#scriptsky This short exercise is for those of you who don't spend much time on theme as yup, it's difficult, and every viewer interprets a movie in their own way anyway, right? As always, a fillable PDF/printable version can be found on the Freebie section of the website. >>>Link in the Bio<<<

Got a genre script that's ready to wow? Short Com's Feature Screenplay Competition is open for submissions!!! Use code TS626, and £5 will be knocked off the entry fee, courtesy of yours truly 😊 More details to follow. #scriptsky

Is there anything happening at the END of your scenes (yup, all of them) that makes the Reader want to continue? If not, that's when they may lose interest. Use this handy list of hooks to spark intrigue and encourage a Reader to keep turning the page #scriptsky

This is end draft stuff, and orphans aren't deal breakers. In fact, they're very forgivable, but Readers do notice them. Viewed as being untidy, they can also give the impression that a writer didn't attempt to write lean. It's more about attention to detail during those last few passes. #scriptsky

Caught myself watching a Superman reaction yesterday (the original, not the ridiculous new one 🤣), and thought I really should watch more of Gene Hackman (I have a loooong to-watch list), anyhoo, here's a reminder of some of his wise words. #scriptsky

Much appreciate the writer sending this one in. A great learning opportunity for newbies. To everyone else - If you're using Word to write your script, save the final draft as a PDF, so that it can't be edited. #scriptsky

Don't automatically assume the Reader will love your MC as much as you do - give them a strong reason to care about what happens to them - that's how you ensure they'll keep turning the page. #scriptsky

What makes a great character intro? That's the million-dollar question. Sometimes a sparse visual is all we need. Other times, more detail is useful. Here's a small selection of what can grab and what can turn a reader off to help you decide. #scriptsky

If you’d like Instagram (yes, Instagram allows me to post more than 4 measly images, imagine that!) line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected]. #scriptsky

Is your antagonist a worthy opponent for your protagonist to fight against? A weak villain very likely means a weak hero. Head to the Freebie section on the website to download the full fillable/printable 4-page workbook. >>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky

Gawd, writing is all ups and doons, isn't it. #scriptsky

Does anyone still listen to podcasts? I'm a bit out of the loop with any good new ones, so leave your recommendations below if you have any. #scriptsky

This might be useful to show just how easy poor direction can create confusion. Where are the cops? What are they doing? Can we even see them, or is the whole scene in voiceover, and we're just watching a bird's-eye view of a river? That's why clear direction is so important #scriptsky

If you find incorporating subtext into speech a little daunting, here are a few simple methods to get you started. #scriptsky

If you can shorten the time it takes to deliver info without impacting the message or impact, you probably should. Readers love a fast read, and shaving off a line or page leaves more space to add story. Go make sure you're not wasting space by stating the obvious in your script. #scriptsky

I'd argue that getting a great producer attached is way more important than a great director. But what do producers - the people who actually get movies made - look for in a screenplay? A great story is a given, but here are some other elements you may not have yet considered. #scriptsky

I don't really bother with character bios, but I know many writers like to get a strong grasp on this when outlining. If you do to, here's a fillable PDF that includes the major elements worth exploring. Find it in the Freebie section of the website. >>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky

If there isn't any NEW info being given, a scene risks being cut. Scrutinize every line and ask: What info is it giving the audience? If we already know that, do we need it again? If it's not advancing the plot, can it be cut? Is this be best place to reveal it? #scriptsky

This isn't a call to ditch TV-formatted scripts. It's a warning against using the WRONG format when breaking in. Always check the guidelines of any contest, scheme, etc, that you're applying to BEFORE submitting a script. That's where you'll find the details on what is expected. #scriptsky

I agree until the "the rest will work itself out' bit 😂 Getting an agent is just the beginning of more hard work! #scriptsky

Can you spot the aspiring writer from the professional? #scriptsky

As epic script editor Lucy V Hay says, 'ordinary scenes = up to 1 page, extraordinary scenes = up to 3 pages', That's not a strict formula, just a good rule of thumb. Go check your screenplay - are there any scenes that run longer than 3+ pages - if so, ask if they really need to be. #scriptsky

Arguably, the villain is often more interesting than the hero. Why are they doing bad things? What makes them tick? What happened to make them that way? To your antagonist, THEY'RE the main character of the story. Write them with that in mind, and you'll create a worthy counterpart. #scriptsky

I've given up on writing tons of times. But I just keep coming back to it. You will too. Keep doing what you're doing! #scriptsky

Here's a quick and easy tip to ensure that every time your protagonist has a WIN, it comes at a COST. Which is a nice way to throw in more conflict and keep things interesting. As usual, the PDF is on the website somewhere. >>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky

If a script looks like it's been written by someone who hasn't yet learned the basics, the script's going straight in the bin, and an opportunity has been missed. Once you learn the Red Flags that Readers use to identify amateurs, you can avoid doing the same. #scriptsky

I still see a notable proportion of contest submissions with this error. It's a fixable mistake, which always leads me to believe that a writer didn't bother to proofread their script before sending out into the world. Again, not the best impression to make. Sweat the small stuff! #scriptsky

There's nothing wrong with playing it safe, but do you also have that one spec script that takes a risk, pushes boundaries, and takes us somewhere no one else has dared go? #scriptsky

If you're trying to gain representation, go all out in your screenplay, but if you're trying to option one, keeping the budget in mind is something you need to consider. Pitching to independent producers and studios is easier, but they'll have much smaller budgets to work with. #scriptsky

There are tons of instances where we do need to see travelling scenes, hell, road trip movies are entirely about the journey - the key is to make them interesting and necessary to the story. #scriptsky

I know we covered this point recently, but it's out of my hands. The feed needs something red! So... YES - Number scenes in a shooting script or if it's helpful during development. NO - Don't number scenes in the final draft that's being submitted to a contest or other. Ta-Dah! #scriptsky

If you want to read longer or more in-depth line note posts, find me on Instagram (Yes, I know it's owned by an arsehole billionaire), where there's no annoying 4-image limit. www.instagram.com/thescriptrea... #scriptsky

It's Friday. It's sunny outside. Away and enjoy yourselves! #scriptsky

Use this ridiculously simple table to jot down any lines of dialogue, actions taken, or props used, then find a way to bring them back into play further on in the story. Readers love this shit, so the more setups and payoffs there are, the better. Fillable PDF available on the website #scriptsky

I get why writers sometimes don't do this (to open up the casting possibilities, or the character is just an extra), but this is a huge personal peeve of mine. Just give your characters an age. It's not going to ruin the story if you do, but it might if you don't. #scriptsky

Here's the first 2 pages from a thriller feature that's still a work in progress. I've tried to tidy up the presentation to avoid confusion, but there are certain lines in the original where I've no clue what's happening, so I could be wrong 😂 #scriptsky

As they say, "You can't edit a blank page". #scriptsky

Weaknesses and Limitations are great at getting your character to think outside the box and work well if there isn't much of a character arc, as there's no personality trait they have to overcome or outgrow. Great is there's not much of a character arc. #scriptsky

You've maybe seen a bio page in some produced TV scripts, but this isn't something you should copy. The audience isn't reading the PDF, so any essential info that's in a bio really needs to be conveyed within the story instead. Keep bios for treatments or pitches. #scriptsky

On the whole, I'm only really seeing this in spec scripts by clearly first-time writers, so whoop whoop - most of you seem to have taken heed 😊 My work is done. Just kidding - stop describing smells, lol. #scriptsky

Ignore formatting comments and focus on the plot #scriptsky There's strong themes about guilt, but I'm not convinced going through a series of endless suffering in Hell is the clearest way to teach the end message here. What would you recommend the writer end with instead?

The whole 'What if...' thing is pretty well known, so you've probably seen something like this before. Still, if you're struggling to give a familiar plot a new twist or just want a creative exercise, this might help. Download available on the website as usual >>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky

Scrolling through r/ReadMyScript this morning (great place to get script feedback), but noticed a few first-time writers making some very critical mistakes - specifically bad formatting. Industry pros will toss scripts that look sloppy. Don't make the same mistake! #scriptsky

Keep up the pace by continually upping the ante or throwing another spanner into the works. Here are but a few ways to do that. #scriptsky

When the Reader has no real knowledge or interest in the subject or setting in which your story takes place. You've still got to keep them hooked without it feeling like you're giving a boring lecture. A little goes a long way. #scriptsky

Scene numbers quickly tell a Reader what stage a script is at. In essence, don't ruin a polished final draft by making it look unfinished. If you're submitting a shooting script when hunting for additional finance, scene numbers are fine. #scriptsky

True. #scriptsky

This is an easy mistake to make when you don't know any better. Time is money in script reading, so it's always pretty gut-wrenching to discover you've wasted time reading stuff that isn't relevant and could've been cut. Be nice to your Script Reader and they'll be nice to you 😉 #scriptsky

Not totally sure how useful this short worksheet is, but if you're getting stuck with an outline of an initial idea or you've decided that there's not enough conflict in a first draft, this might help. Download from the Freebie tab on the website >>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky

Tone is you flexing your writing voice. This is how you manipulate the audience/reader and get them to FEEL when viewing/reading your work. That's a powerful tool, so don't scrimp on this screenwriting element. #scriptsky