In my article on “how to write internal conflict,” I discussed the importance of conflict in a screenplay. A screenplay needs stakes and consequences for movie watchers to stay engaged.  Every story has some type of conflict. Be it a TV show, film, novel, documentary… the plot typically entails the protagonist battling the opposition for […]

Every good story needs conflict. It needs good guys versus bad guys. A good story requires compelling goals and obstacles for the hero. It needs character development. It needs good ‘ol conflict. Without conflict, the audience would have no reason to continue watching. One of the most powerful ways to inject a screenplay with tension […]

As a video producer, I often get asked what’s the difference between filmmaking and cinematography. Although both are movie related roles, there’s still a distinct difference. Simply put, filmmaking or film production is the art of storytelling via film. Cinematography on the other hand is a part of the filmmaking process and entails the capturing […]

Is there a movie or TV show you like to watch because of the characters?  That’s probably because the screenwriter nailed character development in his/her screenplay. 👉 Proper character development in a screenplay involves writing a compelling character arc to complement a good plot. Character arcs are essential elements to a good plot, that’s likened […]

In a YouTube obsessed world, book videos are the hottest new way to promote your book but the production of a really good book video can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. The thing is you don’t need a Hollywood movie to promote your book. Just a decent little video […]

Subtext is a clever way of concealing what you mean in information that would otherwise pass as ordinary to the not-so-keen observer. It’s good to say things as they are in real life, but when it comes to screenwriting, hidden messages are the way to go and that’s basically what subtext is all about. In […]

“Definitely an amateur.” Why did the reader judge the script so? Probably because you’ve used way too much on-the-nose dialogue in the screenplay. On-the-nose dialogue is not only off-putting but it also feels unnatural and unrealistic.  🤔🤔 What is on-the-nose dialogue exactly? 🤔🤔 Let’s explain with a simple example: Picture a movie scene where a fire […]

Exposition is an important part of storytelling of whatever kind, it typically answers questions about who, where, and when that the reader might have as the plot unravels.  Is it really necessary in a screenplay? Absolutely, its absence breeds confusion!  Is there such a thing as bad or good exposition? There is.  Today we uncover […]

As a video producer, I find call sheets to be of utmost importance. It helps me coordinate my crew – the who, what, where and when. If you’re new to video production, a call sheet is a written itinerary or schedule of filming events throughout the day. It provides info on who should be on […]

Outstream video ads are all the rage when it comes to new video marketing trends sweeping marketers off their feet in 2021. If you have not heard about it, then let me educate you on what they are and why you should be incorporating video outstream ads in your video marketing. Traditionally, ads are placed […]