Good evening, I am seeking advice about how to structure something in my latest screenplay. It's a faith-based comedy drama that features a messy divorce. The divorce puts the screenplay in motion.

A divorce in real life takes a while and they can be messy. Deciding to get a divorce. Lawyer meetings. Managing new work schedules to accommodate divorce. Clearing out the old house. Selling the house. Finding new places to live. New normal for children. Finalizing the divorce. Moving on with life.

I feel like I am spending too much time covering the details and steps of a divorce, which is taking up too many pages. I know during the editing process I will trim a ton of fat, but I'm trying to think of a way to speed time ahead because I will need the pages later in the script.

Do you think I could get away with using a ton of SUPERs (superimposed) to bypass some of the details about a divorce? In past scripts I used SUPERS very sparingly. What are some of your best tricks to move a script ahead?

Thank you very much.

Hey guys sorry this is a beginner question so I was watching Dawn of the Planet of Apes and there is a scene where Alex is talking to Ellie where he tells he didn't know she had a daughter and asks for her name. From my understanding this scene allows Ellie to bond with her step-son but besides this it doesn't really advance the plot. There was another similar scene earlier where Ellie tells Malcolm it was brave what he did and he replies he need to do this cause Alex has seen horrible things he shouldn't have seen, I get this scene is trying to show the horror of the flu even though like the previous scene it doesn't advance the plot. Similar with the scene where Alex bonds with Maurice. So are calmer dialogue scenes like this there to allow the audience to take a breather from all the fighting?

How would you format the cuttaway transitions in a cript like they do in shows like superstore? like random one off bits between the main story's?

I’m moving to NYC next year, and was wondering what are some advantages up there for a writer. I know LA I’d known as the main hub but I got a job offer up in NYC so it’ll have to be the place for me for the time being.

So, I've gotten multiple pieces of feedback on my screenplay that have asked me to cut back on the "flashbacks" I have because they break up the pacing. I would understand that generally, but the majority of these flashbacks aren't really flashbacks so much as they are very fast memories. I envisioned them as like, visual only, while the audio of the current scene still plays, and you just see barely enough of these snippets to get the idea of what's happening. Moments in The Prestige come to mind, honestly. But how do I write that in a screenplay to effectively communicate that? It feels disingenuous to call that a "flashback," its not like it's a scene taking place in the past, it's 1-3 second long visual snippets.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

I’m currently writing a character driven naturalistic screenplay, and I’m finding it hard to stick by the “show, don’t tell” rule when it comes to character development when I want it to stay as close to reality such as we do “expose” ourselves through conversations all the time and it’s a lot about human connection and that’s the way I interpret life, but at the same time I feel like I’m doing something wrong for giving out so much, and was just wondering if there’s a way to master this without having it seem like I’m feeding all the information to the spectators/reader?

I remember Richard Linklater’s interview where he talks about having the same problem when he came up with the idea for Before Sunrise, because he was also taught to always choose to show, not tell. He did an amazing job with the trilogy, but I just can’t stop feeling like mine is not as subtle?

I don’t know, my teachers in uni traumatised me enough to keep me away from writing, and now that I’m back and trying something different, I just want to find my own pace, I guess.

I'm trying to understand why several TV shoes and books that I've read lately seem to repeat words and phrases so often? Is this s new writing style? I just finished watching a TV show where they use the word "ok" at least 60 times each episode and sometimes almost 100 times in one episode. They also constantly repeat the same phrases. Is there is reason for this? I can delete if not relevant to this sub.

So, I finally did it. At exactly 100 pages, after three months of work, I finished my first-ever screenplay (well, first draft, at least). Writing a screenplay has been on my bucket list for years, and now that it’s done, I feel amazing!

It wasn’t always easy. I have ADHD, and staying focused can be… challenging, to say the least. In the middle of writing this feature, I somehow managed to come up with five other fairly detailed story outlines in a variety of settings all across the globe (because of course, I did). But even with all those distractions, I stuck with finishing this one and I’m kinda proud of myself for it.

Is it a groundbreaking, earth-shattering piece of art? Nah, probably not. But I loved writing it from beginning to end. I think it has some real potential to be great with subsequent drafts.

Right now, my plan is to put it aside for a couple of months so I can come back and start revising with an unbiased perspective.

In the meantime, I’m diving straight into writing the first draft of my second screenplay.

Here’s to this being the first of many! 

To anyone else out there thinking about tackling that dream story, you’ve got this! 💪

https://deadline.com/2024/11/the-apprentice-script-read-the-screenplay-trump-movie-1236187251/

A lot of screenwriting and filmmaking courses are 50% off for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, like Masterclass and BBC Maestro. Any that you’d highly recommend? Thank you!

ETA: sharing a Black Friday deal that I purchased - Hulu is $0.99/mo for a year and Hulu with Disney+ is $2.99/mo for a year. I subscribed to the latter.

Hey guys,

Big THANK YOU to everyone who's been reading all the drafts I've been posting! Based on the feedback, I've decided to take things in a somewhat different direction. Would love your thoughts on the new opening 3 pages-- good, bad and ugly.

THE JET: A famous pop artist must fight for her life on a private jet when she comes face-to-face with her murderous stalker at 30,000 feet in the air. AIR FORCE ONE meets HALLOWEEN.

NEW: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fcc39Qx-dkrW0PesD8OXIqHaPXAWxmm8/view?usp=sharing

OLD: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fV67AEGwNpVVxMzLXEWOqeKQo9-NOZb0/view?usp=sharing

MUCH OLDER ORIGINAL DRAFT (FULL SCRIPT, for reference):  https://drive.google.com/file/d/10nzyQVW1B4rC7ayPNBSs1ROCLgp5cV1g/view?usp=sharing

Thanks again.

-SL

Logline: Three hitmen are sent to eliminate a client at his house. But when the client’s best friends arrive unexpectedly, the tables turn. Now trapped with a dead body and the client’s friends, the hitmen must find a way out—without escalating the situation any further.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18K9YuC-PDroJRlvO7zEXK7Rpz5LC0pnI/view?usp=sharing

I’ve been working on it for a while since I first shared the project, and I believe I’ve made considerable progress. I’m quite confident in this draft.

I would love to hear your feedback—what worked, what didn’t, whether it was funny or immature, how you feel about the characters and anything else that comes to mind. Please feel free to tell me. I’d be glad to rework anything I find less than great in the screenplay.

Thanks in advance for your time, I appreciate it.

Disclaimer- I'm still not sure whether it will be a TV series or a feature. I consider both options to be reasonable possibilities, and based on some previous feedback I’ve received, I believe it could evolve into a TV series.

Wow - it's been a hot minute since I've written anything of my own. After a few months of tire kicking some alternative/newer screenwriting tools the familiarity and comfort of FD won the day.

That said - the process of adapting a feature into a series has begun...

FADE IN:

Feeling discouraged and sad today. I’m just a girl in the state of Georgia and have been trying to make my dreams come true with no luck so far. Been on my writing journey since the year 2015. For those who have an agent tell me your story and about your journey. I need some hope today. 🩷

Format: Feature

Title: SILENT OVERRIDE

Logline: In the age of AI automation, a ex music producer, joined by his laidback son, aims to become a great man by joining a anti-AI and pro-agency guru.

Genre: Tragicomedy.

Nutshell: Comedic, but topical story about the psychological impact large scale AI automation could have. High-concept, but dramatized and exploring themes that are timelessly human (agentlessness, hopelessness, relationship between generations)

Total length: 98 (I can give access to full script if anyone is interested.)

Link to script: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1arYPLjc9DIOrLwdXAnwzMdirXqEDhcl5/view?usp=sharing

I just got notification from Nocturna Film Festival. I submitted two of my scripts to them, one TV script and one dystopian sci-fi thriller. Both of them got nominated! Yay!

I guess this means my writing is getting decent.
It is difficult sitting on your own, writing, and not getting proper feedback from others. I have bought coverage on one or two occassions, but it is expensive.

How do you go about getting people to read your stuff?

Does anybody have the screenplay/script for the 1974 Tales from the crypt movie? Especially the Blind alleys part.

(Note: I'm french, please excuse my english)

Hi everyone. Hi have a hard time wrappin my head around something hopefully some of you will be able to help.

So i'm new to the concept of story so i'm trying to understand the terms as best as i can so that i can make the most out of everything i read or watch on the craft.

When trying to figure out the difference between story and plot which for now is still blurry but at least i think i'm on the good road.

Story = A (list) of events in their original/chronological order of occurrence with no link between them other that their chronological order: event 1 happen before event 2 and event 2 after event 1. The king died then the queen. Two events the only link between them is their chronological sequence but those 2 could have both died from ANYTHING.

Plot = The events of the story in their original order(linear) or rearranged but this time causaly ! One event is the reason for the existence of the other and the other is the consequence of the first ! The king died and then the queen died of grief

Event 1: The king died Is responsible for Event 2: The queen died (BECAUSE) she loved the king and couldn't live without him.

As soon as all the above clicked in my brain another question popped which is the reason of that post.

If the story is: The timeline of events and the plot: The arrangement of those events it mean

Subplot = Storyline + Plotline = Subplot

My understanding of subplot is: A story ((((( !!! WITHIN !!! ))) the overall story(complete work: movie or novel)

So my question is what the difference between a SCENE and a SUBPLOT(Story within the OVERALL story)

Since scenes are also described as mini story and having a beginning middle and end ?

Hey all,

Long-time lurker and novice writer here looking for some guidance. I've recently completed my first feature length script after doing my best to learn some of the basics (via youtube, and reading quite a few screenplays). I was hoping I could come to you guys for some guidance as to how to proceed. I've shared my draft with some friends but haven't gotten much feedback that would be particularly useful in starting the second draft. I know it has issues-- namely that it's bloated (over 150 pages-- likely also means my pacing is off) and that the story kind of falls apart in the third act (landing the plane is so hard, lol), but I have some faith that with more time and effort, I can turn this experience into a solid foundation for improvement on projects moving forward.

I completely understand if reading the entire thing is too big of an ask-- I wouldn't expect a total stranger to dedicate hours of their life to reading my mediocre story, so any feedback for any portion/aspect of the story would be greatly appreciated. And if someone is interested in offering me some more detailed feedback on the full project, I would be more than willing to discuss appropriate compensation.

Either way, thank you guys-- I've learned a good amount from you guys just by perusing this sub.

Below is the link to the script and some basic info.

Title: So They Say

Logline: A failed artist turned teacher goes toe to toe with a powerful family in a small town when one of his vulnerable ex-students suffers a grisly fate at their hands.

Genre: Drama, small town drama, murder-mystery (?)

Page count: 154

Themes: Art and authentic expression, community and the need for connection.

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YsBYO9x-FFo5aVIdu3amvmD2C389hb5X/view?usp=sharing

Thanks again!

Does anyone who uses the dubscript screenwriting app on their phone know how to close ads? I understand you can pay to permanently remove them, but in the case that you're OK with ads is the no way to close them? I've been having to close the app entirely to remove the ad since it covers the whole screen.

Can anyone think of a TV show that plays at both extremes of tone? I'm looking for something warm and fuzzy like a Bill Lawrence production but also dark and bleak like a Coen Brothers or Barry in the same show. Is this conceivable, or done somewhere already?

The closest things I can think of are Justified and Succession, though neither go as far into the warm and fuzzy. But they are both very dark and funny.

Title : GOD

Logline: A woman invites a stranger inside, and together they unravel into nothing.

Read It Here.

https://deadline.com/2024/11/the-last-showgirl-scrript-read-the-screenplay-1236184130/

(not tagged because I haven't been able to add any subreddit tags for a few weeks now in the app or in Safari on iPad)

I gotta hype myself into moving to LA. I'd love recommendations for any movies or TV shows that'll get me excited. Thanks!

Like: he is guitar player in the beginning and then becomes a fighter and then in the end playing guitar is useful for him in the battle. Something like that.

Edit: the moral of my text will be: everything you learn in life will be useful someday. That's why I need some examples.

Hey ya'll, I'm writing a sitcom pilot and part of the joke is that the title sequence cuts off the last line of the cold open. Do I add this in the script for context or is it pointless in this case. typically I wouldn't but I'm debating simply because it is important to the pacing.

If so, how would I format that? For the intro I am imagining something like "the league" that lasts no more than like 8 seconds but truthfully, I don't care and it effects nothing but the timing of things.

FAQ: How to post to a weekly thread?

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Just finished my first script and reasonably pleased with it; as it’s a comedy set in Manchester, I’m looking for someone from the UK who can kindly give me some feedback- not necessarily required to be Manc or even Northern but would be ideal if anyone is from there and willing to give it a read as it might be more relatable.

Hi guys,

I was wondering if I could get some feedback on my opening as it's something I've been practicing for a little while. My screenwriting professor was interested in seeing some of my work and so I was thinking of sending this or another piece. Probably another piece considering the tone. I'd also like to perhaps share at my schools screenwriting society.

This is the first time I've written in this sort of genre / tone and so I'd like to see if it works on not. Would also like opinions on the voice over. I fear it may be overused but I thought it'd be important considering the loneliness of the protagonist.

Title - The Delusional Man (work in progress)

Logline (WIP) - A lonely janitor at a pet psychology firm becomes fixated on self improvement, his secret crush, and his ambition to become CEO, all whilst navigating the world of his bizarre work place.

Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G1LOMO14tyt1eKLJo7nwXYt1EqB1D0wN/view?usp=drivesdk

Ok, hear me out.

Characters like Milhouse or Gill from the Simpsons, or Bill from King of the Hill or Butters from South Park. I know these are extremes cases and don't involve even human actors but there are scripts and moments where these characters and others like them get screwed over, ignored, abused, humiliated or literally beaten up with no consequences constantly. What do we as humans enjoy about these kinds of scenes. Is it 'at least its not me' or 'it builds to him getting revenge later'. or conflict creates drama, I don't know. Any person i know sees someone slip on ice or a wet floor they go to help, not just laugh then keep walking. I know it's not what keeps a show on the air or gets in cancelled but my brain goes crosswired when i see scenes like that.

These are not typical scenarios but customers and employees have been stomped on and killed at black friday openings with little remorse or punishment. Am I just naive to the way the world really works and everyone gets a chuckle out of these characters being constantly abused or is it just a story telling method that is just means to an end.