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storyandplot.bsky.social
I post about screenwriting. I teach it at http://storyandplot.com and my beloved alma mater The University of Houston 🐾 Writer of 8 films, including WINCHESTER and more to come. Join 7k+ subscribers FREE👉 https://storyandplot.link/bsky
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After screenwriting for 27 years, I'm convinced the two most important factors in selling a spec are: 1. The quality of the logline (specifically, the concept) 2. How well you fulfill the promise of that logline. Yes, there's space outside, but that's what gives you the best chance. #scriptsky

submitted 3 hours ago • 1 comment

With a two-hander, a big decision for your screenwriting is when they become a team/couple. - Rom-com template is often at the end. - Buddy movies before the third act. - Love stories before the midpoint. Do this, regardless of genre, and the rest of the structure simplifies. #scriptsky

submitted 1 day ago • 3 comments

If you're not ready for representation, you are not ready for the advantages representation can offer you. So, worry less about getting reps for your screenwriting. Worry more about creating something that representation can sell. Focus on that, and reps have a way of finding you. #scriptsky

submitted 3 days ago • 0 comments

Another nepo baby succeeds, but so what? Contrary to popular belief, the biggest advantage legacy artists have isn't connections. Tomorrow, I'll share with 7.5k+ subscribers what it is and how you can emulate it in your screenwriting. Interested? The link is in the replies below. 👇

submitted 3 days ago • 1 comment

You open someone's screenplay. Which one is more inviting? Which one would you rather read? The challenging part is that the one on the left is the better movie! But it takes a lot of work on the reader's part to figure that out. Do you want to rely on the reader for all that effort? #scriptsky

submitted 4 days ago • 6 comments

Nearly every problem in your screenwriting can be solved by two questions: 1. What story are you telling? 2. What emotion are you trying to evoke? Your job gets much easier when you let these central values guide your decision-making. #scriptsky

submitted 5 days ago • 1 comment

When I was 23 years old, I was a playwright with a few local productions, but I really loved the movies. It was clear screenplays were the way to go. I decided to I wanted to learn screenwriting. This is what I did. 👇

submitted 5 days ago • 0 comments

Don't just ask what needs to happen in the scene. Get more specific in your screenwriting. Ask what needs to change. What is true at the end of the scene that wasn't true in the beginning? This will help you stay focused on the emotional journey, not just the plot. #scriptsky

submitted 6 days ago • 0 comments

As a screenwriting teacher, I'd much rather repeat key fundamentals again and again until they're second nature. This is far more effective than an onslaught of information that will likely be forgotten when needed. Keeping it simple will get a writer out of a lot of trouble. #scriptsky

submitted 7 days ago • 0 comments

It’s easy to fall in love with big ideas for your screenwriting. Themes, concepts, and set pieces are definitely cool. But they're only as good as the emotional moments they generate. So don’t forget to fall in love with those, too. #scriptsky

submitted 8 days ago • 2 comments

QUICK SCREENWRITING TIP: if something in your script is so vital you don’t want the reader to miss it… Give it its own paragraph. Whether it’s for emotional impact or just information, the separation helps it stand out and signifies its importance. #scriptsky

submitted 8 days ago • 2 comments

From the moment we begin our screenwriting, we're told to "Show, don't tell." Yesterday, I shared with 7k+ subscribers why -- when it comes to our words on the page -- "Show, THEN tell" is a much better adage to live by. Did you miss it? One more chance in the replies below. 👇 #scriptsky

submitted 9 days ago • 1 comment

BAH GAWD, THAT’S TOM VAUGHAN’S MUSIC! Every Tuesday, when Tom’s email launches from the top rope and drops the flying elbow of knowledge on my ass, I learn something new without fail. Then he tosses finishing move after finishing move on socials for good measure.

submitted 10 days ago • 1 comment

A director uses the film's score to heighten emotion. In screenwriting, you have the action lines. Your words, your phrasing, the energy and vibe you write with should all perform the same task as the musical score. Use your voice and style to elevate the emotional impact. #scriptsky

submitted 10 days ago • 2 comments

The most common screenwriting advice out there is "Show, don't tell." And yet, so many get this wrong. Tomorrow, I'll share with 7.5k subscribers how and why this famous adage is so often misapplied. Interested? The link is below in the replies.👇

submitted 10 days ago • 2 comments

There is a simple test for just about 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 in your screenwriting. Does it help evoke, clarify, or set up your desired emotion? Or does it get in the way of it? If you're on the fence about anything, run it through that filter; it will tell you what to do. #scriptsky

submitted 11 days ago • 1 comment

Over 1000+ people have signed up for my FREE email course Screenwriting for Beginners. It sounds basic; it isn't. It's about fundamentals. It's not HOW to write, but how to best LEARN to write. Did I mention it was free? You can enroll right now. #screenwriting

submitted 11 days ago • 1 comment

Two things to never sacrifice in the action lines of your screenwriting 1. Clarity of intent. 2. Emotional truth. Do an entire pass just looking for this. Make this the MINIMUM requirement for every line before anyone reads your screenplay. #scriptsky

submitted 12 days ago • 1 comment

Much of what we consider screenwriting talent is simply processing certain crucial things at a faster pace. And like anything, that can be developed. I share exactly how to do that in the link below.👇 #scriptsky

submitted 12 days ago • 1 comment