How Do You Use the Bookend Technique in Screenwriting?
Often there are terms in screenwriting that do what they say on the tin. The bookend technique fulfils this mantra. It’s a plot device used to sandwich a story like …
screenplay structure
Narrative Pacing: The KEYS To Mastering Your Screenplay’s Pace
When it comes to narrative pacing, we all know the feeling of being on the edge of our seats, biting our nails with anticipation for what’s to come. It’s likely …
15 AWESOME Dan Harmon Quotes for Screenwriters
He’s one of the most critically acclaimed comedy screenwriters out there, known most famously for Rick and Morty. In general, Dan Harmon is not afraid to break down barriers and …
What is Circular Storytelling? The KEY Lessons For Story Structure
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 …
Writing Act Two: The Conflict – An ESSENTIAL and SIMPLE Breakdown
So you’ve finished act one. You’ve got your beginning and you probably have some ideas about your ending, but how do you create your middle? What happens between the end …
Writing Act One: The Setup – An ESSENTIAL and SIMPLE Breakdown
So you’ve prepared your story idea and want to put pen to paper. But where to start? No matter if you’re preparing to write the beat sheet or redrafting a …
How Do You Write a Screenplay Prologue? Dodge These Key Pitfalls
A prologue can be used to introduce the audience to the characters, tone and theme of your screenplay. It should plummet them into the story from the start as you …
What is Five Act Structure and How Do Screenwriters Use It?
Introduction to the Five-Act Structure In this article, we’ll look into one of the most popular dramatic structures that screenwriters often utilise in order to create an exciting script: The …
What is Dan Harmon’s Story Circle? And How to Use It (with Examples)
The art of telling a story is ultimately narrowed down to its basic structure. And Dan Harmon’s Story Circle is an example of one of many story structures. These different …
What is a Bottle Episode? The KEY to Writing a Self-Contained Script
Most TV series, whether comedy or drama, have a bottle episode at some point. And they can often take pride of place in the series’ history. They can serve as …
How to Get the Best Out of a Nonlinear Narrative (With the Best Examples)
How to Get the Best Out of a Nonlinear Narrative The nonlinear narrative is a common feature of contemporary movies (and TV as well). It has become such a familiar …
Writing a Scene: What Are The 10 Key Steps To Dramatic Excellence?
Writing a Scene: Breaking Down the 10 Key Steps in Getting Started As with most stages of the screenwriting process, writing a scene is a journey of discovery. It is useful …
Truly Understanding Story Structure: The Vital Steps
Understanding Story Structure: The Essential Steps Story structure. It’s easy to take it for granted. It’s easy to think it unimportant in a world where structure is constantly being played …
Bold and Brave Screenplay Structure: 10 Great Examples
Bold Screenplay Structure: 10 Great Examples A great script requires great dialogue, great characterization and layered conflict. One of the most crucial elements however, screenplay structure, is occasionally taken …
Save the Cat Analysis Series: THE STING (1973)
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, many of whom were looking for the logical …