Skip to content

Join
Blog 700
Courses & Services
5* Reviews

Join
Blog 700
Courses & Services
5* Reviews

controlling idea examples

Writing the Perfect Controlling Idea for Film and TV: The ULTIMATE Guide

October 23, 2019 by Industrial Scripts

Controlling Idea Lightbulb

Writing the Perfect Controlling Idea for Film and TV: The Ultimate Guide A controlling idea is a foundation. Writing a screenplay is a lot like building a house. It …

Categories All Articles, Craft, Film, How-To Guides, TV Tags controlling idea, controlling idea examples, controlling ideas, Theme 3 Comments

Search for:

Join 70k Filmmakers!

Connect With Us

About Us

Founded in 2010, Industrial Scripts® is now one of the world’s leading screenwriting companies. We provide outstanding support and opportunities to driven filmmakers.

Navigate The Blog

David Holzer on Script Coverage ServicesApril 28, 2026
Can you offer advice and guidance specifically tailored to achieving an 8 score in a Black List evaluation? Thank you.
Oliver on Mockumentary Scripts: The Keys to Writing a Great MockumentaryApril 27, 2026
This Is Spinal Tap was directed by Rob Reiner. Christopher Guest just played a character in it.
Russell Secord on Ferris Bueller- Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 18April 25, 2026
Great article for a great movie. Ferris is the person we all want to be but, like Cameron, keep talking…
Hljjfujddiid on Tina Belcher from Bob’s Burgers – Truly ORIGINAL CHARACTERS Series: Part 16April 17, 2026
She is the less intelligent but also the nicest character, making her lovable
Elaine Lennon on Thank you for signing up!March 27, 2026
Confirmed.
Tom Peterson on Thank you for signing up!March 26, 2026
I definitely want to continue receiving emails! They are like gold in my in box!
Scott JT Frank on Thank you for signing up!March 26, 2026
Hi As you may know, I’m a writer of various genre and fare. I do read your emails and interact…
Harry Ewan on Thank you for signing up!February 28, 2026
Re-confirmed, thanks!

FREE Study Guides

Enter The TITAN Awards

#1 for Script Coverage

Awesome Courses

Join 55,000 On FB

Expert Script Doctors

Pro Script Editors

Browse Hot Topics

3 act structure (13) character arc (49) character development (23) characterisation (37) Classic Quotes (29) comedy (12) comedy genre (13) creative process (14) creative writing process (16) dialogue (17) Director Quotes (14) film industry (14) filmmakers (12) filmmaking (17) genius character reveals (13) genre (14) Horror (12) narrative structure (18) plot device (12) Screenplays (15) screenplay structure (15) Screenwriter (22) Screenwriting (51) screenwriting advice (38) screenwriting contest (32) screenwriting contests (27) screenwriting process (17) screenwriting tips (24) Script Development (17) Script Reading (12) Spec Scripts (16) story structure (14) storytelling (12) The Insider Interviews (28) The TITAN Awards (36) TITAN Screenwriting Contest (33) TITAN Screenwriting contest winners (15) TRULY Original Characters (19) TV series (15) TV Writing (14) unheralded scenes (38) visual storytelling (15) writing advice (17) writing comedy (15) writing process (17)

Popular Links

Home – Industrial Scripts®, Script Coverage Experts
Script Reader Services
The Best Final Draft Alternatives
Script Reader Jobs: Your Complete Guide
10 Great Sites to Download Movie Scripts From
Scriptwriting 101: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a TV or Movie Script
Character Driven – The Official Blog of Industrial Scripts
How to Write A Script: The Definitive Guide
Products
Read 1,500+ Industrial Scripts Reviews by Clients
Screenplay Definition: The Ultimate Guide
Screenwriting 101 – Your Ultimate 10-Minute Guide
11 Ways to Spot a Shady Script Consultant
Script Coverage Services
Script Doctor & Rewrite Services
Script Editor: A Clear Definition for Film & TV
Online Screenwriting Course
Write for TV
Contact Us
Filmmaking: The ULTIMATE Definition and List of Resources
20 Must Know Hollywood Literary Management Companies
What is THE industry-standard screenplay font?
These are the Only Screenwriting Tips Worth Keeping
How to Write a Screenplay: Your 30-Step Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Paid and Free Screenwriting Software
Effective Script Reading Course for Film & TV
Screenplay Contests – a Definitive Guide
All Articles
- British Film
- Business
- Columnists
- Craft
- How-To Guides
- Essays
- Film
- Free Resources
- Characterisation
- Genre
- Hollywood
- Inspiring
- Investigative
- Listicles
- Classic Quotes
- Most Shared
- Most Viewed
- Opinion
- Philosophical
- Product Reviews
- TV
- Unheralded Scenes
- Video Essay
- Film/TV News
- IS News
- News
- Promotions
- The Insider Interviews

Get Final Draft Software

Arc Studio Pro Software

James Cameron Masterclass

Aaron Sorkin Masterclass

Martin Scorsese Masterclass

Script Development

Script Coverage
Script Doctoring
Script Editing
Script Reader Services
Script Consultant Services
Hire a Screenwriter
Script Notes
Screenwriting Guide
Write for TV
Screenwriter Species
Become a Pro Scriptwriter

Products

All Products
All Services
All Courses
Online Courses
TV Writing Courses
All Contests
TITAN Screenwriting Contest
Screenwriting Courses
Screenwriting Books
Screenplay Format Guide
1,500 Client Reviews

Articles

All Articles
Free Downloads
Genre Guides
Filmmaking Guide
Scriptwriting Guide
Download Screenplays
Screenwriting Software
How to Write a Screenplay
Final Draft Alternatives
How-To Guides
Invest in Movies & TV

Search for:

Connect With Us

Privacy
Ts and Cs
Cookies
Volunteer
About
Join
Script Consultant Jobs
Courses Hub
Contact

© Industrial Scripts 2010 - 2026. All rights reserved.

Join 70,000 Screenwriters

Tackle one of the trickiest areas of screenwriting with our exclusive eBook. Get more free resources when you join our mailing list. We're judicious when we message and will never flood your inbox.

Please send me the free downloads and subscribe me to the IS mailing listPrivacy Policy

Success! Thanks for signing up, now please check all your email folders incl junk mail!

Something went wrong.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously