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Can Scriptwriting Be Taught? By Samuel Caine

I’m trying to resist the temptation to shock you all now, by saying ‘I don’t think it can’, but I can’t resist and I’m going to say it anyway: no, I don’t think it can. I still think writing courses are very useful though. If you think I’m mad, get in line, but hear me out first. Here are 6 problems with teaching scriptwriting, but why you should do a writing course ANYWAY: 1. Talent is innate … This is an oft-cited criticism of creative courses. ‘You can’t learn to be an artist’. As cynical as I am, I’m not… Read More »Can Scriptwriting Be Taught? By Samuel Caine

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How to Find a Great Title to your Screenplay by Gordy Hoffman

How exactly does one work on the title of their screenplay? I recently came up with such a wonderful idea for a movie, one of those miraculous moments, like finding money on the sidewalk. I told somebody, and they said, “Great. What’s the title?” Suddenly, and rather horrifyingly, my beauty of an idea is crippled. Instant orphaned bastard! You wanna strangle the person. You feel insulted. What’s the title!? Why would you even ask that, like, right after I told you this incredible gem? Well, of course they would ask that. Every movie needs a name. But unlike nearly every… Read More »How to Find a Great Title to your Screenplay by Gordy Hoffman

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Q: What Are The Differences Between Features & TV Pilots/Series?

Claire Yeowart asks: What are the specific differences in television pilots vs features?… In pilots – how do you balance characters and plot without there being too much going on overall? These are really good questions  which other Bang2writers have struggled with in the past, so I’ll break down the aspects of features vs. pilots, one by one as I see them. STRUCTURE Features. There are many ways of looking at features in terms of structure, but I think of The Three Acts in a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” kind of way – and because the industry… Read More »Q: What Are The Differences Between Features & TV Pilots/Series?

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What Is The Difference Between an NDA and a Release Form?

NDA versus Release Form A couple of Bang2writers messaged me yesterday via email and FB chat, asking about the difference between an NDA and a release form. I thought it might be of use to repeat it here for anyone else who might be wondering. What is an NDA? NDA stands for “non disclosure agreement”. This is something PRODUCTION COMPANIES may send out with its scripts to readers like me. This is not because they are afraid *I* will steal their script, though. It is because they are afraid rival companies will get the heads-up on their project. NDAs usually… Read More »What Is The Difference Between an NDA and a Release Form?

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I’ve Written A Screenplay. Now What?

Updated So, You’ve Written A Screenplay ‘I’ve written a screenplay, now what?’ is one of the top Google searches that leads writers to this blog. Plus Bang2writers write to me, asking me for ideas on what to do / where to send scripts they’ve written, so I thought it was time I put my thoughts on this in one place, once and for all … Enjoy!  1) Get Some Screenplay Feedback i) Getting it – do peer review You don’t have to pay for this, though you can if you want to.  Alternatively, you can do peer review aka a… Read More »I’ve Written A Screenplay. Now What?

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