The best screenplay in the world is useless if you can’t sell it. Here are some ideas for improving your chances of success. There’s an old saying that it’s not what you know, but who you know. That’s true since if nobody knows who you are, they won’t know where to find you. So rather […]
Names are more than just labels to identify different characters. Names can give each character a personality that audiences may not be aware of, but that subtly supports your story and theme. In any story, the names of your characters shouldn’t be arbitrary. Charles Dickens used names to summarize the character’s personality such as Scrooge. […]
Actor, comedian, and writer Steve Martin had a suggestion when someone asked him how to break into show business. He said, “Be so good that they can’t ignore you.” Ultimately, your talent is the only thing completely under your control. When people talk about breaking into show business, there’s usually the hope that someone else […]
The Zeigarnik Effect is a strange term that basically describes the “Cliffhanger” appeal of leaving an audience dangling, which whets their appetite more. This is what makes the 15 Minute Movie Method so effective. The next time you listen to a radio talk show, listen to what the disc jockeys say right before they go […]
Characters form the heart of every screenplay. If nobody cares about your characters, then nobody will care about your screenplay. Here’s how to make your characters stand out. Don’t choose the names of your characters by chance. Use care when naming your characters since the right name can enhance a character’s personality while the wrong […]