Blog
Short answers to the questions writers ask, with original screenplay examples.
-
How to copyright a screenplay in the United States
Writing an original script establishes copyright in the United States. Registration is generally required before filing a copyright infringement lawsuit over a United States work, not for protection to begin.
3 min
-
Three act structure in screenwriting, explained
Screenwriters commonly use setup, confrontation, and resolution to map a character’s struggle. The act breaks mark changes in that struggle, not fixed page deadlines.
3 min
-
What is an inciting incident? Examples and tips
An inciting incident disrupts your main character’s situation and starts the central story. Its strength comes from what it changes, not from landing on a particular page.
3 min
-
OS vs V.O. screenplay: What's the difference?
Choose O.S. for an unseen speaker within the scene and V.O. for narration outside it. These are common conventions; phone voices vary between writers.
3 min
-
How to outline a screenplay before you write it
Build your screenplay outline around what the character wants, what gets in the way, and what changes. Keep enough detail to guide the next scene without writing every line.
3 min
-
Show, don't tell in screenwriting: Before and after
Give the audience evidence instead of an explanation. A character hiding her sister's invitation lets viewers read jealousy without hearing the character name it.
2 min
-
How to finish your first screenplay
Write toward an ending, leave notes where you're stuck, and keep moving through the story. Save larger changes until you can read a complete draft.
3 min