What screenplays should aspiring screenwriters read?
One of the best ways to figure out formatting, story, and other screenwriting questions is to read others’ screenplays. There is no set list of screenplays all aspiring screenwriters should read, but...
View ArticleWhat is the best way to handle flashbacks or dream sequences in a screenplay?
If you want the viewer (and therefore the reader) to know that a scene is or is part of a flashback or dream sequence, add the tag in brackets after the header. INT. TOM’S BEDROOM – DAY [FLASHBACK] If...
View ArticleDo non-talking characters’ names get put in ALL CAPS when introduced?
Yes. Any essential element should be put in all caps when it is first introduced, especially a character, regardless of if it is human or if it speaks. So essential animals’ names go in all caps, too....
View ArticleHow long should a screenplay be?
There is no set page count for how long a feature screenplay should be, but generally speaking, your [spec scripts](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-%E2%80%9Cspec-script%E2%80%9D/) should be between...
View ArticleHow short can my screenplay be?
Generally speaking, as a novice your [spec scripts](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-%E2%80%9Cspec-script%E2%80%9D/) should be between 110 and 120 pages. The rule of thumb with screenplays is that...
View ArticleHow do screenwriters use index cards?
Many screenwriters find index cards (aka notecards, note cards, or flash cards) valuable in both the outlining and pitching processes. They are a great way for visualizing story, and they are...
View ArticleWho is Robert McKee?
Robert McKee is a screenwriting guru whose book (and seminar series), [Story](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060391685/?tag=johnaugustcom-20), is one of the most popular and polarizing how-to screenwriting...
View ArticleHow do I write a screenplay?
Writing a [screenplay](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-screenplay/) is a large undertaking. In [not much more than 100 pages](https://screenwriting.io/how-long-should-a-screenplay-be/), a...
View ArticleCan I use “CUT TO:” when moving between scenes? Do I have to?
“CUT TO:” can be a useful transition when you need to be extra-clear we’re moving to a new place and/or time. However, with the presence of scene headers, it is by no means necessary, and in modern...
View ArticleWhat is a two-hander?
A two-hander is a movie where there are two main characters of roughly equal importance to the story, and whose arcs are given roughly equal screen-time. Romantic comedies and buddy cop movies are...
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