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The Final Draft Checklist

6/15/2014

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For many writers, too much time is spent at the end of the screenwriting process, re-reading a script and making small tweaks that won't have much of an impact on the writing. Changing commas, tweaking tiny details, what have you.

But if you're smart about it, you can use your last few reads to fine tune and improve your script in tangible ways. 
We've listed a preliminary "Final Draft Checklist" below. If you run through the list successfully, you can make those final reads as productive as possible.
Keep reading.

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The Secret to Networking In Hollywood

5/8/2014

3 Comments

 
 
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We've written about it before, and we'll likely write about it again...

Like it or not, succeeding as a screenwriter involves a healthy dose of networking.

Part of that is getting out there and meeting people, sure.

But another big part of networking is mastering the art of keeping in touch. 

Today we'll share the techniques you can use to manage your relationships in Hollywood (before you have an assistant to do it for you).

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Theme: The Die hard essential

4/24/2014

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The following article discusses "Theme," which is a huge aspect of the newly launched Script Quack screenwriting class. Want to know more?  CLICK HERE.
Theme is the most overlooked and misunderstood aspect of screenwriting. Even development executives and directors often fail to grasp its significance.

So why is it so important?

One need go no further than the “DieHard” franchise.

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Location, location, location! (And how to get it right in your screenplay.)

4/16/2014

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Setting up or describing a location definitely isn’t the sexiest part of screenwriting, but it’s essential.

A good script is easy for the reader to visualize and no matter how you shake it, location is a big part of that visualization.

But new writers can get stuck on setting up their locations. So we decided to take a look at how some of great writers set up locations in their scripts.

Keep reading, and you’ll never get stuck on describing locations again.


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How to Write Strong Characters

4/3/2014

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If you’re struggling to write strong characters, chances are you've forgotten what really makes people unique, both in the real world and in your scripts.

Maybe you've started focusing on the way people talk. Or what they wear. Or what their job is.

But none of those things are really personal. Sure, a special way of talking will set a character apart from the others in your script, but that alone won’t make them unforgettable.

The same is true for the other details mentioned above. All that stuff is superficial. If you really want your characters to shine, you need to go deep.

Keep reading to find out how.

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Script Analysis: "Non-Stop"

3/10/2014

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A lot of people think new action or thriller movies are crappy popcorn flicks that might as well have been written by a monkey.

Unless the movie is a huge blockbuster success, or critically acclaimed, people write it off as stupid.

But every movie has something to teach you, and the new Liam Neeson thriller, "Non-Stop," is no exception.

The movie is rich with hidden screenwriting lessons that we're excited to share with you.

So keep reading. 


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5 (more) ways to become a better writer in 2014

2/13/2014

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It’s February now, but we’re still not done with our New Year’s Resolution articles.

Last month, we published a piece with five bits of advice on how you can become a better writer in 2014.

This article is part two of that series.


So if you’re looking for real, actionable advice on how to improve your writing – look no further.

Here’s 5 (More) Ways to Become a Better Writer in 2014…

1) quit Better


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How to Make good writing great

2/7/2014

 
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When Chelsea and I first started writing, we got a lot of frustrating notes.

Everybody that read our worked really liked it, but our writing didn't quite resonate enough for them to actually buy, produce or option our scripts. 

Over and over, people would say things like..

"The writing was really strong, but sometimes it felt a little flat..."
OR
"It was a great read, but we didn't connect with the concept..."
OR
"You clearly know how to tell a story, but it just didn't stick with me..."

It was FRUSTRATING. We had read all the books and we had learned all the rules, but our writing just wasn't hitting as hard as we needed it to.

So we studied up... 

We read every great script we could get our hands on and we studied them inside and out. 

Here's what we discovered...

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5 Ways to Become a Better writer in 2014

1/23/2014

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Happy New Year! Happy New Day! Happy Right Now!

This is a bit of a belated New Year post but it’s still January, so I think it’s fair game. 
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If you’re like many people around the world, you started this year off by setting unrealistic goals for 2014, and resolving to change the way you live in drastic ways that you’ll never be able to achieve.

But where you’re writing is concerned, there are plenty of small things you can do to become a better writer in 2014. (And they are totally achievable!)

We wrote a similar article last year (How to Become a Better Writer in 2013). Consider this article an update on that.

So forget all those other resolutions you made. Losing weight. Gaining muscle. Finally quitting Candy Crush…

Pick an item from this list (or every item), and become a better writer in 2014.


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How to Decide What to Write Next

1/8/2014

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One of the hardest parts about being an up and coming screenwriting is figuring out what you should write and when you should write it.

When it’s time to start a new project, most writers are faced with three or four different concepts.


They have no idea which one to pursue next, which will be most appealing to potential producers, and which will grow their portfolio in a good way.
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This is the first image that comes up when you google 'ugly baby.' It was not nearly the ugliest baby on the page.
They don't have an agent or manager to help with the decision, and all of the options can feel a little overwhelming.

This article will address each of those issues, so whenever it’s time to choose a new project, come back here, and the process will be made that much easier.

Keep reading.


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