What is a Cold Read? A cold read is a technique used in various creative industries, including screenwriting, where a script or text is read aloud by actors or participants who have not had any prior exposure to the material. The purpose of a cold read is to provide immediate feedback on the script’s effectiveness, … Read more
What is a Scene? In the context of screenwriting, a scene is a self-contained unit of storytelling that takes place in a specific location and time. It is a fundamental building block of a screenplay, where characters interact, dialogue is exchanged, and actions unfold. Scenes are typically defined by a change in location, time, or … Read more
What is a logline? A logline is a brief summary of a screenplay or movie that captures the essence of the story in just one or two sentences. It is often used as a tool to pitch a script to producers, agents, or potential investors. A well-crafted logline should convey the main conflict, protagonist, and … Read more
I. What is a Protagonist? A protagonist is the central character in a story, often seen as the hero or heroine. They are the character that drives the plot forward and is usually the character that audiences root for or empathize with. The protagonist is typically faced with challenges or obstacles that they must overcome … Read more
What is a Walk and Talk? A Walk and Talk is a filmmaking technique where characters engage in a conversation while walking together. This technique is commonly used in film and television to create dynamic and visually engaging scenes. The characters move through a physical space while talking, adding movement and energy to the dialogue. … Read more
What is the Sequence Approach in screenwriting? The Sequence Approach is a method of structuring a screenplay that breaks down the traditional three-act structure into smaller, more manageable sequences. Each sequence typically consists of 8-15 pages and focuses on a specific story beat or development in the plot. This approach allows screenwriters to create a … Read more
What is a Turnaround in screenwriting? In screenwriting, a turnaround refers to a specific camera movement where the camera rotates 180 degrees around a subject or scene. This movement can be used to reveal new information, change the perspective of the audience, or create a dramatic effect. Turnarounds are commonly used in film and television … Read more
What is an Ellipsis in Screenwriting? In screenwriting, an ellipsis is a punctuation mark consisting of three dots (…) used to indicate a pause in dialogue or to omit words or phrases. It is commonly used to create tension, convey hesitation, or show a character’s thought process. Ellipses are a powerful tool in screenwriting as … Read more
What is “Show, Don’t Tell” in Screenwriting? “Show, Don’t Tell” is a fundamental principle in screenwriting that emphasizes the importance of using visual and sensory cues to convey information to the audience, rather than relying on exposition or dialogue. Instead of directly stating facts or emotions, screenwriters are encouraged to demonstrate them through actions, settings, … Read more
I. What is Voice-over (V.O.)? Voice-over (V.O.) is a filmmaking technique where a voice is used to narrate or provide commentary on the action or events happening on screen. This voice is typically not part of the on-screen dialogue and is instead used to convey information, thoughts, or emotions to the audience. Voice-over can be … Read more
