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The Cold Open: Starting Your Screenplay With a Bang

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Breaking Bad Cold Open
Whether you write for film or TV, a cold open can provide a vital and dynamic way into your screenplay. They say that in the business, nobody will read past the first ten pages if they aren’t interested in what they see. Much in the same way, the first five to ten minutes of runtime can mean the difference between a viewer sticking through to the end or going back to the Netflix homepage. Those five to ten pages or

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10 Brilliant Symbolism Examples: Symbolism in Screenwriting

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Table of ContentsThe Art of SymbolismWhat Is Symbolism?What’s the Difference Between Symbolism and Motifs?The Craft of SubtletyBut Why Is Symbolism So Important?But Where Do We Start With Symbolism?Types of SymbolismCharacter SymbolismObject Symbolism Symbolism in SettingColor SymbolismThe Law of Duality and the Law of Correspondence10 Brilliant Symbolism Examples10. Parasite – The Stone9. Joker – Clowns8. Pan’s Labyrinth – The Labyrinth7. Get Out – The Deer6. Moonlight – Water5. Inception – The Top4. American Beauty – Roses3. The Godfather – Oranges2. Jaws

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What is Cinematic Language and How Do You Use It?

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Parasite Montage Cinematic Language
Table of ContentsCinematic Language: Understanding its MeaningHow to Recognise Cinematic LanguageCinematic Language in a ScreenplayApplying Cinematic Language to Your ScreenplayBut What Does Cinematic Language Actually Look Like?ParasiteVertigoThe GodfatherBut What Does This Mean for Your Screenplay?Watch Films and Look Out For Cinematic LanguageIn Summary Cinematic Language: Understanding its Meaning Cinematic language. You will have most likely heard this phrase being used in film circles, about a screenplay or in reference to a film or TV episode. But what is cinematic language?

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The First Ten Pages of Your Screenplay: How to HOOK a Script Reader

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First Ten Pages Reading a Screenplay
Table of ContentsThe Importance of the First Ten PagesHook the Reader with the First Ten PagesEighth GradeUp1. Introduce the Protagonist in the First Ten Pages2. Introduce the World in the First Ten Pages3. Establish the Genre4. Tease the ThemeA Compelling Introduction In Summary The Importance of the First Ten Pages The first ten pages of any screenplay are always the most important. These pages make up the first ten minutes or so. That’s about how long it takes for a

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Travis Bickle – ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 7

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Travis Bickle Taxi Driver Cinema
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 Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver. Table of ContentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Travis Bickle?What Makes Travis Bickle Stand Out?A Multi-Dimensional CharacterTravis Bickle’s PastThe Power of the AntiheroWhat Reveals Travis Bickle’s MotivesThe Assassination IrisTravis Bickle’s RevengeThe Road to DestructionIn Conclusion What is an Original Character? It’s a character that sticks with you even when they’re long

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

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The Crown Fact and Fiction
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

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Writing The Unlikeable Protagonist: How to Craft a Great Antihero

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Walter White Creating Characters
Table of ContentsThe Role of the Unlikeable ProtagonistUnlikeable Character FlawsMotivations of the Unlikeable ProtagonistDexterBreaking BadHigh Stakes for Unlikeable ProtagonistsBarryBetter Call SaulAntihero Relatability and ContextThe Social NetworkI, TonyaThe Wolf of Wall StreetRedeeming Qualities in Unlikeable Protagonists: Clutching at StrawsRick and MortyThe SopranosThe Handmaid’s TaleCrafting an Unlikeable ProtagonistIn Summary The Role of the Unlikeable Protagonist ‘Unlikeable protagonist’ sounds like an oxymoron. However, they’re a common occurrence in all forms of storytelling. The antihero protagonist is an increasingly prominent presence in drama, particularly

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15 Motivating Jon Favreau Quotes on Filmmaking

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Jon Favreau Quotes
Where to start with a filmmaker, actor, producer and writer as malleable and prolific as Jon Favreau? The multi-talented director behind Iron Man, the Mandalorian and The Lion King has been at the top of the industry for decades. In light of this, we’ve compiled 15 inspiring Jon Favreau quotes to demonstrate the expertise and wisdom this titan has to share. Jon Favreau: Coming Out Swinging Most people credit Swingers with introducing Jon Favreau to the film and TV world.

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Writing a Satisfying Story Ending: The COMPLETE Guide

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The Godfather Story Ending
Table of ContentsStory Ending: The Most Important Part of Your ScreenplayKnow Your Story Ending Before You Start WritingFinding a Story Ending That Fits Your ScreenplaySetting Up the Climax of Your Story Ending1) Up the Stakes2) Prove How Far Your Character Has Come3) Renew the Attack Upon Your Character’s New ParadigmThe Ultimate Choice Between Want and Need The Climactic MomentToy StoryStar Wars: Revenge of the SithThe Character’s New World BeginsThe Story Ending Answers the Thematic Question The Power of the Final Image In

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Writing Stage Directions in a Screenplay: The ULTIMATE Lowdown

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Crafting good quality stage directions can often be one of the trickiest parts of writing a screenplay. The directions need to be clear and concise but also need to engage the reader. With a number of do’s and don’ts, we’re providing the lowdown on writing stage directions in a screenplay. Table of ContentsStage Directions: An IntroHow To: Format Language and Style used in Stage DirectionsWriting Evocative Stage DirectionsWriting About Characters in Stage DirectionsStage Directions in a Spec Script vs a

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What Goes into the Writing of a Documentary Script?

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Documentary Script Filming
Table of ContentsWhat is a Documentary Script?Finding The Story for a Documentary Minding The GapResearchingThe ProcessPlanning a Documentary ScriptStructuring a Documentary ScriptThe Flexibility of Writing a Documentary ScriptHoneylandIn Summary What is a Documentary Script? Documentary filmmaking is a non-fiction form of storytelling that depicts reality. The purpose behind the film could be to educate, inform or simply to document. The realistic and off-the-cuff style of documentaries may have writers questioning, what exactly goes into writing a documentary script? The process

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Dream Sequences: How to Craft Them While Avoiding Common Pitfalls

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Eternal Sunshine Dream Sequence
Table of ContentsDream Sequences: Avoiding the Lazy Screenwriter’s CrutchTreading the Line Between Surreal and Reality in Dream SequencesApply Consistency and Logic to the Chaos Dream Sequences That Create SubjectivityInceptionEternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindAllow the Dream to Influence Your Characters and Their ArcsThree Ways Dreams Can Compel Your Character1. The Realization Dream2. The Inner Conflict Dream3. The Premonition DreamMake the Dream Ask a QuestionBlack PantherDream Sequences as Part of the Story StructureSpot the DifferenceIn Summary Dream Sequences: Avoiding the Lazy

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Writing Tension in Screenplays: Learn from 10 NAIL-BITING Scenes

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Writing Tension, Mission Impossible
Table of ContentsWriting Tension: The Difference Between Shock and Suspense 1. The Farmhouse Interrogation (Inglorious Bastards) Instability to Create TensionDramatic Irony to Create Tension2. The T-Rex Escapes (Jurassic Park)3. Buffalo Bill’s Basement (The Silence of the Lambs) 4. The Underwater Heist (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation) Heightening the Stakes 5. Battle of the Bastards (Game of Thrones)6. The Coin Flip (No Country for Old Men) Applying Pressure with the Antagonist 7. The Ferry Climax (The Dark Knight) The Rules of the

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Reboots: RIGHTS and WRONGS of Writing a Reboot

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Spiderman Reboots
Table of ContentsWhat is a Reboot?Reboots Vs. RemakesWriting a RebootWhere Reboots Go Right: The Best RebootsJumanji: Welcome to the JungleBatman BeginsRise of the Planet of the ApesWhere Reboots Go Wrong: The Worst RebootsTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesMen in Black: International Fantastic FourThe Future of RebootsIn Summary What is a Reboot? In the realm of movie-making, a reboot is a reimagining of an existing franchise that rebrands or restarts the established fictional world. The most notable franchises that are known for their

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10 Filmmakers That Show HOW a Filmmaker Can BEST Tackle a Script

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Steven Spielberg, Filmmakers
Table of ContentsHow Do Filmmakers Approach a Script?Steven Spielberg: Getting PersonalJane Campion: Creating Female Stories from the SourceKenneth Lonergan: That Which Is Left UnsaidDee Rees: Character is KeyCéline Sciamma: Balancing DesiresPaul Thomas Anderson: Visual EmotionsRyan Coogler: The Power of Intention and VoiceAlfred Hitchcock: Less Talk, More ActionDavid Fincher: Following CharactersIn Conclusion How Do Filmmakers Approach a Script? The screenplay is the spine of the movie. But the way it is interpreted for the screen is the key to turning a

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Dual Protagonists: How to Handle TWO Lead Characters in Your Screenplay

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The Prestige - Dual Protagonists
Table of ContentsDual Protagonists: Breaking the MouldThe Function of a ProtagonistEmpathy for Your ProtagonistThe Dual ProtagonistsThe Three Plot LinesCompeting for a Shared GoalThe DepartedThe Inner + Outer JourneysThe Shawshank RedemptionA Unifying ThemeChallenging Their BeliefsThe PrestigeRobert Angier and Alfred BordenThe Structure of Dual Protagonists Tandem NarrativesFlashback Forms In Summary Dual Protagonists: Breaking the Mould There is no law in screenwriting that dictates you must only have one protagonist, or main character, in your screenplay. Granted, most writers choose to dedicate their

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

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Bodyguard Political Thriller
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

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Creating Characters That Leap Off The Page: What Are The 15 VITAL Steps?

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Walter White Creating Characters
Table of ContentsCreating Characters: A Daunting Process1. Determine Your Character’s Role in the Story2. Get to Know your Character from the Inside outA Character’s Life: Interior and Exterior 3. Establish your Character’s Individual Point of ViewCharacters’ Points of View in Jurassic Park4. Each Character Must Have an Attitude5. The Lie the Character Believes6. Your Character’s Ghost7. Determine What Your Character Wants8. Determine What Your Character Needs9. Something has to Stand in their Way10. Make Your Characters Take Action11. The Tactics

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Visual Storytelling: What Does it REALLY Mean, in Screenwriting terms?

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Wall-E Visual Storytelling
Table of ContentsWhat Is Visual Storytelling?Now Consider, Which Scene Would Be More Engaging For An Audience to Watch? How Does Visual Storytelling Work In Screenplays?How Does This Up Scene Work?Why Is Visual Storytelling So Important?1. Titanic2. Wall-E3. PsychoWhat Do These Scenes Have In Common Though?How To Approach Visual Storytelling?1. An Opener2. Chains of Dialogue 3. SettingIn Summary What Is Visual Storytelling? By definition, visual storytelling is a story told through a visual medium. This can include anything from photography, video

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Film Networking: An Unavoidable Skill You Have No Choice But To Master

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film networking
“It’s all about who you know”. Anyone remotely connected to the film industry has heard that phrase. And they’ll often approach the whole subject of film networking, of making contacts, of all the hustle that’s totally separate from putting ink on paper or film in the can, with serious trepidation. After all, unfortunately, if you are starting with fewer existing connections in the film industry, you have to work much harder to get where you want to go. But let’s

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Genre Mashup: 10 Vital Steps to Nailing a Mix of Genres in Your Screenplay

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Brazil Genre Mashup
Genre mashups, also known as cross-genres or hybrid genres, are commonly found in many art forms – film, music or literature. It’s when an artist combines two or more genres in which elements from each are blended into a cohesive piece. Star Wars, Parasite, The Blues Brothers, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, 13 Going on 30. What do these very different movies have in common? They’re all genre mashups. From romantic comedies to sci-fi adventure, the technique of combining genres has

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Multi-Camera Scripts: How Do They Differ From Other Scripts in Content and Style?

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Friends Multi-Camera Script
Table of ContentsThe Multi-Camera SitcomThe Content Needs For Multi-Camera Sitcoms1. Follow a Sitcom Act Structure2. Lead Characters Should Be a Part of One Group3. Characters Should Stress Over a Ridiculous Problem4. Limit the Locations and Focus on Main Locations5. Consider Laugh TrackScript Format For Multi-Camera Sitcoms1. Combine a Screenplay Format + Theatre Script Format2. Capitalize Scene Descriptions3. Underline Character’s Names When They First Appear4. Underline All Character Entrances, Exits + Major Movements5. Double-Space the DialogueSingle-Camera vs Multi-Camera ExamplesIn Summary The

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Barry Berkman – ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 6

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Barry Berkman Original Character
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

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Biting Social Satire: How to Write a Great Critique

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Get Out Social Satire
Social satire is a genre of film that relies on irony, exaggeration, ridicule, or humor to critique an unfavorable aspect of society and/or human nature. The best social satires are entertaining at the surface level – often featuring elements of fantasy or absurdism – and also pack a critical punch.  In this article, we’ll break down the key aspects of a social satire. Warning: This post contains spoilers for GET OUT, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, and FIGHT CLUB. Table of ContentsWhat

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Antagonist Examples: 15 of the BEST Formidable Foes from Film & TV

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Erik Killmonger, Antagonists Examples
In screenwriting terms, the antagonist of a story is arguably as important as the protagonist. In the very simplest terms, if your protagonist is the hero, then the antagonist is the villain… Table of ContentsWhat is an Antagonist?15 Fantastic Antagonist ExamplesAntagonist Example 1: Tracy Flick 2: Erik Killmonger3: Terence Fletcher4: John Fitzgerald + Nature5: King George VI’s Stammer6: Travis Bickle + Society7: The Joker8: Violence + Anton Chigurh 9: Reality TV + Christof10: Tyler Durden11: Infertility (Dystopia)12: The Shark13: Ava

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Film Festival Strategy 101: The KEY Steps for a New Filmmaker

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Film Festival Screen New Filmmaker
So you’ve made a film and you want more people than just your friends and family to see it. Well, film festivals are a great way to get your project exposure, and to introduce you as a new filmmaker to others in the field. Film festivals often play an important part of the folklore of how new filmmakers get their big break or how a film is introduced to the world. But it’s important to not get too swept up

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Writing the Tragic Romance: 7 Essential Elements to Breaking Hearts

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Tragic Romance The Notebook
Heartbreak is the key feature of a tragic romance.  The central love story ends in heartbreak and, as a result, audiences walk away from the film feeling heartbroken. Most people still remember the utter anguish they felt after watching The Notebook or Titanic for the first time.  For a tragic romance film to be effective, viewers must form an emotional attachment to the main characters and their relationship. Once audiences are fully invested, tragedy strikes and the film delivers its

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Fight Scenes That Kick A*s: 15 Examples of a Superbly Written Fight Scene

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When you think of a fight scene, what film first comes to mind? Maybe you think of Stallone’s knock out punch in Rocky? Or perhaps you picture Keanu Reeves swerving slow-motion bullets in The Matrix? Whether you’re a fan of highly choreographed martial art movies, or super polished CGI superhero battles: as a screenwriter it is always useful to have a set of ground rules on how to write a good fight scene. No matter what type of fight scene

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Mockumentary Scripts: The Keys to Writing a Great Mockumentary

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The Office Mockumentary Script
A mockumentary is a satirical film or television show that combines documentary-style filmmaking with fictional subject matter. But although mockumentaries feature fictional events, they differ greatly from traditional narratives. And this can manifest in a mockumentary script.   Improvisation is often a major aspect of the mockumentary. In this case, the dialogue is secondary to the topic and characters. For example, the Christopher Guest classic THIS IS SPINAL TAP is based on a four-page script and a character bible, meaning it

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Why Nailing Your Elevator Pitch Can Massively Help Your Screenplay

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Lost in Translation Elevator Pitch
It’s any screenwriter’s fantasy to come across an acclaimed director or producer out of the blue and pitch them their passion project. Enter the infamous elevator pitch. Chances are, of all the possible places this could happen, it won’t likely be in an elevator. But, no matter the circumstances, you’ll have only a short window of time to say what you want to say. The brevity of an elevator pitch is a good practice in appealing to the short attention

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Writing Style 101: How to Discover YOUR Own Unique Voice

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The Apartment
We are able to identify the distinct writing styles of our favorite screenwriters. Styles that make us love their stories. Quentin Tarantino‘s masterful monologues. Aaron Sorkin‘s long sequences of quick-paced dialogue. Sofia Coppola‘s ethereal, stylistic realism. Their style is so distinct on the page that we as viewers can identify it on the screen. It makes them stand out. In the film industry, standing out can mean the difference between making it and breaking it. It’s what will make what

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ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part Five – Walter White

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Breaking Bad Pilot - Walter White - Original Character
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 Walter White from Breaking Bad. Table of contentsWhat is an Original Character?Who is Walter White?Complex, Three-Dimensional CharactersSupporting Characters in Breaking Bad:Jesse and Walter’s Relationship:Walter White as a Father Figure?Walter White: Hero Or Villain?Walter’s Motivation And Purpose:Who is ‘Heisenberg’?Masculinity in Breaking Bad: Walter as a Husband And Father:Skyler WhiteWalter White: A Good Father?Walter’s Character Development:The Veneer of a ‘Likeable’ Character

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15 Inspiring Kasi Lemmons Quotes for Writers and Filmmakers

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Kasi Lemmons Quotes
Kasi Lemmons’ Acting Career Kasi Lemmons is an award-winning and nationally-acclaimed actress, writer, director and filmmaker. Landing her first professional acting job at just 9 years old, Lemmons would go on to attend NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, UCLA and The New School’s film program. In 1983, she crashed an equity audition for a Steppenwolf production of Balm in Gilead, directed by John Malkovich, and received the role of a “drug-crazed, violent lesbian.” She gives this experience credit for

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The 10 Critical Steps of Good Character Development

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Joker Character Development
In writing a screenplay, with every character, you create them and take them on a journey. But how do you get to that point? How do you know who your character is and where to take them? This is the essence of character development. Furthermore, when you create a screenplay, you’re not only creating the lead characters, but you’re also responsible for creating supporting characters, as well as minor characters. And if you’re writing for TV, you potentially will need

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Shonda Rhimes Masterclass Review: Is It Worth It?

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Shonda Rhimes Masterclass Review
Our scores in this in-depth Shonda Rhimes MasterClass review: Lessons – 7/10 Workbook – 9/10 Community -7/10 Value – 8/10 Overall Verdict – Thumbs Up! Purchase Course Pros of the Shonda Rhimes Masterclass The Shonda Rhimes MasterClass is a well structured and nicely paced course that guides you through the basics of becoming a screenwriter.Shonda Rhimes’ tone is inviting and supportive, making you feel reassured to start your writing journey with the exclusive tips and tricks she’s learned over the

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Writers Advice: 50 Gems of Wisdom from Industry Titans

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Writers Advice
Every screenwriter needs advice. Put simply, a career won’t progress without listening and taking heed of the right advice. Writers advice can be easy to find. But great advice, well that’s a slightly different kettle of fish. With an ever-growing pool of aspiring screenwriters comes a seemingly endless supply of writers advice. Reviewing their credentials and weighing up the pros and cons can be a time-consuming exercise. And all this before you’ve even begun sifting through the gems that could

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What Makes a Great Monologue? 10 Great Monologues Screenwriters Can Learn From

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Wolf of Wall Street- Great Monologue
In film and TV, great monologues have the power to hit an audience more than any other moment in a story. They can be gut-wrenching emotional confessions, pivotal moments of characterisation or grand thematic statements. Audiences remember monologues for these reasons. And great monologues are ones that condense and encapsulate a key part of a story. In this article we’ll look at: What is a Monologue? How Long is a Monologue?How Do You Write a Monologue?What Makes a Great Monologue?10

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How to Write an Animated Film: 6 Vital Steps to Scripting Animation

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Inside Out Animated Film Script
Have you always had an affinity for animation? Do you have a story idea that you think would be perfect for an animated film? Are you simply finding that your live-action project can’t move forward, and want to see if it could be a match for animation?Animation is incredible in that it isn’t just another genre of film (in fact, it really shouldn’t be considered a film genre at all) but it is an entirely different medium through which to

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The Different Types of External Conflict & 10 Great External Conflict Examples

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Jaws - External Conflict Example
External conflict is an essential part of screenwriting in that it’s essential in driving any plot. It is different to internal conflict in that whilst internal conflict is within the characters, external is outside of the character. In this article we’ll seek to define what external conflict is as well as provide some brilliant external conflict examples. We’ll look at: What is External Conflict? What are the Different Types of External Conflict? Which are the Best Examples of External Conflict?

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ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 4 – Cersei Lannister

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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

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How to Write a Modern Western: The New Wild West

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Logan Modern Western
The Western was one of the earliest cinematic genres and it has had a number of resurgences and reinventions over the last one hundred years. It’s a genre that through its popularity has continued to grow. But what does a modern Western look like? Contemporary Westerns are typically genre hybrids. In this article we will use five different films that combine genres to form modern Western films. No Country For Old Men is a modern Western crime thriller.Hell or High

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

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Screenwriting Degree
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

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