Lyrics in screenplays are written in italics. If it is not already clear from the context that the character is singing, it’s helpful to include the parenthetical “(singing)” the first time it comes up, as foreign dialogue and other special-circumstance dialogue is also put in italics. Some writers choose to put a “/” at the […]
What is a one-step deal?
A one-step deal is a deal in which a studio hires a screenwriter to write a single draft of a screenplay, and all future work after the delivery of that draft is optional, at the discretion of the studio. These vary from more traditional two or three step deals, where the writer is guaranteed at […]
What is the difference between an em-dash/double-hyphen and an ellipsis?
Both em-dashes (–) and ellipses (…) are used to indicate unfinished thoughts, but their uses differ slightly. Em-dashes are used to indicate a thought that ends abruptly, either because the speaker ended it that way for effect (“aposiopesis”), or because he or she was interrupted. THOMAS I was just about to tell your dad that […]
How 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 screenwriter must clearly and succinctly present a coherent and gripping story, complete with rich characters and interesting dialogue and action, all while following [standard screenplay format](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-standard-screenplay-format/). **Get a feel for how they work.** Screenplays are not stand-alone pieces of literary […]
Who 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 books on the market. McKee, a Fulbright Scholar, developed his seminar while a professor at the University of Southern California, and began offering it to the public in 1984. It has been attended […]
How 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 non-linear, so they can be moved and shuffled easily. Plus they come in different colors, which can be a big help with organization. When […]