structure

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

The 22 PIXAR STORYTELLING RULES: Lessons for Screenwriters

November 2, 2026August 2, 2022 by Industrial Scripts

Pixar films are some of the most well-crafted stories in cinema history. And so it’s no wonder that there appear to be Pixar storytelling rules that writers and directors of these movies typically follow. In 2011, a Pixar story artist, Emma Coats, wrote and tweeted a list of “Story Rules” she learned while working for Pixar. Note: She has now stated she wishes she had called them “guidelines” instead. The so-called guidelines were essentially a number of tips for writers

How to Write a Gangster Movie: The Expectations of the Genre

November 2, 2026November 29, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

Table of ContentsWhat is a Gangster Movie? 10 Key Elements of a Great Gangster Movie1. A Street-Smart Protagonist2. The Law Enforcer Eliot Ness in The UntouchablesBill Parker in Gangster SquadJoseph Pistone in Donnie Brasco3. The MafiaThe Inclusion of The Mafia:4. The Location5. RivalryWho is the Rival?6. Guns, Money and Drugs Violence or Substance:7. Family TiesGangster Families:8. Gangland ChiefWho’s the Boss?9. A Revenge PlotPast and Present:10. The Violent ClimaxGoing Out With a Bang: What is a Gangster Movie? The gangster movie

What is Dan Harmon’s Story Circle? And How to Use It (with Examples)

November 2, 2026October 8, 2021 by Industrial Scripts

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 structures can be fantastic, invaluable guides for writing a screenplay. And so in this article, we’ll break down Dan Harmon’s Story Circle, showing how it can help you in your screenplay and demonstrating how it looks in action, using some examples. Table of ContentsWhat Is Dan Harmon’s Story Circle?How Dan

How to Get the Best Out of a Nonlinear Narrative (With the Best Examples)

June 19, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

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 …

How to Expertly Use (and Not Use) a Framing Device in Your Screenplay

May 4, 2020 by Industrial Scripts

How to Use (and Not Use) a Framing Device in Your Screenplay An elderly narrator sits down in a chair. They talk directly to camera. They are the storyteller. We …

Bold and Brave Screenplay Structure: 10 Great Examples

August 30, 2019 by Industrial Scripts

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 …

Top 5 Story Questions That Pique Our Interest

October 29, 2018March 27, 2017 by Industrial Scripts

create intrigue in screenplays - the ultimate guide

Stirring Interest If a story doesn’t pose a dramatic question, you’re probably reading a shopping list. Story questions are the narrative equivalent of a sales pitch, the means by which …