WRITING & FILMMAKING ARCHIVES

7 Ways to Sell Your Story (Script, Book, Stage Play or Podcast) to "Hollywood"

Creative ways to sell or option your screenplay, book or story for film or television development.

Resources: Literary Managers for Screenwriters

A select list of managers who represent script writers.

Q/A: Signing Release Forms When Submitting Your Script or Story to a Producer or Production Company

Q: What is a release form, and do I need to sign it?

Resources: Pitch Platforms for Writers (to Sell Your Story for Film or Television Development)

A selection of pitch platforms for writers.

Q/A: How to Protect Your Script or Story When Pitching

Five ways to ensure your story is protected.

How to Acquire the Rights to Develop a Screenplay (or Make a Film) Based on a Book

If you're planning to turn a book into a screenplay or film, and the material is under copyright, you will need to acquire the film rights to adapt the material.

Screenplay Formatting “Rules” When Pitching Your Script

Ensuring your screenplay is professionally formatted is essential when pitching your script.

5 Tips for Writing Your Logline

A logline is a summary of your story. It is used to guide your writing and sell your project to "Hollywood".

How to Interest a Producer in Your Movie Script

3 steps to create a strategic plan to connect with film producers who can develop your story.

How to Register the Copyright for Your Script or Screenplay

Step-by-step instructions to register your screenplay copyright to protect your content.

How to Register the Copyright for Your Book or Manuscript

Step-by-step instructions to register your book copyright to protect your content.

The Difference Between "Based On a True Story" & "Inspired By a True Story" in Film & TV Credits

Some film's title cards state "Based on a True Story" while others read "Inspired by a True Story". What's the difference?

Resources: Film Festivals & Markets

A selection of established film festivals and markets.

3 Tips to Keep Your Movie Script Out of the Rejection Pile

To be considered for film development, all script submissions go through an evaluation process.

Resources: Networking & Educational Opportunities for Screenwriters

A selection of resources for screenwriters.

Q/A: Basing a Screenplay Story on a Published Book (or Movie, TV Series, Song, Play or Other Material)

Q: Is it legal to adapt a book (or other material) into a screenplay?

Book-to-Screen: The Adaptation of The Cider House Rules

Screenwriter John Irving had the formidable task of condensing his own 550-page novel into a 136-page script for the 1999 film The Cider House Rules. 

Book-to-Screen: The Adaptation of a Self-Help Book (He's Just Not That Into You)

This article looks at the adaptation process of the 2009 film He’s Just Not That Into You - a rare occasion that a self-help book is made into a movie.

Screenwriting Guide: Key Story Elements

Crafting compelling scenes, how to "show" (not "tell"), incorporating dramatic conflict, conveying emotion, effective subplots, foreshadowing, setups & payoffs, and flashbacks & montages.

Screenwriting Guide: Character Development

This guide covers how to develop your protagonist's character arc, create a backstory, outline character motivations & ensure a strong goal, and craft a key relationship and supporting characters.

Screenwriting Guide: Act II, Act III & Rewrites

This guide covers how to navigate Act II & Act III, the importance of the midpoint, common problems & how to fix them, crafting a satisfying ending and successful rewrites.

Screenwriting Guide: Starting Your Script

How to Select an Idea, The 3-Act Structure, Your Script Outline, Scene Cards as a Mapping Tool, Genre Expectations, Plot, Character & Theme, Writing the First 10 Pages, Mistakes to Avoid

What Screenwriters & Novelists Can Learn From One Another: A Q&A with Larry Brooks

Author and screenwriter Larry Brooks shares insights for how authors and screenwriters can become better at their respective crafts by learning from one another.

Writing True Stories: A Brief Guide to Crafting Narrative Nonfiction

This guide covers using viewpoint, framing the story, when to use scenes, and how to capture a sense of place in your narrative nonfiction.

Agents & Book Deals: A Guide for Authors

How to find, interview, acquire, and work with a literary agent, and land a book deal (plus details on agent agreements, publishing contracts and advances & royalties).