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What is a screenplay?

What is a screenplay? Seems like a fairly easy question. Webster’s Dictionary defines a screenplay as “A script for a film including dialogue and descriptions of characters and sets.” Which is true. Except, of course, it's much more complicated than that.

5 Reasons It’s Time to Stop Hiding and Show Your Writing to the World

The only true way to know if you’ve earned the right to call yourself a “writer” is by doing something that almost every writer overlooks. Owning up to it. And to own your identity as a writer—a real writer—you’ve got to show someone your writing. Here are 5 reasons to start showing your work... now!

5 Script Contests Actually Worth Entering

Getting representation from an agent or manager in Hollywood is not easy. You have to find someone who believes in you and your work, and you need to believe that they are both capable and willing to sell your work. One of the better ways to get noticed is script contests. Here are the ones we think have the chops to get you into Hollywood.

How to write a successful screenplay: Five things to consider before you even begin

Before you start writing your next script, here are five important things to consider about Hollywood, the market and your writing style.

Southside with You: Writing the Unconventional Biopic

Not all biopics are the same. Some tell a long epic. Others give a slice of life. The new romance drama about the first date of Barack and Michelle Obama takes a look at one day.

Winning the Read: Five Tips to Make Your Story Shine Through

You know the story you want to write. You’ve learned the formatting rules for writing a screenplay. You’ve drafted and drafted and drafted. And, now you want to make sure that when your spec script gets read, everyone loves it. How does that ...

6 Ways To Network Better and Smarter

Many writers despise networking. Networking can produce serious anxiety in those who worry that they'll come off as awkward. Just as importantly: many of us don't have time to do the networking necessary to advance our careers -- many of us have responsibilities both at home and at our day jobs -- and what little free time we have, we'd like to spend writing. But since networking is crucial for your career, let's think of a few ways to take your networking game up a notch.

5 (Somewhat Helpful) Ways To Beat Procrastination

Most of the rest of us struggle with procrastination at some point in our writing career. This article is for you. Since we all know putting things off is bad, let's think of some ways to get ourselves out of hole when the temptation to procrastinate (nearly) overpowers us.

The One Question Everyone In Hollywood Asks And How To Answer

Not many of us enjoy selling ourselves. It can be awkward and embarrassing. But since it's such an important part of the meeting structure here in Hollywood, let's think about some ways to pitch yourself.

5 Rewrite Strategies That Actually Work

We've all heard that "good writing is rewriting," and we all know that first drafts aren't meant to be perfect -- they're our so-called "vomit" drafts, and their purpose is to get the story OUT. But what happens after that? How do we go from a rough draft to a polished script?

Want To Create A Supervillian? Try This

Everyone knows a compelling hero is central to a good script. Writers spend hours thinking through our hero's back stories. We grace them with inspiring goals and bedevil them with fascinating flaws. But the real secret to a good hero is a good villain.

How To Make Your Climax Feel Inevitable (But Not Predictable)

If your story doesn't stick it on the landing, chances are audiences will leave feeling irritated and unsatisfied. So, how can we create endings that make the audience feel like the story couldn't have finished any other way? Here are five story tricks to give your climax that jigawatt jolt.
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