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You can divide every story into four parts: Act I, Act IIa, Act IIb, and Act III where each...

Many writers say that the middle of a screenplay, Act II, is the hardest part to write. That’s because...

Every story is about conflict. Although most people associate conflict with fist fights, gunfire, and explosions, most conflict occurs...

In every story, the hero should be caught in a dilemma. That dilemma forces the hero to either stay...

In every scene, characters want something. Unless your scene involves physical action such as fighting or fleeing, most characters...

Many novice screenwriters are too vague. they often write one scene to provide exposition, another scene to reveal a...

Pick a great movie and chances are good it focuses on a single idea or theme. Then the plot...

In every scene, characters want something. Without a goal to pursue, a scene serves no purpose. Once a scene...

A screenplay is only as good as its weakest scene so it’s crucial that you make every scene important....

The phrase “deus ex machina” literally translates as “god from the machine” and is most often associated with ancient...

Almost everyone has a good idea for a movie. The problem is turning that good idea into a good...

Screenwriters, like novelists, can let their imagination go free. Unfortunately, the reality is that imagination is not free. This...