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Improve your format & style and get ready to write ‘FADE IN’.
Working on a rewrite? At a loss as to how to go about it? Successful Hollywood screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Frankenweenie, The Nines) shows us how to write stronger dialogue by examining what belongs in conversation versus what belongs in the action, how to create authentic relationships, and dozens of other little tips and tricks.
It was the most beautiful chocolate cake I had ever seen. The college professor laid it gently on the table. My salivary glands were already anticipating a most excellent sensory experience. by David Trottier “Would you like a piece?” she asked the class. Sitting on the front row, I was sure my chances were good. … Read more
I am frequently asked how to format text messages and email messages while maintaining the script’s “readability.” There are several methods depending on your dramatic purpose. All of the examples below are correctly formatted. by David Trottier In the first example, Sharon receives a text message from someone that she (Sharon) wants to show to … Read more
About 90% of the complaints I hear from agents and producers have to do with formatting mistakes in scene headings, sometimes called slug lines. by David Trottier As a script consultant, I sometimes find myself saying while reading a script, “Where am I?” For example, here’s one of my favorite formatting mistakes: INT. A HECTIC … Read more
It’s almost summertime at the box office, which means big effects, big budgets, and even bigger stakes for the studios. Because it’s tentpole movie season. by Danny Manus You’ve probably heard the terms four-quadrant and tentpole movie, but what do they mean exactly? Should you be writing one? And what makes them work? A four-quadrant … Read more