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ABOUT ME:● Currently Senior Writer/Producer, WarnerMedia
(TBS, TNT, TruTV) in Atlanta, GA● Previously with Cartoon Network, Adult Swim,
and MTV● Co-Creator and Writer of Dollar Toy Squad for
Pocket.Watch● Independent development of original animated
shows● Degree in Radio-TV-Film from Northwestern
University with special focus on creative writing
Getting Started
Every script begins with an…
Preparing to Write
What is the story I want to
tell?
Will audiences care?
Who might direct it or star
in it? Does my idea require
research?
Questions to Ask Yourself
STORY ELEMENTS:
● SETTING (WHERE?)● CHARACTERS (WHO?)● PLOT (WHAT?)
ALSO THINK ABOUT:
● GENRE● INSPIRATIONS● STYLE
Story Is:
CONFLICT
• Scene Heading• Action• Character• Dialogue• Parenthetical• Transition
Anatomy of a Script
NOTE: One page is approximately one minute of screen time
INT. CLASSROOM -- DAY
The scene heading is in all-caps and tells you the location and time of day for the scene.
STUDENTCharacters appear centeredin all-caps. Dialogue is centered with wider margins!
TEACHER(smiling)
Don’t forget parentheticaldirection that can add moredetails.
Here’s where you can describe the student’s reaction to the teacher’s comment.
STUDENT(rolls eyes)
Yes, I already know allabout parentheticals.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRARY -- DAY
We see the student looking up how to spell the word “parenthetical”.
Character & Dialogue
Scene Heading & Action
Transition
Parenthetical
Tools You Can Use!Software Does It for You
Production Timeline
WRITING PRE-PRODUCTION PRODUCTION POST-PRODUCTION RELEASE
● Budget & Schedule● Hire Crew Leaders● Creative Planning● Location Scouting● Build Sets● Equipment Rental● Casting● Rehearsal
● Filming!● Lights (Electric)● Camera (DP)● Action (Director)● Props● Hair & Makeup● Wardrobe● Effects● Stunts
● Editing● Visual Effects● Score and Music● Test Screenings● Sales & Marketing
QUESTIONS?
What is the production process like?
Is the writer involved in casting?
What are post-production challenges?
How to get a job in the entertainment business?
● Film School● Internships● Young Writer Workshops● Writer Conferences● Film Festivals● Apprenticeships● Theater Programs● Improv Comedy● D.I.Y.
“Breaking In”
WRITER TIPS!● Watch lots of movies● Read scripts (IMSDB.com)● Imagine your cast when
writing● If stuck, try the
“opposite” approach● Story Cubes● Wouldn’t it be cool if..?
