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Sep 1, 2019 · Learn the basics of screenplay format and structure, from scene headings to dialogue, with examples and tips. This web page is not about already written screenplays, but how to write your own from scratch.
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This grim superhero film is not only one of director Christopher Nolan’s most notable films, but it also established one of the most intriguing villains, thanks to The Joker’s mixture of sinister and goofy characterization. Nolan and the other writers combine the comic book hero actionwith dark, crime-thriller choices for the protagonist, Bruce Wayne/Batman.
With sequels and a spin-off film, this movie is a modern remake that follows a motley crew of skilled but quirky “professionals” in a fun, twisting heist adventure. It covers exposition in a skillful way to let the audience in on the plan without over-explaining, and readers and watchers alike invest quickly in the suave protagonist Danny Ocean as he leads his team through hiccups, improvisations, and terrific comedy riffs.
An oldie but a goodie, this Bruce Willis-lead film pits his rough-around-the-edges cop against a story-driving villain. With the tower as such a limited location, the action is contained and the tension of every scene carries over and builds, increasing suspense. Other examples include: 1. 300 2. Aliens 3. Inglorious Basterds 4. The Bourne Ultimatum 5. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 6. Inside Out 7. Lone Survivor 8. Looper 9. The Matrix 10. Zombieland
Diablo Cody’s Oscar-winning script weaves quirky teenage humor, quick flashbacks, and high emotional stakes to tell a story about family, love, and motherhood. It uses the conventions of romantic comedies, like boy and girl getting together at the end, as well as memorable lines, props, and characters that make it just plain funny.
This script uses a nonlinear structure that bounces around the 500 days of the protagonist Tom’s relationship with the hard-to-pin-down Summer and the funny, odd, and sad impacts on his life during and after their relationship.
This ’80s comedy uses the road movie structure and conventions to show a straight-laced family man who just wants to get home, Neal, played by Steve Martin, traveling with the bumbling and well-meaning Del, played by John Candy. With great physical comedy, comedic tension, and a lot of heart, this script is a great example of playing up the hilarity of two very different characters. Other examples include: 1. The Disaster Artist 2. Election 3. The Way, Way Back 4. Bridesmaids 5. The Hangover...
This script is a terrific lesson in writing biopics, which are films based on the lives of real people. Read to see the themes and struggles represented in N.W.A’s music first-hand through the characters’ experiences as they create music, navigate the industry, and take their own paths.
Combining a high concept with a down-to-earth protagonist, this script follows a man who is unknowingly living inside a reality TV show about his life. It features meta elements that set up a whole world within another world that resembles but isn’t quite the same as our own.
This script actually starts at the end of the story with the protagonist Lester telling us what would be the big reveal. Then, the story restarts at the beginning to show how Lester, his family, and his neighbors got there. In available versions of the script, you’ll notice early scenes covering more of the story’s end that were cut from the final film. Other notable films include: 1. Boogie Nights 2. Forrest Gump 3. Her 4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 5. Good Will Hunting 6. Jerry M...
This sci-fi/horror script uses a very minimal style, with short, punchy action lines that rarely go over one line long. The tension builds quickly, and we learn only what we need to know about each character and event of the film, creating hyper-focus on the terror.
This script uses precise visuals, emphasizes sounds, and characterizes the house where the paranormal activity takes place to fully set the scene and create an eerie atmosphere from beginning to end. The formatting of the script itself, with the use of all caps sounds and actions as well as double dashes, creates a fast and tense pace that’s captured in the film itself.
Ticking clocks are great storytelling devices to amplify stakes and create intense pacing. Combined with the story itself, this script becomes a tense, horrifying lesson in creating obstacles, establishing vivid scenes, and keeping the audience guessing. Other examples include: 1. Let Me In 2. A Quiet Place 3. Us 4. The Babadook 5. Dawn of the Dead 6. Final Destination 7. Hereditary 8. Insidious 9. Jennifer’s Body 10. The Omen 11. The Sixth Sense
This Oscar-winning script by Jordan Peele blends comedy into this satirical thriller/horror story that sheds light on topics like race and class distinction. The visuals and the creation of “the sunken place” amplifies the unsettling nature of the white, upper-class setting and teases out the big, dangerous reveal of what the protagonist’s hosts are really up to.
As a first-day-on-the-job movie meets hectic crime thriller, the script follows a clean-cut rookie detective riding with his new, more seasoned partner to learn the ropes. Slowly, small choices become large hurdles as this experienced cop tests the protagonist’s values and traps him in impossible situations, revealing that he’s in some bad business himself.
Another Academy Award winner, this screenplay is a great lesson in adaptation writing. It follows an ambitious FBI trainee on a mission to catch a serial killer. This script features gripping interactions between Clarice and Hannibal Lecter, unnerving scenes with the killer on the loose, and a heart-pounding final sequence where Clarice meets her target face-to-face. Other examples include: 1. Flightplan 2. Pulp Fiction 3. Shutter Island 4. Thriller 5. The Departed 6. The Girl on the Train 7....
There are many lessons to learn from reading professional scriptsand even comparing them to their filmed counterparts. Some of those lessons include: 1. Inspiring character development:Look out for memorable introductions, clear goals, unique quirks, and life-like personalities. Use the hero’s journey structure to track your protagonist’s growth in...
There are many trusted sites that provide links to PDF files of scripts for you to download, read, and analyze. Some great sources include: 1. The Script Lab 2. The Internet Movie Script Database 3. Simply Scripts 4. The Black List’s “Go Into the Story” 5. Daily Script Reviewing scripts and produced films helps you develop as a filmmaker and visual...
Learn from screenplay examples of different genres, written by some of the best writers and filmmakers in the industry. Find scripts for action, comedy, drama, horror, thriller, and more, with analysis and tips.
Apr 16, 2024 · Learn how to write a screenplay from concept to final polish with this comprehensive guide. Find out the types of scripts, the standard format, the outlining techniques, and the expert tips to make your script stand out.
May 25, 2015 · Learn from the best screenwriters by studying these script examples from drama, comedy, action, thriller and horror. Each PDF script comes with a brief analysis and a link to download.
Learn tips and techniques for writing a screenplay in various genres, from horror to comedy. Find inspiration from books, games, movies, and more.
May 9, 2023 · Learn the basic steps to write a screenplay from start to finish, from coming up with a story idea to completing your final draft. This guide covers screenwriting terms, software, structure, and tips for writing on spec or assignment.
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A guide to screenwriting for beginners and professionals, covering format, structure, plot, dialogue, and more. Learn the difference between spec and shooting scripts, use a standard format, and follow 15 steps to write a screenplay.
