Each location you write about has it’s own history. The story of this place interacts with your character and scenes. Your task: Pick a scene from a movie. Name 5 things that have happened in this place. Write about how these shape its’ present? ...
A plot device is a person or object in a story that is used to advance the plot. Your task: Identify the plot and at least one plot device in 5 movies. ...
How does action grab us? Your Task: Watch a movie – any movie. Now, look back at your movie watching experience. Answer these questions: When did you feel the first sense of excitement (and starting to get drawn in)? What captivated you? What actions did you take when responding to the movie (did you move ...
When I’m writing a story, I like to get descriptive. If I’m writing a screenplay, I’m trying to narrow that descriptive drive into shorter sentences and less words. The point is to get more into less so the production crew doesn’t have to decode fancy descriptive paragraphs while turning the script into something filmable. Your ...
Have you ever seen Ghost in the Shell? There’s a scene in the middle of the movie’s buildup that’s a contemplative movement where the main character watches the city go by. It’s the perfect example of place as action. The pensive main character is taken away by place in a moment that gives the viewer ...
I would argue that the 3-act structure has been one of the most influential tool for screenplay development. Regardless of people’s move beyond this structure, it’s history, & applicability are important to understand for someone whose developing their craft as a screenwriter. Your Task: Write a 5-page essay on the 3-act structure. Where did it ...
Screenwriter’s Toolkit Podcast: Episode 3. ...
Use this exercise to get a better understanding of how place effects everything in a scene. Your Task: Pick 5 to 10 random photographs and write 1-page scenes in these locations. ...
Let’s use the ending of a film to practice creating scenes. Your Task: Pick a movie – any movie. After watching it, jot down 4 alternate possibilities for an ending. Now, pick one of your 4 new finales and use standard screenplay format to write out one of these endings. ...
Sometimes, seeing where other people have taken an idea can inspire us with new ways to develop our own. Your task: Make a list of five things you are passionate about. Identify as many movies you can think of that cover the first item on your list. Do a 5-minute free-write with the starting sentence, ...