What is a character’s external arc, and how can screenwriters ensure that their protagonist has a great one? Character arcs can be an intimidating subject for many screenwriters. Much is…
Read More
What is a character’s internal arc, and how can screenwriters ensure that their protagonist has a great one? Character arcs can be an intimidating subject for many screenwriters. Much is…
What screenwriting lessons can we draw from the wise, funny, and inspiring words of the late, great Penny Marshall? Carole “Penny” Marshall was born in New York City on October…
Academy Originals’ Creative Spark Series features Oscar-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis as he takes viewers inside his screenwriting process. Haggis moved to California from Canada in his twenties and eventually became a…
How do the twelve stages of Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey — as interpreted by Christopher Vogler and his book The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers — apply to…
Why do some movies begin with the ending? There’s no single answer to how you should structure a screenplay. Different structures work for different reasons. Structure is less about hitting specific…
How can script scene breakdowns help screenwriters write more engaging and well-paced screenplays? While there may not be a single formula or code for a successful screenplay or film, there’s…
What are some embarrassing truths that most screenwriters don’t want to admit? Every screenwriter exaggerates, bends the truth, and embellishes throughout their screenwriting journey. No different than any potential job…
What are all of the major types of scenes found within movies that screenwriters can use within their screenplays? Movie scenes are generally defined as the action or moment within…
What are the wisest and most inspiring quotes from the late writer, producer, and director John Hughes that screenwriters can apply to their screenwriting journey? If you’re not familiar with…
