WELCOME:This blog is assembled and contributed to by writers who are interested in developing the craft of screenwriting. We've created a number of exercises that will aid you as a writer. Use it by selecting an exercise and following the instructions listed within. For a more detailed and organized list of exercises, visit the category pages. If you'd like to contribute an exercise, email basil@beingmedia.com. This website is now optimized for the iPhone & iPod Touch. Thanks for visiting! |
Let’s practice developing plots. Your Task: Take a movie that you’re working on that uses the 3-act structure. If you don’t have one, download a screenplay online. Identify plot point 1 and brainstorm 25 other possible scenarios.
I was talking to a grocery store clerk about writing the other day, when he asked, “How do you write about characters that you can’t stand?” I responded with saying, “finding compassion for our characters gives us the ability to understand them more which helps when we write their lives.” Your task: Pick a person you dislike. Write a 1-page synopsis for a plot based on their life as a hero’s journey.
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.
A Hero is often considered to be someone who was born with extraordinary talents and abilities. But are heroes really superior beings? I think not. In my opinion, heroes are everyday people who take on challenging obstacles to reach noble goals. Everyone has been or will be a hero in their lifetime. Your task: Write a 1-page synopsis of your life as a hero’s journey. Identify the goal you’re working toward and 3 challenges faced. Craft this synopsis in a creative way, telling your story interestingly.
Usually, a movie’s plot is what draws me to it and its’ plot twists are what keep me there. Your Task: Watch 10 movies and identify the turning points in the plot. Answer these questions: How did these turning points happen? Was there a consistent theme from movie to movie?
This site was initially established by Basil Shadid and produced by being MEdia as a way to develop the screenwriting craft. He wanted exercises that would challenge his abilities as a writer. billie rain, an amazing writer and editor, came on board soon after, to create new exercise ideas and to hone the ideas that already existed.
Enjoy!
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