omnisciently”?

December 14, 2016 by Industrial Scripts

To write omnisciently as a screenwriter often entails, for better or worse, including elements that may never show up onscreen: jokes in descriptions or insights into characters’ thoughts and histories …

Lessons From Timing the Death Sequence in PREDATOR

November 6, 2018June 23, 2015 by Industrial Scripts

Way back when… For much of the 80’s and into the 90’s, “Schwarzenegger” was a byword for a movie with a high body count. The box office was peppered with …