One of the first challenges screenwriters seem to face after deciding they want to be a screenwriter is to actually write a screenplay. Perhaps it’s because you can’t seem to articulate your ideas into something viable for the screen. Maybe you’re letting it brew in your head before trying to write it out. It could even be due to the fact that you don’t have screenwriting software. Bottom line is: you’re simply not inspired. Luckily, there are 5 super-simple ways to overcome this dilemma and start writing.
First of all, if you can’t …

This week has been super-busy here at The ScriptXray, but I’m proud to announce that the ScriptXRay is now on facebook! Join as a member and support the study of the screenwriting craft by discussing your ideas about character backstory, world of story, techniques, and your overall process. Browse the groups below:
The official ScriptXRay page on Facebook:
Here, you’ll be able to become a fan of the ScriptXRay and discuss the art and craft with fellow screenwriters.

The official ScriptXRay group on Facebook:
Unlike the page, the group can be found in the …

I wrote this article a while back for the workbookproject.com, but after reading it over a few times, I felt like I didn’t go as far as I could with it so below the original you’ll find an extended version of the article.
In a galaxy far, far away it’s known as the light-saber but here in Hollywood it’s called the “spec” … and every screenwriter needs at least two. The spec, or speculative, screenplay is the screenwriter’s weapon of choice when confronting the Hollywood reader and consists of three things: …

So before we delve further into this topic, let’s talk about what a cross-media project is. I think Yoda sums it up pretty well:
“Life creates it, makes it grow. It’s energy surrounds us and binds us … You must feel the Force around you. (gesturing) Here, between you…me…the tree…the rock…everywhere! Yes, even between this land and that ship!”
A cross-media project is a story that lives on multiple platforms, hence it’s other nickname – Multi-Platform. In other words, while the main attraction might be the film, there are other venues where …

Below is a short list of a few things you should consider knowing before delving into your writing process. While everyone’s process is different, I don’t think there’s any excuse to jump in too early. As Robert McKee notes in his book, Story, there is the amateur way of writing, which consists of setting out to write your idea in screenplay format as soon as you’re struck by the idea, and the professional way, which is restricting yourself from setting down the path of writing until you’ve wrapped your mind around the concept, characters, world, and literarily everything else involved with writing.

Welcome Everyone!
ScriptXray is a blog and site dedicated to the craft of screenwriting. Our primary goal here is to create and maintain a growing resource of information for aspiring screenwriters across the map in need of a place where they can vacate when they’re in a jam.
Unlike many of the filmmaking resources across the net, ScriptXray has a specific focus toward screenwriting – a craft which seems to be loosing importance in filmschools and DIY filmmaking as digital technology and alternative storytelling grow more popular. Here, you will find a plethora …