Writing for Stage/Screen

Lizzie Mickery talks about how she created Paradox, the high-concept thriller series about future crimes, and why she had to give up acting to write her own dramas.

Nov 30, 2009 - Robin Jarossi

Writer's Block. There is nothing worse than staring at a blank computer screen as the world passes a writer by. Luckily, there are some easy tricks to get past it.

Nov 18, 2009 - Mark Williams

In a world where communication is the key, a small-town minister finds exciting ways to reach a searching world.

Oct 29, 2009 - Leigh Neely

Zoetrope: All-Story creates a viable bridge between writer and film, with quarterly publications, virtual studio, and annual contests.

Oct 22, 2009 - Melissa Thayer

Have you noticed how many documentaries are broadcast on channels like PBS and Discovery Channel? Somebody has to write all those words. That's a documentary scriptwriter

Oct 13, 2009 - Janice Benthin

Most good oral presentations are based on careful preparation and written notes. Skillful speech makers will be familiar with their written content.

Oct 11, 2009 - Debbie Roome

The rewards of being a story analyst include reading screenplays for a living, learning more about the business, and having an influence on whether a film is made or not.

Oct 5, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

An early preview Adobe's new script development application Story is made available for free download or online use.

Sep 24, 2009 - David Chadderton

In its first five years, Manchester's 24:7 Theatre Festival has grown from a tiny fringe event into a major showcase of new writing that has attracted national attention.

Aug 27, 2009 - David Chadderton

A well-conceived plot within a screenplay will fall flat if the linking scenes of action and dialogue are poorly written.

Aug 21, 2009 - Rachel Wills

Summing up a ninety-minute story line in one sentence is a challenging task. Where does the screenwriter begin?

Aug 5, 2009 - Rachel Wills

A brief look at how to select a script that is appropriate for production at a Fringe Theatre Festival.

Jun 30, 2009 - Andrea Beca

The fun of structuring a true story can be found in manipulating time, characters, and scenes according to timeless, universal models of structure.

Jun 29, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

Using theme as a guide, studying the plot, and charting growth on the page all help a writer build a strong character arc that will make the story unforgettable.

Jun 22, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

Scriptwriting competitions are a great way of making waves and showing off new talent. Lisa Barrass, finalist of the Red Planet Scriptwriter competition, tells her story.

Jun 20, 2009 - Holly Stacey

A well-written screenplay contains many elements, such as plot, character and dialogue, and each of these needs to be focused on separately during a rewrite.

Jun 11, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

Writing a character sketch is an excellent way to aid the development of your writing - here's a look at how to go about sketching your characters.

Jun 5, 2009 - Andrea Beca

Completing the first draft of a screenplay is only the beginning. The real hard work lies in the editing process.

Jun 1, 2009 - Rachel Wills

What action can a screenwriter take when their screenplay suffers repeated rejections from agents and film producers?

Jun 1, 2009 - Rachel Wills

Dialogue forms an essential component in film screenwriting, propelling the plot and revealing characters. But how does the writer create captivating dialogue?

Jun 1, 2009 - Rachel Wills

Making the decision to write one's first screenplay is a big step, but how does the screenwriter make a start?

May 30, 2009 - Rachel Wills

The screenplay structure is something all aspiring screenwriters need to know about when plotting their story.

May 30, 2009 - Rachel Wills

Making the switch from the right brain (creative) to the left (logical) is fundamental to the revision process, and several simple techniques can help the writer do this.

May 27, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

Writing a screenplay must involve creating compelling characters, or the viewer will not care about what happens to them and the story will fall flat.

May 26, 2009 - Rachel Wills

Many filmmakers or agents insist upon a synopsis of the screenplay. Writing a good synopsis is crucial in selling a script. But what is a good synopsis?

May 25, 2009 - Rachel Wills

Books and films are totally different mediums. How does the writer go about making a movie adaptation from fiction?

May 23, 2009 - Rachel Wills

An examination of what defines a character sketch, how they are used, and how they can help you as a writer.

May 21, 2009 - Andrea Beca

The days of straight through action plays as the standard are over. The unconventional structure can allow for excellent dramatic moments.

May 16, 2009 - Alyse Castillo

The playwright/director relationship is a complex one. The types of people that seem to fall into these positions are generally passionate, artistic individuals. As such,

May 15, 2009 - Alyse Castillo

An examination of what stage directions are, how they are used, and whether you should use them in your next dramatic script.

May 9, 2009 - Andrea Beca

To write a screenplay, pose an idea in a question. Write the script to answer the question. Sounds simple. But it isn't.

May 7, 2009 - William Sokolic

A smooth, engaging treatment not only helps the writer stay on track while writing the 100 + document that is a screenplay, it also can be used as a selling tool.

May 5, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

The mind is inherently creative - the trick is tapping into that creativity on a schedule. Here are some techniques for lighting the fires of inspiration - on demand.

May 1, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

A look at some of the key elements to consider when writing a dramatic monologue, whether as part of a longer script, or as a short, standalone piece.

May 1, 2009 - Andrea Beca

A brief examination of how a dramatic monologue is defined and how it is used in theatre.

May 1, 2009 - Andrea Beca

Approaching midnight and, with one scene from a new screenplay still to write, the screenwriter for the latest Philip Pullman adaptation, took a few minutes to chat to us

Apr 21, 2009 - Dulcinea Norton-Smith

A look at how to keep a writer's notebook, what to put in it, and how it will help you to become a stronger writer.

Apr 18, 2009 - Andrea Beca

A series of tips that will help you write every single day in order to hone your skills, maintain your level of creativity, and prevent writer's block.

Apr 18, 2009 - Andrea Beca

So much depends on the actor connecting with the role. Screenwriters need to spend plenty of time on character development if they want the film to get made.

Apr 16, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

The Writers Guild script registration service is an industry standard. But it offers little in the way of actual protection against unlawful use of your material.

Apr 10, 2009 - Doug Sinclair

An interview with writer/playwright/performer Karen Hines, author of Pochsy's Lips, Hello...Hello, and many others.

Apr 10, 2009 - Andrea Beca

An interview with Dora-nominated playwright and actor Brendan Gall. Currently working on his next play, Gall discusses his process as a playwright.

Apr 10, 2009 - Andrea Beca

A few basic guidelines in screenwriting will help the aspiring screenwriter increase their chances of getting the script read.

Apr 3, 2009 - Rachel Wills

The script is doomed to the rejection pile if the opening ten pages do not grab the reader, even if the rest of the screenplay is gripping.

Apr 2, 2009 - Rachel Wills

Once a screenplay's ending has been found, the screenwriter can use the third act to guide them in the crafting of the entire script, including the build up to the end.

Apr 2, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read

Submitting a screenplay to the BBC is a good first port of call for any budding screenwriter. The following informs on what BBC Writersroom look for in a script.

Apr 2, 2009 - Rachel Wills

A look at the different types of playwriting programs available from post-secondary institutions, and how to choose the program best suited to your interests.

Mar 30, 2009 - Andrea Beca

Writing a script or story outline can be fun and challenging, but what happens when you get a case of writers block?

Mar 28, 2009 - Nathan Collier

Good screenwriting requires a mastery of not just story, but also strict adherence to format and a host of industry conventions that are best learned from the experts.

Mar 27, 2009 - Glenn Kaufmann

A powerful ending comes from drafting a third act that answers all of the story's questions and follows logically from the events leading up to it, but with a twist.

Mar 25, 2009 - Candace Kearns Read