Mike Will Downey

Check out all Genre of films:  http://www.wikiscreenplay.ca/index.php?title=All_Genre_Films

As screenwriters venture deeper and deeper into the waters of movie studio development offices, agencies, and management companies — after years of trying to break through and finally seeing some attention — it’s imperative that they are prepared for the meetings, the conversations, the emails, and more important, the terminology. Development and acquisition talk can be another language to some. Below we will cover some of the most common terms that screenwriters may come across. Terms that are most commonly utilized in development phases of Hollywood. While you’ve likely heard them before, it’s important to understand the meaning, the usage, and what it means for your own script and writing in question. & (AND) Yes, we start this list with the symbol formerly — or also — known as  And . It relates primarily to screenwriting credits here. All too often when you see the screenwriting credits for a movie — especially with big studio movies — you’ll see credited screenwriters j

Be Your Own Editor Here's an interesting way you can edit your own material. Follow these steps to have the best success. Purpose Is your purpose stated clearly?  Are there specific requests for action or information?  Is it accurate, complete, and is there the right amount of detail?  What is your sequence?  Is your bottom line at the top and strategically placed? Are your organization and ideas flowing logically?  Design Is there enough headlines, sidelines, and lists?  Is there enough white space to frame your ideas?  Are your deadlines and action items highlighted? Presentation Would a chart, table, or graph be more effective for certain information?  Begin with topic sentence, focus on one topic, transitions with and in between. Limit to 5-6 lines for your paragraph. Sentences need to be varied in structure, length, and streamlined to 15-20 words. Tone and style needs to be simple, specific, straightforward, and free of affection and stuffy ou

Writing a screenplay is not easy. You will need discipline and you will need to learn the structure, character development and format. Not to worry, that is why I have condensed ten years of experience, hundreds of books and movies, into this article. I have written seven screenplays now, two television scripts, and two music video scripts. Only one of those films has made it to the big screen. Breaking into screenwriting often times requires persistence and focus and many, many years. Story logic, character development and structure are paramount when writing a traditional script. Each film follows a six stage plot structure. Robert McKee's Story tells us that you must be good at the nuts and bolts of a scene. Each scene hinges upon the other scene and everything must continue to move forward. A good story is a detective story - the audience wants to know what is going to happen next? Keep them guessing. You never want to be predictable. Scenes need to turn on at leas