John Schramm and Danny Murray tackle viewer questions in a rapid-fire mailbag session covering the current state of breaking into Hollywood, whether they'd prefer making divisive or universally liked films, and cinema trends they're pushing back against.

John Schramm and Danny Murray dive into the history and definition of the summer blockbuster, starting with the fascinating origin story of how World War II newsreels inspired the term "blockbuster."

Antagonists raise stakes, test flaws, and drive the story forward. They're not always villains—sometimes they're inner demons, rivals, or society itself. The best ones challenge the hero's values and goals, revealing who they truly are. No great story exists without great opposition.

Every great film begins with a blank page, and this guide helps you conquer it. From idea to outline, logline to final draft, we walk you through the essentials of writing your first screenplay. Demystify the process, embrace imperfection, and start creating the story only you can tell.

What makes a screenplay quintessentially British? The dry wit? Quiet melancholy? A well-timed pub-side tirade? Explore 14 of the greatest British screenplays you should read and study —from 28 Days Later’s apocalyptic tension to the tender stillness of Aftersun. Spanning decades and genres, each script is a masterclass in tone, voice, and identity.

Western cinephiles too often miss the brilliance unfolding beyond English-speaking screens. This curated list of 11 remarkable foreign-language screenplays- available in English—invites you to explore bold storytelling, rich cultural nuance, and the true global artistry of cinema.

Film grants can be the key to turning your script into a finished film — without the debt. Let’s break down the best grants out there, what decision-makers really want, and how to craft a winning application that gets your story funded and seen.

Three scripts. One life-changing production deal. Table reads, Lime$ rewards, and a shot to cast the next cult classic. The Waif made it—because you voted. Now it’s time to do it again. Watch, read, listen… then cast the vote that could launch cinema’s next breakout story.

A killer shark, a grieving widower, a scheming Joker , what do they have in common? They nailed the first impression. From Pixar to Nolan, the best films hook us before the popcorn cools. Let’s dive into the art of the iconic opening scene, and why yours better be unforgettable.

Once a powerful storytelling tool, vague endings have become a common fixture in modern cinema, often substituting ambiguity for resolution. Examine when such endings enhance a film’s meaning and when they signal a troubling trend: symbolism over story, and praise over payoff.

What makes a screenplay truly great? It’s not merely sharp dialogue or memorable characters, it’s the careful weaving of structure, stakes, originality, and emotional depth. Explore the essential elements of screenwriting and elevate every page you write.

Some of the most iconic screenplays didn’t just tell great stories, they broke the rules to do it. From nonlinear narratives to wild formatting, find out how boundary-pushing scripts rewrite the playbook, and why sometimes, breaking the rules is the rule.

In screenwriting, a “beat” is more than just a pause, it’s the heartbeat of your story. From emotional pivots to dramatic turns, beats shape both the overall arc and the small, defining moments that bring characters to life. Whether you’re mapping plot points or refining a scene’s rhythm, understanding beats can sharpen your storytelling and keep audiences engaged.

Short films are more than just bite-sized cinema, they’re bold, focused showcases of a filmmaker’s voice. For emerging storytellers, they offer creative freedom, career momentum, and a proving ground for ideas that can one day scale to the big screen. Here’s why they truly matter.

From Darth Vader to Cersei Lannister, cinema’s most unforgettable villains aren’t just obstacles, they’re fully realized characters with convictions, complexities, and chilling charisma. Dive deep into the villain archetype, explore what elevates an antagonist into a truly compelling force of opposition. With insights into motivation, danger, and psychological nuance.

Hero archetypes have anchored storytelling across centuries, from myth to Marvel. With noble codes, fatal flaws, and the weight of the world on their shoulders, they captivate us not because they’re perfect, but because they fall, rise, and evolve. Master the archetype, and then subvert it.

Movies used to hand us quotes like souvenirs—now they give us vibes. As cinema grew darker, dialogue got real, stars stopped riffing, and streaming split our attention. In the age of memes and media overload, it’s harder than ever for a line to stick. But hey, “He’s just Ken” gives us hope.

The French New Wave revolutionized cinema in the late 1950s and 60s, led by visionary directors like Truffaut, Godard, and Varda. Emphasizing auteur-driven storytelling, raw emotion, and experimental techniques, these films reshaped film language and continue to inspire filmmakers today.

A great character intro isn’t just a hello—it’s a declaration of intent. It sets the tone, reveals personality, and hints at conflict, all in a few punchy lines. Unpack how to introduce your characters with style, clarity, and impact—because in screenwriting, first impressions are the story’s foundation.

Mastering visual storytelling is key to writing a script without dialogue. Without spoken words, your script must rely on vivid descriptions, symbolism, body language, and cinematic techniques to engage readers. In this guide, discover 10 essential tips to craft compelling, dialogue-free scenes that captivate and immerse.