Archive for the ‘Screenwriting Articles’ Category

Writing Effective Loglines

Posted with permission from Gideon’s Screenwriting Tips: (http://gideonsway.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/writing-effective-loglines/) Here is more advice by Christopher Lockhart, Story Analyst at William Morris Endeavor Agency. It’s a lengthy article packed with useful information on constructing loglines, so take the time to read it thoroughly.

Should I Self-Produce my Screenplay?

Many screenwriters contemplate producing their own screenplay as a viable alternative to traditional selling/optioning. Self-production offers a quicker path to see your screenplay become a film. But should you? The answer is… it depends. Producing a film requires many things: money, contacts, excellent organizational skills, marketing ability, and driving desire. So you need to be […]

How to Ensure That Your Screenplay Fails

Everyone seems to focus on what you should do to succeed as a screenwriter. We are getting a little bored with that, so we decided to focus on how to fail! Use a variety of fonts to make your screenplay look more interesting. And while you are at it, print it on pink alligator embossed […]

Will a copyright protect you? PART 2

In PART 1, we described what COPYRIGHT means and what it does. But are you REALLY protected? The answer is: yes and no. The exact second that you print a copy of your work, it receives the full force and protection of U.S. constitutional law. If someone (and it’s rare), steals your work, you have […]

Will a copyright protect you? PART 1

Is your screenplay, film, or other creative work protected? It depends. Although “Copyright” exists at the moment of creation, that alone does not protect your rights. Copyright law requires that you take proactive steps to secure your copyright, particularly if you need to sue over infringement. So, just WHAT is a copyright? Here is an […]

Decrease the Risk of Getting Nixed- Part 1

Or, Rules of the Road for New/Emerging Screenwriters. Over the coming weeks, we will be discussing the rules that new/emerging screenwriters are required to follow when formatting their screenplay. Please note that these are not in any particular order of importance! This guide is a collection of screenwriting style and composition rules, compiled over a […]

What is a Logline and Why Do I Need One?

Can you imagine distilling down the full essence of a movie or television series (say Star Wars, or Game of Thrones) into one sentence? It would have to have all the elements of the story itself- a sympathetic protagonist, a compelling goal, and a dire antagonistic force. It would have to be informative, without giving […]

I Have an Idea for a Movie

How to Make a Blockbuster on a Budget

Here is a great graphic showing the process of making a movie on a budget: “Nowadays, just about anyone can make a blockbuster movie. You don’t need crazy budgets or a wealthy backer, you can do it yourself with relatively little expenditure. Our guide shows you how.” Special thanks to our friends at Money-pod for providing this […]

Six Moral Dilemmas To Enrich Characters

Every great screenplay character starts with a tough dilemma – a difficult choice between two or more equally undesirable options. Morals are dictated by communal standards, behaviors and belief systems. Although many cultures support individualism, major deviation from societal mores are frowned upon. Morals are not mathematical equations with a definite correct or incorrect answer. […]

WELCOME TO ASA (AMERICAN SCREENWRITERS ASSOCIATION)

The core mission of American Screenwriters Association (ASA) is to support, promote, and assist emerging screenwriters to ensure that they have all the tools needed to hone their skills and sell their screenplays.

We are dedicated to creating a dialog between screenwriters, producers, filmmakers, actors, and industry to ensure mutual success.

© 2023 S.Kirwan

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