Video Library

The Key to Masterful Writing

What's The Ideal Length of an Action Block?

Developing Secondary Characters

Screenwriting Advice Video #25

Screenwriting Advice Video #25: What is subtext in a screenplay?

Why Is It So Hard To Write An Ending?

In this Film Courage video interview, screenwriter and BlueCat Screenplay Competition Founder/Judge Gordy Hoffman shares why it’s so hard to write a screenplay’s ending. He also notes how he can easily spot a film in which the writer had a clear idea of a movie’s ending or not.

How To Write A Telephone Scene

What is the correct format for writing a telephone scene?

Skip These Submission Mistakes

In this Film Courage video interview, Bluecat Screenplay Founder and Judge talks about submitting to a screenplay competition, the big mistake screenwriters make.

Film Courage Interview: Gordy Explains How To Write a Screenplay

In this Film Courage video interview, BlueCat Screenplay Competition Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman answers the question of How Do I Write A Screenplay?

Managing Your Story Outline

Should you always stick with your screenplay outline? Gordy explains how a writer should trust their instincts and be loyal to the story and its characters.

Screenwriting Advice Video #16

Using the Active Voice: “I’ve learned to write in an active voice, to avoid using words ending in “ing” and all forms of “being” (is, are, etc.), but most produced screenplays ignore this. What is a spec screenwriter to do?”

The Art of The Script Rewrite

Gordy stresses the importance of rewrites and why constantly editing your screenplay is crucial to the creative process.

Screenwriting Tips Video #32

“The Cinematic Image in Screenwriting”

Screenwriting Tips Video #14

“Where is the proper place to put characters’ actions in a script?”

How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Stuck in a rut? Gordy shares some advice on how to overcome writer’s block and find inspiration!

Screenwriting Tips Video #9

“Can you have a flashback within a flashback?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #2

“What are some lasting principles for dialogue that transcend genre or style?”

How To Stay Focused as a Writer

“How Can I Stay Focused as a Writer?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #6

“Most of my scenes are not longer than three pages. Is that too quick for a feature film?”

How Often You Should Be Writing as a Screenwriter

“How Often Should I Be Writing as a Screenwriter?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #4

“What is the best way to format your script?”

How to Defeat Writer’s Block

“How can I beat writer’s block as a screenwriter?”

Addressing The Reader in Your Screenplay

“Can I talk to the reader in the description?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #30

“What is “voice” in a screenplay? How do action lines contribute to voice in a screenplay?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #28

“Who’s the best person to learn screenwriting from? Where should you go to get better……….”

Screenwriting Advice Video #26

“I have writer’s block, what do I do?” “How does one get over a terrible bout with writer’s block? I have plenty of ideas… but the second I sit down to actually write everything vanishes.”

Screenwriting Advice Video #21

“Do Screenwriting How-to Books Work?” “With the ridiculous proliferation of screenwriting how-to-books in the market amongst other forms of media offering help by script gurus have you seen any common mistakes or formulas that are leading burgeoning screenwriters down the wrong path?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #20

“How long does it take to write a great screenplay?”

Advancing Your Middle Act

One of the main reasons people get stuck in the middle act of their scripts is because they don’t know their story well enough. So that means the best way to get through these issues is to just write through them.

How To Weave Exposition Into Your Screenplay

Let your exposition flow naturally into your script. If you give audiences bits and pieces of information as you go, things will feel much more natural and organic.

How Important is Structure?

“How important is following a three-act structure in my screenplay?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #29

“How to use montage in a screenplay, why use it in the first place?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #27

“What type of ARC in a screenplay has the most impact and when is the theme and through-line established?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #15

Developing the first act of two strong characters

Screenwriting Tips Video #10

“Can the first scene of a script be gruesome?”

Demystifying Screenplay Concept and Theme

Stay focused on that one thing that drove you to start writing. The more you do that, the better your script will become.

How Important is Genre?

How important is adopting a specific genre when writing a screenplay? Gordy explains the value of good storytelling when it comes to genre.

The Importance of Short Screenplays

“Why is writing a short screenplay helpful for my screenwriting career?”

Adapting a Book Into a Screenplay

“How can I adapt a book into a screenplay?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #13

“How do you write a compelling love story without setting it in an exotic location or making it a period piece?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #12

“I have heard that comedies do not typically win screenplay contests. Is this true?”

Where to Submit Your First Short Film

Congratulations! You’ve completed your first short film. And now you want people to see it.

How to Connect with Literary Managers and Agents

Every screenwriter wants a literary manager or agent but you should never show up to their offices unannounced.

What Should You Do When You Get Out Of Film School?

Fresh out of Film School? What’s next? Check out this video of Gordy reassuring young filmmakers that the best is yet to come! And yes, pizza is involved…

Networking and Promoting Your Script in the Film Industry

“How can I network and promote my script in the film industry?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #34

“What time of the year is best to try and sell a screenplay?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #33

“When should I send my script to the industry? How patient should I be with my screenplay?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #31

“The relationship between the actor and the screenwriter: Do you have to like actors to be a screenwriter?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #24

“I’ve written a great short script. What different routes are there (or could there potentially be) to production?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #23

“They’re already making my screenplay. After spending 6 months on a script, I learned a movie was in production with not only a similar concept, but my title as well. What can I do?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #22

“Screenplay Criticism without Suggestions?” “What’s the benefit of notes if no suggestions for solutions are offered?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #19

Writers often wonder whether they need to attend film school to learn screenwriting. ” Should I go to film school?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #18

“How do you take a wide variety of notes on your screenplay?” “How do you reconcile a number of different takes on your work?”

Screenwriting Advice Video #17

“How do I win a screenplay competition?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #11

“How many BlueCat Scripts have gone on to win other awards?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #8

“It is expensive to register my script with the WGA after every revision. How do you handle this?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #7

“I want to see my vision on screen, but do not want to be a screenwriter. How do I find a writing partner?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #5

“What is the best way to find representation and how can I be prepared?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #3

“What avenues should a screenwriter take to pursue a career in animation?”

Screenwriting Tips Video #1

“How many screenplays would you recommend a screenwriter have in their arsenal before approaching an agent?”