Sam Kench

Sam Kench is an internationally-awarded screenwriter, independent filmmaker, and film critic. Lover of foreign films; hater of American remakes.

Screenplay Margins Explained — A Guide for Screenwriters

How to Format a ScreenplayOpen menu Scene Headings Sluglines Action / Description Dialogue Transitions TV Script Format 101 FREE Movie Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for Free Proper screenplay formatting is extremely particular and offers very little wiggle room. There are good reasons behind all of this specificity. A properly formatted script adheres… Continue reading Screenplay Margins Explained — A Guide for Screenwriters

Sam Kench

What is a Vignette in Writing — Definition & Examples Explained

What is a vignette? The term has the potential to be confusing because it means slightly different depending on which story-telling medium is the topic of discussion. Even within filmmaking, the term can also be used to describe two completely different things. We will sort through this confusion and break down each meaning of ‘vignette.’… Continue reading What is a Vignette in Writing — Definition & Examples Explained

Sam Kench

Different Types of Writing Styles — Forms of Writing Explained

What are the different styles of writing? How many different types of writing styles and forms of writing are there? There is some disagreement of how many major forms of writing there are. Depending on which source you turn to, you might be told there are only four different styles of writing or you might… Continue reading Different Types of Writing Styles — Forms of Writing Explained

Sam Kench

Best Stephen King Movies and TV Shows — The Ultimate List

Best Horror MoviesOpen menu Best Horror Movies of All Time Best Zombie Movies Best Vampire Movies Best Jump Scare Movies Best Stephen King Movies and TV Shows Best Underrated Horror Movies EssentialsOpen menu What is Horror Body Horror Explained Giallo Films Explained Horror Movie Tropes Found Footage Filmmaking What is a Grindhouse Movie Horror WritingOpen… Continue reading Best Stephen King Movies and TV Shows — The Ultimate List

Sam Kench

What is a Red Herring — Definition and Examples in Storytelling

Plot TropesOpen menu What is a Trope What is a Cliche Flashback MacGuffin Plot Twist Red Herring FREE Movie Scripts: StudioBinder Screenwriting Library Write Your Script for Free What is a red herring? We’re not talking about the smoked fish, we’re talking about the literary device designed to mislead and deceive the audience. We will… Continue reading What is a Red Herring — Definition and Examples in Storytelling

Sam Kench

Chekhov’s Gun — How To Setup and Payoff in Screenwriting

What is Chekhov’s gun? What are setups and payoffs? The concepts are interconnected, and all three should be included in any and all screenwriting endeavors. We will provide working definitions, take a look at illustrative examples used in great films, and discuss how to best incorporate the practice into your own writing. Before we jump… Continue reading Chekhov’s Gun — How To Setup and Payoff in Screenwriting

Sam Kench

Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions (Jobs & Duties Explained)

Cinematography Terms Screenwriting Terms Film Terms On a low-budget independent film with a scaled back crew, there are not too many film crew positions to keep track of. When we start looking at larger productions, however, the amount of distinct film crew positions can balloon to massive numbers. Gaining an understanding of the function of… Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Film Crew Positions (Jobs & Duties Explained)

Sam Kench