Welcome

To kick things off, we will address some of the key issues and do's and don'ts of writing screenplays. Below is a list of topics that we hope will spark some questions about problems you may be having with writing your scripts. If you should have questions and concerns about book writing, please email us about this, too.

Make Every Scene Count

Every scene must serve more than one purpose.

Every scene must move the plot forward.

Every scene must further the protagonist’s goal.

Just as every story has a beginning, middle and an end, so must each scene.

Show, don’t tell

Write the script like a Haiku (make every word count)

The protagonist must act, not be acted upon.

The protagonist must have a clear goal.

The protagonist must be sympathetic.

The story should be unique, not derivative.

Everything that is set up must be paid off. Everything that is paid off must be set up.

Handling exposition - "as you know" information

Three act structure

Know your audience

Stay on the spine

Raise the stakes

Professional format

Come in late; leave early