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Each scene should move the story
forward in terms of both plot and
character. The scene you are now writing
should be motivated by a
previous scene, and should motivate the
next. One creates anticipation
for another in cause and effect. If the
central character gets involved
your scene is probably moving the story
forward. All scenes should
direct us to the Showdown at the end,
which is the biggest scene, or
sequence of scenes, in the movie. What
is the payoff for this scene?
Who do I need this scene? What is my
purpose for this scene? Does the
scene reveal something new about a
character and/or story? At the end,
does the audience want to know what
happens next?
Never tell what you can show. Be as
visual as possible. Rather than
someone talking about someone doing
something, show us that person
showing us that thing.
Avoid talking heads. Add events behind
just two people talking.
Every dramatic
unit has a beginning, middle, and end.
