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Where To Find Screenwriting Jobs?

Explore top platforms for screenwriting jobs, including Inktip, ISA, Mandy.com, and networking tips to launch your career in storytelling.

Where To Study Screenwriting?

Explore where to study screenwriting, from top programs like USC and NYU to self-study with resources like ‘The Guide for Every Screenwriter’ and online courses.

Screenwriting: Where Do I Start?

Kickstart your screenwriting journey with expert guidance, from mastering the basics to refining your craft, with our book and podcast.

What Does Screenwriting Mean?

Explore the essence of screenwriting as art and communication, delving into its power to tell visual stories, express personal truths, and connect deeply

Is Screenwriting Worth It?

Why screenwriting is a cherished form of expression, not for wealth, but for the art of storytelling and its enduring impact on the world.

“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and Its Skar King Issue

A Showa Era Throwback Had Fun, But A Major Flaw Stands Out Before I start, let me make something absolutely clear: I AM NOT COMPARING THIS FILM TO GODZILLA MINUS ONE! Don’t even ask. Also, SPOILER ALERT. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a polarizing film. Fans and critics are split because though the […]

What is Screenwriting Credit?

Learn the secrets to securing screenwriting credit with essential tips on documentation, contracts, and navigating rewrites for indie writers

How Do I Learn Screenwriting?

Embark on your screenwriting journey with expert tips on basics, reading scripts, courses, writing regularly, and learning from “The Guide for Every Screenwriter.

Can you Practice Screenwriting?

Unlock your screenwriting potential: Tips on how to practice, free scripts library, courses, and live Q&As to elevate your craft. Start writing today.

Can You Learn Screenwriting?

Unlock your screenwriting potential with unique insights from a dyslexic writer’s journey, practical guides, and courses designed for all learning styles.

Can Screenwriters Make Money?

Explore the realities of making money in screenwriting: a profession of passion, perseverance, and planning, not just a ticket to fame and fortune.

Can Screenwriters work From Home?

Explore how screenwriters thrive working from home, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the rise of virtual writers’ rooms.

Can Screenwriters Become Actors?

Unlock the secrets to transitioning from screenwriting to acting with tips on honing your craft, networking, and creating opportunities.

Are Screenwriters in Demand?

Uncover the demand for screenwriters in cinema, from indie films to Hollywood, with expert tips for crafting standout scripts.

Are Screenwriting Classes worth it?

As a mentor to many aspiring screenwriters, a seasoned instructor of Advanced Screenwriting at Script University, and the author of the best-selling book, “The Guide for Every Screenwriter,” I’ve navigated the twists and turns of the screenwriting journey both personally and alongside many others. My mission has always been to guide, inspire, and elevate the […]

Are Screenwriting Contests Worth it?

Embarking on a screenwriting journey can often feel like navigating a vast, uncharted territory. For many emerging writers, screenwriting contests represent a beacon of hope—a chance to have their work recognized, validated, and perhaps even catapulted into the realm of professional filmmaking. But the burning question remains: Are screenwriting contests truly worth it? In this […]

Godzilla Minus One: A Plus for the franchise

Godzilla Minus One Enters A New Age For Godzilla As a diehard Godzilla fan, I went into Godzilla Minus One as excited as I’ve been for every single film I’ve ever watched. From the initial film which talks about the dread and panic following WWII, the campy superhero he became during the Showa Era Godzilla […]

Writing For A Living Requires A Hard Lesson

Things That I Wish I Learned Sooner Whether as a screenwriter, novelist, content creator, musician… The reason you’re all here is because you want to be a career writer. The goal is to leave the day job, move into a more comfortable reality, and create our passions for a living. There is absolutely nothing wrong […]

WGA New MBA Released

These are the new details of the Agreed Upon MBA On September 26th, 2023, the WGA voted to terminate the strike at 12:01 AM Pacific Time. With the strike ending, the WGA also released their new contract to the public to see exactly what’s been agreed upon before they vote as a union to accept […]

WRITER’S STRIKE ENDS AS WGA AND AMPTP REACH AN AGREEMENT

The Writers and Studios agreed to end the nearly 5-month strike. 146 days. Television and movie productions lost out on almost 5 months of development. Pencils were down. Signs were up. They marched day and night by the big cooling tower. They had the plant, but we had the power. 146 days. The AMPTP released […]

WGA vs. AMPTP: The Comedy of Straw Men

How the AMPTP uses partial knowledge to increase public pressure and why it’s failing. 108 days in total so far. The WGA and the AMPTP are still apart on a deal, but negotiations are ongoing. That said, the AMPTP has indeed brought new contracts to the table, and the WGA said no. So what did […]

Ep 31 – Using A.I. to Analyze a screenplay

GEOFFREY D. CALHOUN: All right. Welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast where we discuss anything and everything screenwriting here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to find out just what it takes to make it in the industry. All right, welcome to the podcast. Yes, this is an awesome guest we have on today Nadira […]

Scriptapalooza, It’s Not About The Apology. It’s about the Optics.

The damage the competition announcement did is already done. “The AI screenplay competition stands apart by showcasing the innovative potential of artificial intelligence, merging human creativity with machine intelligence.” This was a call to action from Scriptapalooza’s now deleted Artifical Intelligence Screenwriting Competition. In the amount of time it took to say that line aloud, […]

21 days later: there is a silver lining

Writers are having a hard time, but there is something you can hold on to. It’s easy to see why writers feel down right now. In fact, it’s completely understandable. We work hard and pay our dues, and some of us work day jobs to support our dreams of becoming great original writers or getting […]

Dear Hollywood, Stop Selling Writers the Dream. We’re not Buying It

One week into the strike, and there’s a looming shadow. One week into the 2023 WGA strike, there have been many major moments. Late-night shows are canceled. Shows like Stranger Things and The Hedge Knight are frozen in development until further notice. Finished products are still being released, although this writer is boycotting any new […]

WGA Srike/Unfair List

The WGA is Picketing, and there are rules. As the strike plays out, there are numerous companies and individuals who are currently on the Unfair list. The list was created by the Writer’s Guild board of directors to advise writers that these individuals or companies who have been accused of unfair practices, including: A list […]

WGA Strike Opinion: Empire Vs. Movement

There is a silver lining to the strike. The strike is in effect. Writers have walked off of sets. Late-night shows are canceled. Live variety shows are postponed. Many pre-productions have stopped, but this is only the beginning. Writers are picketing for their futures, their pay, and a sustainable life. Regardless of what is reported, […]

WGA SET TO STRIKE

There are many questions: Here are a few things you should know. On May 1, 2023, the Writer’s Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers failed to agree on a new contract. Immediately following, the WGA unanimously voted in favor of a strike, set to begin on Tuesday, May 2, […]

WGA 2023, Stand UP: This Is What’s on the Line

Writers Are The Backbone of Film. Support Writer’s Rights Yesterday, April 17, 2023, the Writer’s Guild of America overwhelmingly approved a strike, marking the first potential strike since 2007-2008. If it indeed happens, understand as filmmakers, writers, and even as movie and television viewers that there is more on the line in this strike than […]

5 Things I Learned At SXSW

This was my first time at “South By,” as the cool kids say, and my first time in the city of Austin. The energy during SXSW is electric and being amongst so many creative people is intoxicating. I came home feeling inspired and renewed as if I’d been at a week-long wellness retreat. I’m so […]

SXSW Filmmakers Proves A Major Point: Success Is Measured By Effort

The Writers and Filmmakers Present Faced Setbacks, But Made No Excuses With SXSW officially in the books, there are a lot of talking points. Great experiences? Check. Great films like “I Used To Be Funny” and “Late Night With The Devil”? Check. Music and networking? Check. SXSW was an experience like no other in terms […]

A Surprise Moment At SXSW From Robert Rodriguez

Meeting Someone Is Film Is One Thing, Meeting An Icon Is Another I will admit, I didn’t know what I was getting into when I was approached to do press for SXSW. I’ve written for sports, done movie reviews, and have interviews under my belt, but SXSW was something that I needed to experience firsthand […]

Going to SXSW? Here’s 10 Things You’ll Need To Do

Going to SXSW is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. There is so much to do there from networking, film premieres, exclusive experiences, and of course the after-party. So here is a quick list of what to do to take advantage of your time at SXSW. Seriously, I cannot stress this enough. Everyone begins with […]

10 Common Dialogue Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Your dialogue is the lifeblood of your screenplay. It’s what takes an average scene and turns it into something great. But when it comes to writing good dialogue, it can be helpful to know what hazards to avoid. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 common mistakes people make when writing their characters’ conversations—and how you can avoid them!

5 Alternative Ways To Sell Your Script

Selling a screenplay is difficult, but it’s not impossible. I’ll talk about five alternative ways to sell a screenplay and how they can help you get your work in front of the right people.

October 2022 Winners

The winners are announced for The Successful Screenwriter: Monthly Contest (October 2022)

Ep 28 – Directing & Writing Dave Made a Maze

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what it takes to make […]

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADAPTATIONS

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADAPTATIONS By JoAnn Hess I’m sure there’ve been many times when you’ve read that book, graphic novel, or even listened to a song and thought… that would make a great movie or TV show. The popularity and success of such works have created an obsession with IP (Intellectual […]

7 Terrifying Scripts You Must Read

#1 Get out A young African-American visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point. Critic Consensus: Funny, scary, and thought-provoking, Get Out seamlessly weaves its trenchant social critiques into a brilliantly effective and entertaining horror/comedy thrill ride. Tomato Meter 98% Audience […]

A Screenwriters Fear is their Fuel

It was 5 pm and I just got off a long flight and barely had enough time to change into my “nice” clothes. I rush to the first big film festival I was ever nominated for an award in. That’s when the Fest Director runs up to me and says, “they are waiting to interview […]

We Need to Talk About Mental Health & Breaking into Screenwriting

If you listened to to my recent interview with Geoffrey on Ep22 of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast, you’ll see that we had an absolute blast. It was one of the most fun interviews I’ve recorded where I blew off a lot of steam and got a lot off my chest and when listening back to […]

Top 5 Best Stage to Screen Adaptations

Growing up on Long Island, Manhattan and its legendary theatres would call out to me in my sleepy town of Massapequa. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of local culture: Billy Joel, Steve Guttenberg, the Mets. These are our local heroes and pop culture touchstones. But just an hour ride westbound on the Long […]

Stanley Kubrick – Downloadable Screenplays

Kubrick is truly a mastermind of cinema. He shared screenwriting credits on most of his films and is known as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. His films and screenplays tended toward book adaptations which covered a wide range of genres from scifi to drama. He is known for his gritty realism, dark […]

Christopher Nolan – Downloadable Screenplays

Christopher Nolan is a groundbreaking filmmaker. He has been known to write screenplays with his brother Jonathan. He explores such themes in his films as morality, personal identity, and even time itself. He has used nontraditional narrative structure in his films such as with Memento and Inception. He has been listed as one of the […]

Quentin Tarantino – Downloadable Screenplays

Quentin Tarantino has a distinct style which has lead him to become one of the defining filmmakers of his generation. He has been known to use a mix of graphic violence paired with dark humor which takes his audience on an emotional rollercoaster. He has been listed as one of the top 10o most influential […]

David S. Goyer – Downloadable Screenplays

David S. Goyer can be accredited with kicking off the superhero film craze with his screenplay for Blade in 1998 which became hugely successful. He didn’t stop there though. He further went on to craft the screenplays for Godzilla, The Unborn, and The Dark Knight Trilogy, He has branched out into television with such hits […]

Establishing Characters: It’s a Wonderful Life

‘Tis the season to kick up your feet and watch a classic Christmas movie. One staple of the season is It’s a Wonderful Life. As I started watching the Jimmy Stewart perennial, I noticed how much the screenwriters fully used the first 12 minutes of the movie to establish characters that continually feedback into the […]

6 Keys to Cowriting a Screenplay

Co-writing is something that every screenwriter needs to do at least once in their career. It will improve your writing by leaps and bounds. There’s nothing wrong with being a lone wolf, but you miss out on the beauty of collaboration. The moment when youAwesoom are in sync with a writing partner is a feeling […]

Film vs. Video Games – How Writing Their Scripts Can Be Similar (and Different)

Storytelling is as old as fire, perhaps older. No matter the medium, there is always a way to weave drama, suspense, comedy, and character into it. As screenwriters, we’re accustomed to weaving these elements into our features, pilots, and shorts. There is one storytelling medium that’s been on the rise in past decades. Video Games […]

6 Romantic Scripts You Will Love To Read

Romance and comedy can go great together. And much like some couples, they don’t always have to “be” together. Maybe there are times you just want to laugh. Other times, you want to feel the love butterflies without jokes getting in the way of your romantic desires. Thankfully we’ve got a list of screenplays that […]

8 Eldritch Horror Scripts You Must Read

Eldritch Horror is a genre for weird, supernatural, ghostly, or sinister horror. The idea of this horror is to explore brands and ideologies far beyond what we can perceive and relate to. Within film, Eldritch Horror can be polarizing because of the inherent disconnect with its audience and main characters because of the notion of […]

The Falcon & the Winter Soldier – A Tale of Two Villains

I’ll just preface this by saying I’m really enjoying “The Falcon & the Winter Soldier”, even more so than “Wandavision”, which started off slowly, built up really well, and then crapped the bed in its finale. I love the chemistry between Sam and Bucky, and Zemo has been a welcome addition (shades of Supernatural, with […]

Diverse Screenwriting

by Alainna MacPherson Numbers and statistics aren’t necessary to feel the lack of diversity in the film and television industry. The world has been woke over the last 365 days on how much movies and shows are whitewashed or misrepresented. I was one of those people who brushed off the problem when it first was […]

The Falcon & the Winter Soldier –What makes a hero?

*SPOILERS* The latest episode is called “Truth”, and it effectively sheds light on many of the main and supporting characters and their personal histories, while weaving in the themes of heroism and its cost on both the hero and those who look up to them. Starting with John Walker, we see a man hailed as […]

How to Avoid a Pass on Your Script

BECOME A MEMBER & GET ACCESS TO: Screenwriting Courses Free Hollywood Screenplays to download Free Instructional Videos Uncut interviews with Industry Screenwriters Sponsors The Guide For Ever Screenwriter – (Paperback) (Free Ebook) We Fix Your Script – (Free Consultation) Script Summit Screenplay Contest – (Early Bird Submission) Keep in touch with The Successful Screenwriter Facebook […]

The Future of the “Zoom Writers Room”

Will the Zoom writers rooms continue after the world returns to “normal?” With the vaccine nearly in full swing and studios returning to filming with a plethora of safety measures, the next biggest question in the film industry is whether or not writers rooms will return to in-person once things go back to “normal?” The […]

Top 10 Tips for Guerilla Filmmaking

1. Begin By this, I mean, go to a quiet place, think about the project you want to create and then make a decision to commit to it and begin. Once you begin, ensure nothing stops you from getting it made. Nothing can stop you if in that moment when you made the decision to […]

It’s Time to Switch Genres (6 Books to Help You)

There’s no question that writing in a new genre can feel like you are starting from scratch. It can be incredibly overwhelming and super frustrating. Especially if you’re like me and have been developing your skill at this craft for a while now. But that is exactly why we must do it. In order to […]

How to Land a Screenwriting Gig on UpWork

Writing isn’t an easy field to break into. Anyone with a keyboard can throw words on a page and call it writing. Those of us who went to school for our craft may have found some success. However, most of us are still looking for that big break into the field. You aren’t going to […]

Clubhouse for Screenwriters: Opportunities & Scams

The first time I heard about Clubhouse, I had a hard time understanding the concept of what it was. An app that was by invite only, exclusively for iPhone users, that allowed you to talk to other people like zoom, but without video. If that doesn’t confuse you, then you must not be as old […]

N.E.T. – A Unique Solution to Writer’s Block

Writer’s block, some believe it exists and some don’t. No matter your side of the page, for the next few minutes of reading this, suspend all disbelief you may have about it and just stay open. Welcome to the neuroscience of screenwriting, where you’ll learn a simple and effective stress relief approach that clears the […]

Yes, Screenwriting Structure Matters (8 Books To Help)

I have noticed lately there has been a push against screenwriting structure within the community. Those who push against structure as non conformists boast about breaking the rules of convention and creating from the heart. They argue that structure is stifling and limits their art. They encourage other writers to shirk away from structure. That […]

How 2 Kids Found Film Distribution

Jake & Jack barely had a budget. Only $600. That’s it. There are fewer than 20 people as credited crew members (the average film list of credits on a feature film averages about 600). And they spent every weekend over the course of five months shooting their first feature film. With passion and determination though, […]

EP 26 – An Indie Filmmaking Conversation with Producer Damien Swaby

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Harley Wallen: Detroit Filmmaker lands Streaming deal with Tale of Tails

Harley Wallen didn’t always want to be in the movie and TV business. Growing up in Sweden, he found martial arts to be his first passion. “That was my original art,” Wallen says adding that he was also a breakdancer on a TV show in Sweden similar to a cabaret/Donny Osmond-type show. From there, he […]

EP25 – Making a Good Script Great with Linda Seger

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Top 7 Slasher Scripts You Must Read

One of the most iconic subgenres in Horror is the Slasher genre. When one thinks of Slasher Films, images of knife-wielding maniacs, gratuitous nudity, gore, and late teens partygoers come to mind. Slasher films are iconic because there is a certain audience expectation that comes with each film, but these trends were made by certain […]

Erin Rodman: Process and Perspective on Screenwriting

Erin Rodman has 2 movies coming out in the next 3 months, here’s her process & perspective on screenwriting Erin Rodman’s story is the epitome of what happens when hard work and passion pays off. Her new movie Advice to Love By premieres on October 16th, and the sequel to last year’s The Christmas House […]

David Winning: Storytelling and why getting pigeonholed into a specific genre is great

Every year, millions of households turn their television to the Hallmark Channel and watch the saccharine, sentimental films that are as predictable as they are romantic. It’s comfort food. It’s family fair. It’s a tradition. For the filmmakers who churned out the 41 Hallmark Christmas films premiering this year, it’s a challenge to create a […]

EP24 – Developing Fauda, Now on Netflix

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep23 – Writing & Selling Drama Screenplays

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep22 – Getting Exposure with Script Revolution

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep21 – Writing the Script for Final Destination with Jeffrey Reddick

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep20 – Taking Advantage of the ISA as a Screenwriter with Craig James & Molly Kasch

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep19 – Screenwriting and Directing Indie Film: The Shade Shepherd

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep18 – How to Take Advantage of CoverFly and get on the Red List with Tom Dever

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep17 – An Actors Perspective with Vincent M. Ward

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep16 – Using Proper Format to Get Read by a Producer with Dave Trottier

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep15 – How to use InkTip to Option Your Screenplay with Chris Cookson

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep14 – Taking Advantage of a 48hr Film Fest with Jennifer Gentner

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]

Ep13 – How to Give and Receive Story Notes with Kevin Hanna

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what […]