Screenwriting

15 Helpful Holiday Short Film Screenplay Writing Prompts

15 Holiday-Themed Short Film Ideas for Your Next Low-Budget Screenplay The holiday season is the perfect backdrop for heartfelt, hopeful storytelling. If you’re looking to create a short film on a tight budget, we’ve compiled 15 screenplay ideas tailored for 3–5 page...

How to Write a Short Film in a Weekend

As an indie screenwriter, you know the power of a tight deadline—it can spark creativity and force you to focus. Writing a short film over a weekend might sound intimidating, but with the right strategy, it’s achievable and rewarding. Whether you’re looking to build...

5 Essential Groups for Austin Screenwriters

Austin is a city that thrives on creativity, making it the perfect place for screenwriters to connect, collaborate, and grow. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your screenwriting journey, joining the right group can provide invaluable feedback,...

25 Short Film Prompts Based on Political Harmony

“Writing is medicine. It’s an appropriate antidote to injury. It is an appropriate companion to any difficult change.” – Julia Cameron, author of The Artists Way For TONIGHT's ONLINE session, I have crafted 25 writing prompts addressing political harmony, and 25...

Short Film Writing Prompts with Clear Objective, Conflict and Resolution

Austin Street Performer Objective: A street performer wants to earn enough to pay rent. Conflict: Passersby are indifferent, and a rival performer takes the best spot. Resolution: A child's act of kindness restores the performer’s faith, leading to an emotional...

Super Simple Short Film Screenwriting Prompts Just to Get You Started

Three people are stuck in an elevator because one of them caused the elevator to stop because they needed to trap one of the people in the elevator but the third person is seemingly unrelated. An Uber ride breaks down in the middle of nowhere and they must wait for...

Catching up on the Last Chat Short Film with Screenwriter Matthew Paris

I asked Matthew Paris if I could interview him and the following text is a transcript of our chat conversation. HC: Hi Matthew, thanks so much for doing this chat interview with me. Let's jump right in with an introduction. Can you tell us what film project you're...

Top 4 Reasons to Do Research for Your Next Film

If you’re a new or struggling filmmaker, you’re probably wondering what is an effective creative process or, at least, an easier one. For most people, the film industry seems to be purely based on crowd pleasing and pure fabrication. However, the actual processes...

Top 4 Reasons Why Screenwriters Quit

Throughout my studies of the film and television industry, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is an epidemic amongst aspiring screenwriters: They stopped being aspiring screenwriters.

How to Find Inspiration for Your Next Short Film

Not very helpful if your looking for something to make a movie about about but it is a good place to start finding your inspiration. What does it mean, after all it was written about 2500 years ago by a crazy old Chinese man who wore dresses.

Interview with Guy Goldstein, Creator of WriterDuet

As a screenplay writer, people often ask, “What is the best writing software to use?” I respond with my usual answer “WriterDuet”. Others also suggest Celtx or recommend Final Draft. Personally, I’m not sure what other writing software is out there, because I stopped at WriterDuet.