Screenwriting & Film Studies

How the way you write translates to the screen and some advice on improving your technique

Adaptations for the screen of a famous Russian novel

Case study: Adaptation - comparing three screen adaptations of Dr Zhivago

On writing dialogue for film-scripts

Case studies in dialogue: illustrative examples of filmed dialogue

Tips on presenting your script professionally

The role of a screenwriter is unique in the film-making process: he or she is the only original artist involved in it.

How to write a script treatment

Screenwriting as a collaborative process.

World Of The Story Case Study: It Happened Here

World Of The Story Case Study: Heavenly Creatures

World Of The Story Case Study: Onibaba

World Of The Story Case Study: Toto The Hero

Character case study: Characters under pressure; the hero is tested to prove his worth.

Character case study: Characters under pressure; introducing the concept of levels of conflict

A guide to correctly formatting a film-script to meet industry standards.

Character case study: The Character divided; internal and external conflict work to break down a character's defences.

Character case study: antagonist vs protagonist

Character case study: the crisis decision

Character case study: the power of the antagonist.

Script to Screen: introducing the protagonists and setting a story in motion

An article on writing stage directions for plays

Subtext as a weapon: dialogue used for sparring in this comedy scene.

The Rapture: a woman finds her faith before the end of the world

Case study: a landmark film about Scottish heroin addicts