Screenplay theme

The BEST Series Finales and What They Teach About Writing TV

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Sopranos Series Finale
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

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Forensic Scene Analysis: “I Drink Your Milkshake!”

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Daniel and Eli - There Will Be Blood
“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

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Is The Godfather Opening Scene the Best Opening Scene EVER?

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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

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