What is a Showrunner — What it Means to Literally Run the Show

Television shows have a lot of moving parts — almost every show employs numerous writers and directors. So, how do you make sure everything functions as it should while guaranteeing the overall creative vision of the series? This is the job of a showrunner — a position more like the conductor of an orchestra. We’ll break down the basic responsibilities of the role as well as what it takes to eventually become one. What is a showrunner? Let's go behind the scenes of today's biggest television and streaming shows to find the answer.Continue reading What is a Showrunner — What…

Screenplay Parenthetical Examples (And Why They Work)

Dialogue scenes can be the most fun to write as well as the most difficult. Visual performances of dialogue in films can be powerful, emotional, and moving. However, the medium of written text has its limitations. Luckily, screenwriters have parentheticals. Parentheticals are a great way to include specific information that help a reader better understand a dialogue scene. So how do you write a parenthetical in a screenplay? Let’s take a look at screenplay parenthetical examples and to learn how they should be used. Continue reading Screenplay Parenthetical Examples (And Why They Work)

Best Free Comedy Scripts Online (PDF Downloads)

Welcome to StudioBinder’s screenplay library, your go-to resource for the finest free comedy scripts. From cutting satires to raunchy farces, these iconic comedy scripts hold a myriad of valuable lessons for aspiring screenwriters. By studying the very best the genre has to offer on the page, comedy writers can learn how to tackle the challenge of keeping an audience laughing for two hours. Explore the best in comedy scripts and enjoy.Continue reading Best Free Comedy Scripts Online (PDF Downloads)

Best Free TV Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Welcome to StudioBinder's screenplay library, your ultimate resource for the most captivating and immersive free TV scripts. Step into the world of television storytelling as we present a curated selection of the finest scripts ever written for the small screen. From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies and captivating thrillers, this treasure trove of TV scripts is a valuable tool for aspiring writers and television enthusiasts. Get ready to be captivated by the power of television storytelling. Enjoy!Continue reading Best Free TV Scripts Online (with PDF Downloads)

Ultimate Guide to Movie Genres — 90+ Genre Examples for Film & TV

You’re looking for a movie genre list, maybe for inspiration, but every list you find has too broad or hyper-specific categories that it becomes overwhelming. We’ve created the perfect movie and TV genre list that will explain the various categories of film and television with their specific subgenres, and we’ll also include helpful examples for each along the way.Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Movie Genres — 90+ Genre Examples for Film & TV

What is Context — Definition and Examples for Writers

Context has the ability to change the meaning of a story and how we view its characters — but what is context? We’re going to answer that question by looking at examples from The Office, In Cold Blood and more. We’ll also look at some tips and tricks for how you can effectively implement this necessary element in your own stories. By the end, you’ll know why context is so important and how to apply it in a variety of different ways. But before we jump into our examples, let’s define context.Continue reading What is Context — Definition and Examples…

70 Hilarious Dark Comedy Movies & TV Shows

The best dark comedy movies and TV shows go for the jugular. It’s not enough to just be edgy, or even malicious. You need to tap into deep, disturbing levels of discomfort… and build a summer home.We made the ultimate list of dark comedy movies and TV shows, plus a video essay that takes a deep dive into one dark comedy, The Lobster. Let’s jump into our list of the best dark comedy movies and TV shows.Continue reading 70 Hilarious Dark Comedy Movies & TV Shows

What is a Table Read? Pro-Tips on Hosting a Read-Through

When your pre-production work heads for production, your project’s table read is often the first in-person meeting for key players. Even though it’s an exciting time, it’s crucial for you to take a breath, prepare, and make the most of every opportunity your table read presents.Continue reading What is a Table Read? Pro-Tips on Hosting a Read-Through

8 Character Archetypes — Examples in Literature & Movies

Looking to brainstorm new characters? Perhaps, you want to flesh out existing characters or pair them against another character to maximize drama and develop deeper character arcs. Writing a compelling character is easier said than done. However, it's helpful to consider tried-and-true character archetypes to ensure every character behaves in a way that is unique, consistent, and believable. In this post, we'll identify the various character archetypes that you can use to enhance your own characters. Plus, we'll include plenty of iconic character archetype examples from your favorite movies and TV shows. Lastly, we'll define which character archetypes can be…

Michael Scott: How They Created TV’s Funniest Character

Six years after the series finale of The Office, it placed #1 among the most watched TV shows on Netflix. And while there are many reasons for this, the character of Michael Scott has undoubtedly made the show timeless. Whether he is conducting a hilariously pointless meeting, closing a deal at Chili’s, or trying to save the branch from closing, Michael Scott is one of the most original characters in TV.While the hilarity of Michael Gary Scott is completely obvious in retrospect, the writers of The Office had a hard time creating this inimitable character. In fact, The Office was…