Scriptshadow Secrets (500 Screenwriting Secrets Hidden Inside 50 Great Movies)

Strained dialogue is good dialogue - If you want to add some spark to your dialogue, put your characters in a position where it’s difficult for them to talk.

Notice how much more compelling the scene is as a result. We know something bad is coming, and we can’t warn our heroes.

This is your hero. Heroes need to be heroic,

When you introduce a bad guy in an action movie, make sure to show us he’s bad right away

Anti-heroes are non-traditional heroes. They’re not out to save the world. They’re out to save themselves.

A good logline should include the main character, the objective, and the major source of conflict

When characters fight, they should fight in UNIQUE STYLES that REFLECT WHO THEY ARE

In order for us to care, use your action scenes to challenge your hero’s fatal flaw.

every once in awhile, throw an obstacle in front of your villain. Audiences aren’t used to villains having obstacles, so when they happen, it’s shocking.

Use sound to create atmosphere in your horror script