ALL ARTICLES
Why Screenwriters Should Write With A Producer’s Cap On
Screenwriters need to think strategically about what they’re writing and why they’re writing it. Are you writing for yourself, a screenwriting contest, or are you looking to position your work in the marketplace? Charles Borg spoke with Creative...
Tracking Your Screenplay Submissions: From Contests to Execs
With the deadlines for The Nicholl, AFF and the TV network fellowships happening pretty much NOW, this seems like as good a time as any to do some much-needed housekeeping and get your submission tracking in order. With that in mind…For many...
Good Will To All
The other day, a student challenged me with this statement and question: “Conventional wisdom suggests that there must be a clear goal and an antagonist, but I don't buy it. I've seen many movies where there appears to be neither a...
Web Series: Development, Revenues and Contracts
QUESTION FOR FILMTVLAW.COM:About how much money can a web series make? I need a contract with my production partner, something simple to split up the show 50/50, but I’m not sure how money gets paid for a web series. Can you help us sort this...
How To Turn Your Logline Into A Pitch
Many writers struggle with coming up with that perfect logline for their project - let alone writing one, and then it's time to take that and turn it into a pitch. Well, it can all become pretty intimidating rather quickly! Luckily for you, our...
What Do Typos in Your Screenplay Say About You?
Script readers or people who read screenplays professionally are quite often screenwriters themselves. They are looking for reasons to shuttle your screenplay into the pass pile. Excessive typos are a common reason for them to do so. So why do...
Take Your Screenwriting Power Back
When it comes to who wields the most power in Hollywood, it seems screenwriters fall near the bottom rung. Let’s be honest: we’re beholden to the gatekeepers, whether they’re script analysts, producers, or studio execs, who will...
How to Write a Logline Producers Won’t Pass On [with Logline Examples]
Before a screenplay is crafted by underpaid writers, it starts as a logline. At any stage of a production, a logline is a tool used to sell your idea.
Since movie loglines are so short, it’s easy to write out twenty in under twenty...
ISA Names Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2019
Each year, the International Screenwriters’ Association puts out its elite list of screenwriters to watch and 2019 is packed with twenty-five diverse talents who have gone above and beyond to grow, improve, and get noticed, smashing their...
Breaking into Screenwriting is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
“I broke in sooooo fast!!!”… Said no writer anywhere ever.Seriously. I mean… in the 90’s, maybe? Back then, it seemed like writers were emerging from complete obscurity to sell a screenplay seemingly overnight (only...
Here’s What We Found Out About Ageism In Hollywood
Ageism. It’s a thing! But what does it really mean? Is it simply a matter of screenwriters reaching an expiry date on their fortieth birthday, or is there more to it than that? Creative Screenwriting Magazine spoke with veteran agent...
Don’t Ruin a Good Read! Screenwriting Mistakes to Avoid
While I don’t fashion myself a script or story consultant (because, let’s face it, there are already enough of those – including a few really great ones – out there), the simple reality is that at this point in my career, I...
There Will Always Be A Market For A Script We Can’t Put Down
“There Will Always Be A Market For A Script We Can’t Put Down” Says Seth Renshaw
Seth Renshaw worked in PR, media sales and then with CAA’s Marketing department before transitioning to film and television with David...
The DO’S and DONT'S of Taking Notes
The other day, I had a call with a new coaching client, who had sent me his original screenplay prior to his initial session with me. The script had some good things going for it, but me being me, I had thoughts, some conceptual, some technical. The...
Producer Jason Mirch Discusses The State Of The Entertainment Industry
Jason Mirch is a feature film, television, branded entertainment, and digital content producer and executive with over 15 years of experience. Mirch was the Head of feature and television development at Image Nation, a finance and production company...
The 5 Powers of Screenwriters
Writers often feel powerless in the face of pursuing their goals. They feel helpless in the face of a business they perceive to be difficult to enter and succeed. We fight off overwhelming feelings of confusion when developing our stories. It...
What I Learned In 5 Years With Stan Lee
In honor of Captain Marvel coming out this past weekend (go see it, it’s another great Marvel movie!), I figured I’d write a bit about what I learned from the most unexpected business partner I’d ever have: Stan Lee.Now,...
Write Screenplays And Worlds That Are Close To You - Manager Alex Creasia
Alex Creasia is a Literary Manager and Producer at Pathfinder Media. He represents writers and directors around the globe focusing on all formats of TV, Film, books, podcasts and digital. Recently his company merged with UMedia an international...
How to Win an Oscar for Best Short Film
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the people who give out the Oscar, do a wonderful thing every year. They give Oscars to short filmmakers! The Oscar for Best Short Film (they give out two—Live Action and Animation)...
Amanda Bermudez On “Nightingale”
Amanda Bermudez is a storied screenwriter with many accolades including the ISA Top 25 Writers to Watch. Having grown up throughout the United States, Bermudez has sought to explore under-represented narratives in a variety of media. Upon...
