The Irishman shook up the awards season when it was released on Netflix. With a 3.5-hour runtime spanning the career of Frank Sheeran, a known associate of Jimmy Hoffa, the Martin Scorsese-directed movie quickly became must-see viewing. But after watching the epic film, one question seems to come to mind. Is The Irishman 'true story' really that true? It’s based on the life of Frank Sheeran, and for the most part, it seems to be an accurate retelling. However, there are a few plot points that have raised some eyebrows. After all, there’s a reason why they say The Irishman is…
Ascreenwriter will be one step ahead of their competition if they understand what studio executives and producers look for in a script. You already know this, and that's why you’re here to look at one of the most successful animated film franchises of all time ... Shrek.Is it worth taking the time to read the Shrek script? Depends on whether three and a half billion dollars gets your attention. (That's the value of the franchise.)In this article, we’re going to take you through the Shrek script. We'll look at its story, format, and structure. We'll break down why the Shrek script worked so…
What is script writing? Writing a screenplay can be daunting, and there is a ton to consider when it comes to film writing. We have to understand what scripts are because script writing and screenwriting are very different from writing in any other format. Writing scripts requires a visual mindset and precise formatting that most other writing forms don’t demand. Knowing what it entails is critical, and it all starts with understanding movie script writing basics. Let’s dive into the fundamentals of screenwriting and what makes a script compelling by covering the essential movie script writing basics every writer should…
Whenever you read a full-length screenplay, it is important to understand all of the steps that led to the final draft of that script. Stories are often changed and workshopped long before they are written into a screenplay. The pre-writing phase of a screenplay is essential to many writers and a fundamental device used is the film treatment. A treatment is utilized for various reasons and can be a key component to developing the seeds of an idea. So, what is a treatment in film? Let’s unpack the definition of a film treatment and why they are important for all…
It’s safe to say Oppenheimer is no typical biopic. The film leaps backwards and forwards through time, creating a nonlinear structure that stands apart from its counterparts in the genre. It should be unsurprising, then, that the Oppenheimer screenplay challenges conventions. By examining Christopher Nolan’s script for the movie, we can begin to appreciate just how intricate and unique the massive three-hour story is.Continue reading Oppenheimer Script PDF Download — Screenplay Breakdown
Scenes are the basic building blocks of a film. From classic blockbusters to indie flicks, the structure and purpose of each scene remain crucial in conveying a compelling and satisfying cinematic experience to the viewer. So, what are scenes and what is their importance in creating an immersive, captivating film? In this blog post, we'll explore what a scene is and its role in the storytelling process of a film.Continue reading What is a Scene — Definition and Examples in Storytelling
So you’ve written a script; great! Now what? Well, if you’re like me, you’ll obsess over making every scene perfect (a screenplay is never “perfect,” but that’s a discussion for another time). You have a solid 3-act structure, good dialogue, and a few punch-lines to keep the reader hooked. But something is off. Do your scenes feel a little dull? Is it the pacing, tone, or stakes? The solution is simple — G.O.D.D. It's more than just an acronym, we will go over the four elements to make your characters more compelling and your scenes more dynamic.Continue reading How to…
Get Out received widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades for its groundbreaking storytelling, exceptional performances, and powerful social commentary. In many ways, it’s a product of everything great about the horror genre while also reinventing the genre itself. In this blog analysis, we will take a closer look at what makes Get Out such an important film. We'll examine its themes, characters, and plot in depth, exploring how they all work together to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.Continue reading Get Out Script PDF Download — Themes, Characters, and Ending
What is something each and every story ever told has in common? If you guessed “a setting,” you’d be correct! When your narrative involves characters and motivation, a setting is almost always a given. Sometimes a setting is massive and expansive, while other times it’s small and intimate. So what is a setting, what does setting mean, and how can it be presented, identified, and crafted? We’ll go over a basic setting definition before embarking on an adventure full of helpful info and setting examples. Continue reading Setting Examples — How to Use Time and Place in Film & Lit.
Screenwriting books and instructors often warn aspiring writers against writing flashbacks in their scripts. They know that beginning and amateur writers often use them in a way that can bring a film to a dead stop. However, so many great films have used flashbacks with resounding success. So, let’s learn from some films that figured out how to write a flashback in a script the right way.Continue reading How to Write a Flashback in a Script — Techniques & Format
