by Trevor Mayes | Apr 17, 2023 | Quick Screenwriting Tips, Scene Headings, Scenes, Writing
Establishing When you just want to show a quick EXT. (exterior) shot of a building, before setting up the INT. (interior) shot, is it okay to use a scene heading without any scene description below? Yes! But — you need to add ESTABLISHING after your scene...
by Trevor Mayes | Nov 16, 2011 | Scenes, Writing
Make your objects move! There’s a reason that scene description is also known as “action lines.” It’s important that your descriptions contain the feeling of movement, even when none actually exists. Here’s an example of a weak way to...
by Trevor Mayes | May 27, 2011 | Scenes, Writing
Mnemonic devices for screenwriting Isn’t it mnemonic? I was surfing researching stuff on the web the other day, and found an article reminding me about mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are used to help you remember things, like coming up with rhymes for names...
by Trevor Mayes | Jan 7, 2011 | Quick Screenwriting Tips, Scenes
Quick Screenwriting Tip: If you think there might be something wrong with your scene, then there almost certainly is. Don’t be lazy. Trust your instincts. Figure out what’s not working and fix it. Never say to yourself, “It’s just one...
by Trevor Mayes | Dec 19, 2010 | Scenes, Writing
I was watching some deleted scenes for Green Zone the other day, when Matt Damon mentioned the principle of “Story, Scene, Moment” — when deciding which scenes to cut. The comment was in reference to editing theory, but I thought it was equally...
by Trevor Mayes | Aug 20, 2010 | Scenes
This really should be kept secret, but you can learn a lot by watching the making-of DVDs. – Bill Murray1 Scene Bloat Many a screenplay has been scriptwrecked by scene bloat. Either scenes go on too long, or they don’t belong in the script in the first...
