Notes on the craft

Make the story work on screen

Practical screenwriting guides with concrete examples, revision questions, and tools you can use on your next film.

01 / FIELD NOTES

How to Write a Short Film

Build a short film around one consequential decision. A practical guide to premise, conflict, visual storytelling, and a shootable first draft.

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Character Arc vs. Story Arc

Understand the difference between plot development and character change, then connect them through decisions and consequences in your screenplay.

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Chekhov’s Gun vs. MacGuffin

Compare setup and payoff with an object of pursuit. Learn how each device works in a film scene and avoid confusing plot motivation with a promised payoff.

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