Script Perfection

Improve your format & style and get ready to write ‘FADE IN’.

Cinematic Storytelling (3)

by

Two seemingly prosperous young women are seated together in a garden. One is reading a letter. The other just observes and listens. The painting is by Marcus Stone, dates from 1889, and is titled: Her First Love Letter. (Continued from last week) To quote Bordwell: “The girl on the left, bathed in light, leaning forward eagerly … Read more

Cinematic Storytelling (2)

by

Take a close look at the painting below. (Thank you, David Bordwell, for your superb piece on narrative paintings.) This is a special moment, isn’t it? Notice their body language. He seems casual, relaxed, but detached. His legs are pointing away from her. (Continued from last week) Is he just shy and that’s why he has three … Read more

The Perfect One

by

The significance of a screenplay’s first page is vital. It sets up the main story whilst establishing character, the genre and tone of the film. In a good screenplay, the reader’s expectations of the script are cleverly signposted by the writer. A great example of an effective first page is that of William Goldman’s Misery. To … Read more

In Late, Out Early

by

When Goldman wrote “get in late and leave early”, he was not talking about how you watch a bad movie. He meant screenwriters should keep scenes to what is essential to the story. No arrivals and departures, no meet & greet or chit-chat. This is one of the fundamental rules in writing a scene, one … Read more