Forewarned is forearmed. This business has more than a few words and phrases that may sound strange if you’re not yet fluent in the strange language of screenwriting. Here is a screenwriting vocabulary starter set to help you set off on the right foot as you navigate the strange world of Hollywood. <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Merriweather||||||||” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” text_text_shadow_style=”preset4″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.05em” link_text_shadow_style=”preset4″ border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n \u00a0A<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 B<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 C<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 D<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 E<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 F<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 G<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 H<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 I<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 J<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 K<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 L<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 M<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 N<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 O<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 P<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Q<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 R<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 S<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 T<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 U<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 V<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 W<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 X<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Y<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Z<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”a” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_2_font=”Fira Sans|700|||||||” header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” header_4_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” sticky_enabled=”0″]\n In 3 act structure, this is the beginning of the movie, roughly the first 30 pages, which introduces the protagonist, recurring themes, and any <\/span>obstacles<\/span> the protagonist must overcome to accomplish their goal. Act one is the set up for the movie. It establishes the world as it is and demonstrates what needs to change for the protagonist to survive and thrive.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n In 3 act structure, this is the middle of the movie, roughly page 30 through 80-90, in which the protagonist enters a new world, encounters the b-story and supporting characters, and encounters the antagonist and whatever forces they control that stand in the protagonist\u2019s way. The protagonist learns how to accomplish their goal in act 2 and actively sets out to do so. <\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n In 3 act structure, this is the end of the movie, roughly page 90 through the script\u2019s end (usually fewer than 120 pages). The protagonist has learned all they need to know in order to accomplish their goal and now must have a showdown with the antagonist in order to do so, at the end of which is the denouement.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A genre of movie that tends to tell its story and resolve its conflicts with exciting (often expensive) scenes and sequences full of danger and peril. Action can also simply refer to what the characters are doing in a screenplay when not talking and is described by the writer in blocks of exposition.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n A movie or television show that is based on existing source material like a book or a video game.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Someone who acts on behalf of a screenwriter, often locating potential writing jobs within the industry. Different from a \u201cMANAGER\u201d in that a manager does not actively seek work for a writer but assists with the writer\u2019s content creation.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n The character who stands in direct opposition to the protagonist in a story. Often a villain or someone with nefarious intent when compared to the protagonist, but they can simply be someone with a belief system that opposes the protagonist\u2019s and whom the protagonist must overcome to achieve their goal.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A television series that occurs in either episodes or full seasons that are contained within themselves and which usually do not directly relate to each other. <\/span>The Twilight Zone<\/span><\/i> is an episodic anthology series, while <\/span>American Horror Story<\/span><\/i> is an anthology series that occurs over individual seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n The path along which a character progresses through a story. The character\u2019s journey and all the trials, tribulations, and changes they endure en route to achieving or falling short of their goal.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A type of character that speaks to some sort of universal pattern in humanity and is therefore easy to relate to. The idea of the \u201carchetype\u201d comes from various studies into mythology that discovered that storytelling throughout human history focuses on a certain set of character types that recur often enough that we recognize them without even thinking about it. The \u201chero\u201d is the most common archetype, because all of us feel as though we are the hero of our own life story.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”b” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n A character\u2019s life story prior to the beginning of a movie, often containing their motivation for achieving their particular goal or the reason why they are afraid to leave their comfort zone.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A written pause in dialogue or action used to create dramatic effect. A beat is also an individual plot point within a story. See \u201cBEAT SHEET.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n Similar to an outline but more sparse, a beat sheet is a rough compilation of story beats to illustrate a general understanding of plot prior to writing a screenplay.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A movie that tells the life story of a real historical figure. <\/span>I, Tonya<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Mary Queen Of Scots<\/span><\/i> are biopics.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n Excessive exposition or dialogue in a screenplay that slows down the read and has an adverse effect on the story.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″ header_3_font=”Fira Sans||||||||”]\n A plot line in a story that offers a break or respite from the main plot and introduces new characters whose arc and development will relate to and influence the outcome of the main plot. The B-Story in a screenplay will typically occur near the beginning of act 2 when the protagonist has entered the new world and encounters new characters.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A moment that refers to something that occurred earlier in a story or screenplay.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n When a character first appears in a script, their name should appear completely capitalized followed by their age and an introductory description. You may also use all capital letters when emphasizing something very important that might otherwise be missed in your exposition, or when re-introducing someone or something from previously in the script that the reader might have forgotten by now. Some writers also capitalize sound effects, like BOOM or SWISH.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A list of all the characters – main, supporting, and minor – that appear in a script.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Similar to denouement and resolution, catharsis is a fulfilling ending to a character\u2019s story that ties together all emotional and thematic lines.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A person who appears in a story in either a speaking or non-speaking capacity. \u201cCharacter\u201d can also refer to the defining moral attributes of those people within a story.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n See TEASER.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n When a movie is confined to and focuses on only a few locations. A movie that takes place completely within one house would be contained, ie, limited to only the few rooms within the house.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Often abbreviated to \u201cCONTD\u201d or \u201cCONT\u2019D,\u201d this is a parenthetical guide that appears either at the end of a slugline or after a character\u2019s name in dialogue to indicate that the action is continuous from the previous scene or that the character\u2019s dialogue carries over from their previous line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A genre that deals with criminal acts, often focusing on those committing the criminal acts as the protagonists.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”d” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n The final part of a movie in which major themes, conflicts, and threads are drawn together for an ultimate explanation and conclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A genre in which an investigator looks into the details and nuances of a crime in the hopes of bringing the perpetrator to justice.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A conversation between two or more characters, ie, what your characters say to each other.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A genre of movie that typically deals with everyday hardships faced by real, believable people.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A preliminary version of a written screenplay. A writer will likely write multiple drafts before a screenplay is ready for production.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Written dialogue within a screenplay that is formatted side by side on the page to indicate that two characters are speaking at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”e” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A single 30 minute to 60 minute installment of a television series.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A scene written into a movie or television episode to give the audience an idea of where they are. If diving into the action might be disorienting, a brief establishing shot may be used. It is recommended not to overuse establishing shots, as they can interrupt narrative flow.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Pertinent background information that the audience needs to know for a story to make sense. \u201cExposition\u201d can also refer to the written parts of a script that contain character action and scene description. In both cases, less exposition used well is always better.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A scene that takes place outdoors in a screenplay and is indicated as EXT. in the slugline.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”f” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n In screenwriting terms, this indicates the beginning of a script. It can also be used as a transition tool if \u201cfade out\u201d has been used to indicate a significant passage of time and\/or place. In classic filmmaking terms, it literally indicates that the scene we are seeing fades into view.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n In screenwriting terms, this indicates the end of a script. It can also be used as a transition tool to indicate that a significant amount of time and\/or distance will occur prior to the next scene, and it will be followed by \u201cfade in.\u201d In classic filmmaking terms, it literally means that the shot will fade to black.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A full length movie, 90 minutes to 120+ minutes, as opposed to an episode of television which is 30 minutes to 60 minutes or a short film.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A genre marked by fatalism, pessimism, and menace, often focusing on detectives or police solving crimes or on the criminals navigating a seedy underworld. Film Noir is a subgenre of Crime and Detective, but it can focus on everyday people thrust into similarly menacing situations.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A story that focuses on a protagonist pulled from their most comfortable environment and forced into a world completely alien and unknown to them. It evokes the idea that a fish can\u2019t survive out of water for long.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n An exposition tool within a movie or television episode that reveals a character\u2019s backstory by taking the audience back in time to show it. They should be used sparingly by beginning writers because they can interrupt the flow of a narrative.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A character quirk that stands in the way of their journey towards their goal, often making them make bad decisions or leading to misunderstandings.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n An indication (hopefully, without being too heavy-handed) that something in a story will return later.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”g” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A general is a meeting that’s usually (but not always) one in a series on a water bottle tour where a writer meets with development executives and producers after they’ve hit it out of the park with a spec script. Usually, it’s just \u201cgetting to know you\u201d chit chat, but you should always have something ready to pitch if you get the big question.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A category of movies that are characterized by similarities in form, style, and subject matter. Action, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, and Sci-Fi are examples of genres.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A character\u2019s active objective in a story. Both the protagonist and antagonist should have clear goals towards which they strive.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A movie that may fall within a seemingly epic and broad genre like Sci-Fi or Horror but which limits the extent to which those elements are used, making it seem based more in reality than the fantastic. <\/span>Star Wars<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Bumblebee<\/span><\/i> are not grounded, while <\/span>The Arrival<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>The Martian<\/span><\/i> could be considered grounded.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”h” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A format of television series that occurs in individual episodes that are roughly 30 minutes in length. They usually focus on Comedy as opposed to Drama, although this is changing in our new TV landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A heavy transition from one location to another, usually indicated within a script with the phrase \u201cCUT TO.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A broad term for a movie that has a certain combination of characters, ideas, and themes that come together to create a unique and memorable experience that is easily accessible by the audience.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Similar to a teaser in television. A brief opening for a movie that is intended to grab the audience\u2019s attention and never let them go.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A genre of movie that is intended to frighten, scare, or disgust, and which typically deals with supernatural or paranormal subjects, although forces of nature can be subjects of Horror, as well. <\/span>Night Of the Living Dead<\/span><\/i> is a Horror film, and the case can be made that <\/span>Jaws<\/span><\/i> is also Horror.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A format of television series that occurs in individual episodes that are roughly 60 minutes in length. They usually focus on Drama as opposed to Comedy.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”i” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n The moment in Act One in which the protagonist\u2019s world is turned upside down and they learn for the first time that change is necessary. Sometimes referred to as the \u201cCall To Action.\u201d It can fall anywhere from page 10 to 17. The Inciting Incident in <\/span>Star Wars<\/span><\/i> is when Luke Skywalker stumbles across Princess Leia\u2019s distress call. The inciting incident in <\/span>Jaws<\/span><\/i> is when Chief Brody finds the remains of the first shark attack victim.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A movie or television series that has been developed from pre-existing content that is protected by third-party copyright law. Anything protected by copyright falls into Intellectual Property. Video games, graphic novels, comics, songs, newspaper articles, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A production done independently of a major studio and therefore, usually, on a much smaller budget than what a major studio would provide and without the broad theatrical release. The appeal is that being outside of a major studio means the filmmakers have more freedom to include what they want in an indie production.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n An editing method within a screenplay when action and dialogue cuts back and forth between two different locations. Often used for telephone conversations, but can be used in other situations.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A scene that takes place inside or indoors and which is indicated as INT. in the slugline.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”l” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A slugline direction used to indicate the passage of time within a scene. If a scene takes place in a KITCHEN and something happens later, the direction would read \u201cKITCHEN – LATER.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n The setting of a scene within a screenplay and movie. The location is indicated as either interior or exterior in the slugline.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n A roughly one sentence description of a television show or movie that boils all of the important elements – character, set-up, central conflict – into a brief but powerful teaser. A good logline will make you see the entire movie in your head.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Also referred to as the \u201cAll Is Lost\u201d moment, the low point occurs at the end of Act 2 and is where the protagonist is seemingly as far away from their goal as possible, either through the death of a mentor or loved one, by losing an initial showdown with the antagonist, or through making a mistake while en route to their goal. The low point sets up the protagonist\u2019s entrance into Act 3.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”m” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\n Someone who helps cultivate the career, business aspects, and creative direction of a screenwriter.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”3px|3px|3px|3px|false|false” border_radii=”on|11px|11px|11px|11px” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color=”#2B2D42″]\nGlossary Index<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Act One<\/h3>\n
Act Two<\/h3>\n
Act Three<\/h3>\n
Action<\/h3>\n
Adaptation<\/h3>\n
Agent<\/h3>\n
Antagonist<\/h3>\n
Anthology<\/h3>\n
Arc<\/h3>\n
Archetype<\/h3>\n
Backstory<\/h3>\n
Beat<\/h3>\n
Beat Sheet<\/h3>\n
Biopic<\/h3>\n
Bloat<\/h3>\n
B-Story<\/h3>\n
Callback<\/h3>\n
Caps<\/h3>\n
Cast<\/h3>\n
Catharsis<\/h3>\n
Character<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Cold Open<\/h3>\n
Contained<\/h3>\n
Continued\/Continuous<\/h3>\n
Crime<\/h3>\n
Denouement<\/h3>\n
Detective<\/h3>\n
Dialogue<\/h3>\n
Drama<\/h3>\n
Draft<\/h3>\n
Dual Dialogue<\/h3>\n
Episode<\/h3>\n
Establishing Shot<\/h3>\n
Exposition<\/h3>\n
Exterior<\/h3>\n
Fade In<\/h3>\n
Fade Out<\/h3>\n
Feature<\/h3>\n
Film Noir<\/h3>\n
Fish Out Of Water<\/h3>\n
Flashback<\/h3>\n
Flaw<\/h3>\n
Foreshadowing<\/h3>\n
General<\/h3>\n
Genre<\/h3>\n
Goal<\/h3>\n
Grounded<\/h3>\n
Half-Hour<\/h3>\n
Hard Cut<\/h3>\n
High Concept<\/h3>\n
Hook<\/h3>\n
Horror<\/h3>\n
Hour-Long<\/h3>\n
Inciting Incident<\/h3>\n
Intellectual Property (IP)<\/h3>\n
Indie<\/h3>\n
Intercut<\/h3>\n
Interior<\/h3>\n
Later<\/h3>\n
Location<\/h3>\n
Logline<\/h3>\n
Low Point<\/h3>\n
Manager<\/h3>\n
Meet Cute<\/h3>\n