The Story Map breaks down your narrative into its eight main dramatic elements, the four major story engines and the ten crucial story beats that must be in the same order and must fall in specific page points in your screenplay, no matter the genre. Learn more about Story Maps and buy the new E-Book […]
Not only does each film adhere to the story map structure but there’s an over arcing structure where the trilogy is a story map unto itself as if it were one film.
The first ten pages of your script must establish the world of your story, set up a compelling conflict with intriguing characters, establish your skills on the page and suck in the reader. Related: Don’t Suck, Suck in the Reader!
The Big Idea has replaced the term “high concept”… they essentially mean the same thing. The big idea is the first and maybe the only thing that will get your script read if you’re a new, unproven writer…the big idea is not just a stringing together of familiar elements from other hit movies, as many […]
If you are looking for common screenwriting terms for the aspiring professional screenwriter… See my Screenwriting Glossary HERE. -Daniel Calvisi https://actfourscreenplays.com/ copyright (c) Daniel Calvisi Where are you at in the screenwriting process? I would like to develop an all-new concept into a screenplay with the guidance of a major movie studio Script Doctor. I […]
Don’t print the title of the script on the card stock cover… it should go on the title page of the script. If you’re using Final Draft…define a title page so you don’t get the generic, default title page. CALL TO ACTION: Get professional notes and coaching on your completed screenplay. Develop a new screenplay […]
Million Dollar Baby (2004; Screenplay by Paul Haggis, based on stories by F.X. Toole; Directed by Clint Eastwood) Million Dollar Baby is an incredibly focused story. Screenwriter Paul Haggis achieves what I call “story cohesion” by making sure that every element logically flows from strong main dramatic elements while generating dramatic conflict. The first level […]
Million Dollar Baby (2004; Screenplay by Paul Haggis, based on stories by F.X. Toole; Directed by Clint Eastwood) Million Dollar Baby is an incredibly focused story. Screenwriter Paul Haggis achieves what I call “story cohesion” by making sure that every element logically flows from strong main dramatic elements while generating dramatic conflict. The first level […]
Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]
You can copyright your screenplay or novel with the U.S. Copyrights office in Washington, D.C. Download the proper forms at their website.
Script Coverage/Screenplay Coverage is a 3-5 page report evaluating the quality and potential of a written submission to be a successful film for that particular production company. Final judgment is a Recommend, Consider, or Pass. Most script submissions are given a Pass (probably 9 out of 10). This can be for story or commercial reasons. […]
Back to Page One Story Map beats for Rapunzel (original Grimm’s Fairy Tale, source material for Tangled): Opening: A WIFE convinces her HUSBAND to steal the delicious rampion from the garden of the powerful WITCH that lives next door. Inciting Incident: The Husband goes back for more rampion and he is caught by the Witch. […]
Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]
I don’t offer script coverage as one of my consulting services; I prepare detailed story notes that identify narrative problems and offer specific suggestions on how to fix them. However, I wrote coverage on scripts and books for years as a professional movie studio Reader. So I’m very familiar with it. You will find a […]
Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]
Looking for a screenplay consultation? Learn screenplay analysis from a Script Doctor with major movie studio credentials. Let’s make your screenplay great!
Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]
Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]
Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]
Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]