WHAT IS IP?
In the context of the entertainment industry, IP stands for “intellectual property,” which refers to creative works or inventions that are the product of human…
THE BUSINESS OF SCREENWRITING: A GUIDE TO MARKETS, SALES, AND CONTRACTS
In the ever-evolving world of film and television, the business side of screenwriting remains a maze of market trends, contract negotiations, and dream deals. As…
SCREENWRITING COMPETITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS: YOUR GATEWAY TO INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
In the world of screenwriting, competitions and fellowships represent more than just accolades; they are potential gateways to industry recognition, career advancement, and invaluable networking…
THE EVOLUTION OF SCREENWRITING: HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS SHAPED THE INDUSTRY
The journey of screenwriting through the ages is a tale of innovation, adaptation, and technological evolution. From the early days of silent cinema to the…
UNDERSTANDING COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: A GUIDE FOR SCREENWRITERS
In the complex tapestry of the film industry, the protection of creative work is paramount. Copyright and intellectual property rights are crucial for screenwriters to…
THE ‘SILVER SCREEN’ AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD LINGO: A DIVE INTO TINSELTOWN TERMINOLOGY
Hollywood, a world as famous for its unique vernacular as it is for its films, has long fascinated those both inside and outside the industry….
THE ART OF PITCHING: MASTERING THE SCREENPLAY PITCH
Pitching your screenplay to producers and studios is an art form in itself, requiring preparation, precision, and a touch of persuasion. It’s your opportunity to…
HOW TO GET AN AGENT: A SCREENWRITER’S GUIDE
Securing an agent is a significant milestone for screenwriters aspiring to make a mark in the entertainment industry. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding…
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING IN THE MAILROOM OF A TALENT AND LITERARY AGENCY?
Working in the mailroom of a talent and literary agency can be a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding experience. The mailroom is often the entry-level position…
WHAT IS MEANT BY HIGH CONCEPT?
In the film industry, “High Concept” refers to a story idea that can be easily summarized and understood in a single, simple sentence. These concepts…
WHAT ARE STEPS?
In the realm of professional Hollywood screenwriting and studio deals, “steps” often refer to the specific stages or drafts a writer is contracted to deliver,…
WHAT IS A SPEC SCRIPT?
In screenwriting, a “spec script,” short for “speculative screenplay,” is a script written without a commission or an initial buyer. In other words, the writer…
ABOVE & BELOW THE LINE
ABOVE & BELOW “The Line” – What does that mean? “Above the line” positions in film refer to the key creative positions that have a…
REPRESENTATION: LAWYERS & MANAGERS & AGENTS, OH MY!
In the entertainment industry, “reps” or representatives are crucial figures who play pivotal roles in shaping and advancing the careers of artists, writers, directors, actors,…
WHAT IS A BUILT-IN FANBASE?
A built-in fanbase refers to a group of people who are already interested in and enthusiastic about a particular brand, product, or content creator. This…
WHAT IS A LOGLINE?
A logline, also known as an elevator pitch, is a brief, concise description of a story, product, business, or idea that conveys its essence or…
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF STUDIO BUSINESS AFFAIRS?
The role of Studio Business Affairs is to oversee the business and legal aspects of a studio’s film or television production operations. This includes negotiating…
SCREENPLAY FORMAT
Screenwriting is both an art and a craft, and while the story itself is paramount, the format and presentation of a screenplay can also be…
BREAKING INTO THE INDUSTRY: NAVIGATING THE PATH FOR NEW SCREENWRITERS
Entering the film and television industry as a new screenwriter can seem like navigating a labyrinth, filled with both exciting opportunities and daunting challenges. However,…