Screenwriting Blog

Feedback. It’s one of the most important aspects of the filmmaking process. Whether it’s a script in development or the director’s cut of a feature film that’s in post-production, feedback is crucial every step of the way. Unfortunately, it’s stressful to receive, depending on the kind of feedback and from who. A screenwriter can’t control the type of feedback they’ll receive. The truth is, the only thing most people want to hear is, “Brilliant" ... Continue reading

Toronto Film Festival, September 1, 1976: The very first Toronto International Film Festival, or TIFF as it’s often abbreviated, happened on this day in history in 1976. Nearly half a million people attend the event every year. The event has morphed into a permanent aspect in Toronto as well, occupying a space in the downtown area that offers year-round screenings, workshops, and industry support. TIFF drew 35,000 people and 127 films from 30 different countries in its first year, but Hollywood did not show up. American filmmakers felt that the Canadian audience would have too conservative a view to appreciate its projects. The event is now one ... Continue reading

As a screenwriter, you’ve probably wondered what happens after you send your script into the world. Are readers engaged? Where do they lose interest? With SoCreate Stats, you no longer have to wonder. This innovative tool is designed to provide you with detailed insights into how your screenplay is being received, offering the data you need to refine and perfect your story. Welcome to your new screenwriting superpower ... Continue reading

What separates the filmmaker who goes on to have a long-running career directing features for decades from the filmmaker who only gets to make one and then disappears? A lot of it comes down to that debut film and who they were able to cast in the lead roles. So, how do you ensure your lead roles are working for you and not against you? It starts very early on in the writing process when you’re developing your characters. In this blog, I’ll explain through ... Continue reading

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our latest feature: Community Feedback! This new feature, built right into your SoCreate dashboard, allows you to share your script directly with other SoCreate members for feedback. It’s all part of our mission to build a community of writers helping writers. And what’s better? It’s currently available in all plan tiers. And remember, you don’t have to rely solely on the SoCreate Community for feedback. If you already ... Continue reading

Ever wonder what separates the writing room of a long-running TV series from one that only lasts a few months and then splinters apart when the series is canceled? Sometimes it underdeveloped storylines, sometimes its underdeveloped characters. Usually, it’s the latter since it’s the characters and their emotional resonance that draws in the audience. Such as this one time when I worked for one of the highest paid showrunners ... Continue reading

Internship Alert! There are SO many more remote opportunities for film industry internships than ever before. Are you looking for internships this fall? If you can earn college credit, there may be an opportunity here for you. SoCreate is not affiliated with the following internship opportunities. Please direct all questions to the email address provided for each internship listing. Do you want to list an internship opportunity? Comment below with your listing and we'll add it to our page with the next update! Continue reading

Before I describe the next writing exercise, I want to tell you how I started doing it and why it works for me. In the late 2000s, I was taking a ton of writing classes in Los Angeles, and my scripts were cold and lacking emotion. An instructor told me I was writing from the left side of my brain, the half where logic, analytical thinking, and reason take place. It stifled the soul out of my writing. I was trying to think logically too much when I produced stories ... Continue reading

Many years ago, I lived in Los Angeles and worked in post-production on episodic television and independent features. On the side, I was taking screenwriting classes at UCLA Extension, Writer’s Bootcamp, and other schools around town. I must be honest with you; this wasn’t the best situation to be in if you genuinely want to write. Post-production isn’t a job; it’s a lifestyle. It’s a job that can easily become seven days a week, 12 hours a day for weeks if not months ... Continue reading

Hey writers, many of you are several years into your writing career. You've written several TV pilots, feature scripts, and books, and you’re looking to sell your first script or land representation. Many in this situation have hit a glass ceiling in their writing career. They send our query letters and emails that don’t get a response, they ask people to pass along their scripts to contacts and they try to get promoted in the writer’s room, but don’t have any success ... Continue reading