A brand new screenwriter shows you this scene and asks for feedback, and you only get to give ONE note. 😱 What would it be? This scene is intentionally rough, and that’s the point. Learning how to prioritize notes is part of learning how to edit yourself. So, what’s your first fix? #screensky

Raise your hand if you knew Saw was a short before it became a feature? How about District 9? 👀 Well, you learned something new today!  Before they were features, these stories were experiments. They were shorts that tested a concept. Worlds built on limited resources. Proof that an idea had legs.

Sure, some short films are vehicles to features, but they don't have to be. Shorts are about choosing one moment, one shift, one feeling — and letting that be enough. They're how voices are heard & stories are told. Ready to tell yours?

One should not question inspiration when it strikes. ...but we can wonder why it always seems to strike at 1am. We can’t fix your sleep schedule (ours is… questionable), but we can tell you that Celtx will be there to support whatever weird hour your ideas decide to log in. 🌙 https://www.celtx.com

The Academy Awards nominees are out and the buzz around who will take home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay is loud. Let's start with Sinners, written by Ryan Coogler.

Writing a scene without Celtx means writing a scene while also thinking about: – margins – spacing – “is this dialogue actually right” – why it suddenly looks wrong on the page Extremely normal. Extremely annoying (and not helping the writing).

The uncanny valley is what happens when something looks almost human... but not quite. The character you're watching feels off, but you can't exactly put your finger on why.  When used properly, it can be powerful. When it's not… it’s distracting. And that's putting it lightly.

@nofilmschool.bsky.social recently shared a great walkthrough on Celtx’s MCAV editor. Jason shows how he uses it to write the first five pages of a script — especially useful for commercials, social, and branded content. Worth the read!

Raise your hand if your favorite characters in film & tv are not the main characters. ✋ The characters we remember most aren’t always the main character. Stories feel real because they’re built like real life — full of people who challenge us, support us, frustrate us, and shape who we become.🧵

Can you imagine pulling off these scenes without storyboards? 🫣 For both Inception and The Matrix, many of their scenes relied on answering the hard questions early:  • Who’s in the shot? • Where do they move? • What does the audience need to feel or understand?

Fill in the blank: A __________ turns “INT. EXPENSIVE LOCATION – DAY” into something you can actually afford. If you’ve worked in production, you’ve relied on this role more than you might realize. They think about budgets, schedules, crew needs, locations, and feasibility. Who are they?

Anyone else feel their soul leave their body when the screen freezes? 😱 Yes, Celtx saves everything to the cloud. No, that does not stop the irrational fear that today is the day the universe deletes your script. Save your sanity. Use Celtx. 😏

The best stories don't just take place 'somewhere' — they belong in that universe. From the cozy comfort of the Shire, the 1980s nostalgia of Hawkins, to the small town vibes of Stars Hollow, your setting should feel alive. Deep dive here: https://blog.celtx.com/setting-of-a-story-screenwriting/

Plot problem? Formatting question? Dialogue-doom-spiral? What kind of screenwriting advice are you looking for today? Find the answers at https://blog.celtx.com

This was our most popular post of 2025 on every single platform. Let's take a moment to think about what that means. 😅 At least we're in good company.  Happy New Year!

This is not what we'd call advanced shot blocking — and that's okay!  Shot blocking isn't about perfection, it's about shared understanding.  Sometimes all you need is: • characters • a table • a few chairs • one overhead light That alone can clarify a scene for your entire team.

Revision colors might look tiny on the page, but on set? They’re the difference between smooth sailing and total chaos. Luckily, they’re super simple: 🟦 Blue — first changes 💗 Pink — second pass 💛 Yellow — third 💚 Green — fourth 🟨 Goldenrod — final tweaks before pages lock

Some of us are fighting real battles. 😫 Act II is that long middle stretch where the setup's done but the payoff is still far away, so it's easy to see how this is a common place to lose motivation. Tip: break it into smaller hills. Treat each scene as a mini obstacle with its own goal.

Christmas movies really do have something for everyone — sweet, funny, nostalgic, scary, action, even muppets. Picking just five for this reel? Impossible. 😂 What’s your go-to Christmas movie? Our 25 favs (with screenwriting lessons): https://blog.celtx.com/best-christmas-movies-for-screenwriters

Think of your character arc like baking a cake. Start with the right ingredients: motivation, flaws, relationships, desires, fears, and mix WELL. 🍰

Parentheticals are like salt: a little goes a long way. 🧂 Over-season your dialogue and you drown out the flavor. Keep them short, clear, and only when absolutely necessary. #ScreenwritingTips #Screensky

Ever Googled “what does a screenplay actually look like”? You’re not alone. We broke down the basics of screenplay format and put together a free template to help you get started without the guesswork: https://blog.celtx.com/screenplay-format-guide/ #screenwriting #filmsky #scriptsky

Why do you think we connect so strongly with satire? Maybe it's because it gives us a way to question things — gently, sharply, or somewhere in between. Let's talk more about it! 🧵

Why is it that the "write 10 pages a day" planner always looks so much better than the "actually wrote two words and stared at the wall for an hour" reality? 😩 It's because sowing is always more exciting than reaping. 🥲

The final season of Stranger Things reminded us how powerful a flashback can be. When used well, it unlocks the story. When used poorly… it just slows everything down.

Margins won’t make your script brilliant, but they *will* make it readable. Celtx takes care of the formatting automatically, but it still helps to know the logic behind those little indents and spaces. Find our full guide: https://blog.celtx.com/screenplay-margins-guide/

Alliteration works best when it adds rhythm instead of noise. Think superhero names, iconic speeches (like this one from V for Vendetta), lines that stay with you because they sound good out loud.

The best movie openings of ALL TIME? Hard to choose, but we've got five of our favorites right here:

Reasonable screenwriters want to know: How much will my script actually sell for? We wish we could give you a direct answer, but there are a lot of moving parts! 1/3

Cinematography tells stories, but setting the tone? That comes from lighting. Every setup shapes emotion and mood. It’s a script you can feel. Here are some of our favorite examples. Want to learn how to use light like a storyteller? Head to https://blog.celtx.com/basic-guide-movie-lighting/

Trying to summon the Thanksgiving spirit? Start with the movies. Here are five scenes that capture the heart, the humor, and the “why is my family like this” energy of the holiday. 🦃🎬 Enjoy the chaos, and the pie (of course)! #filmsky

Reach for the sky! ... and then back for your keyboard, because today we're teaching you how to write a western! https://blog.celtx.com/how-to-write-a-western-movie-script/ #filmsky #screensky

What makes a character feel real? They grow, they change... and sometimes, they surprise us.  One of our favorite round characters is Michael Scott - who started as a caricature but grew into vulnerability.

Sometimes it’s not writer’s block... it’s bad vibes. Wrong chair, wrong playlist, wrong energy. Finding your “screenwriting tree” — that one place where the words actually flow — can do wonders. Just ask Rory. So, where do you write best?

The Celtx timer is a great tool for tracking how long you’ve been writing… or, if you're like me, a reminder that you spend more time in your head than you do putting words on paper. Progress doesn't always look like word count, so if this feature makes you want to scream - just turn it off! #bliss

Raise your hand if you also think about pacing while listening to people speak. ✋ For more on story beats and how they can help strengthen your storytelling: https://blog.celtx.com/story-beat/ #storytelling #scriptsky

The tracking shot: not just a flex, but a storytelling tool. Think The Shining’s tension, The Avengers’ team synergy, Saving Private Ryan’s chaos. What makes a tracking shot so effective, and how can you use one to keep your audience locked in the moment? https://blog.celtx.com/tracking-shot/

Finishing your film: Amazing, exciting, relieving! Exhibiting your film: ...now what? The landscape is changing fast, and the road doesn't always lead to theaters (and that's okay) Perhaps our film exhibition guide will help you choose the right path:

What’s on your screenwriting playlist? 🎶 Songs that get you in the zone, make your characters come alive, or just motivate you to keep you typing. Share your favorite screenwriting jams (and feel free to steal a few for your own mixtape)!  #screenwriting #scriptsky

Writer check-in! 🚨 What kind of project are you working on right now? Drop it in the comments! #scriptsky #screensky

You made the film. Now it’s time to make sure people see it. Our new blog covers what to include in a film marketing plan — from press kits to promo — to help your story reach the right audience. https://blog.celtx.com/what-is-film-marketing/

Future you: 😐 Quick fix for placeholder chaos: ✏️ Group similar ones (dialogue, details, transitions). ✏️ Read it aloud to catch what’s missing. ✏️ Fill for function first, and polish later. What’s the worst placeholder you’ve ever left yourself?

Yes, we're the software you remember from film school, but much like you, we've grown over the years! Thanks to @nofilmschool.bsky.social for checking out our tools! nofilmschool.com/celtx-softwa...

Happy Halloween from your friends here at Celtx! 🎃 Unsure what to do to enjoy the day now that you've aged out of door-to-door candy collection? We've got you covered with five totally free activities! Enjoy! 😉

There are two types of productions: 1️⃣ The kind that forgets to send the call sheet and everything falls into absolute chaos (a la Cabin in the Woods)  2️⃣ The kind that’s already wrapped for the day — people are terrified of how in control you are (a la Leatherface)

Writing a thriller? Here’s the secret: 🚫 It’s not about endless car chases, explosions, or car chase explosions. ✅ It’s about suspense, pacing, and high-stakes choices that keep your audience holding their breath. For more on thrillers: https://blog.celtx.com/how-to-write-a-thriller-movie-script/

You know the director. You know the producer. But the real boss of a TV show? That’s the showrunner. Part writer, part manager, part chaos-coordinator. If you ran a show, what kind of series would you want to lead?

Choosing screenwriting software is personal. How do you know if it’s a fit? If you’re any of these... Celtx might just be your match. #screensky #scriptsky #filmsky

Some of you make playlists. Some of you make mood boards. Celtx lets you change your script color to match whatever vibe your story is feeling like today... kind of like a playlist — but for your eyes. 👀 Give it a try at https://www.celtx.com/

NO:  INT. LENA'S BEDROOM - MESSY VIBES RN, ALSO RAINING AND IT'S DARK OUT. YES: INT. LENA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT Save the drama for your action lines, not your scene descriptions.  For more on INT., EXT., and beyond: