CINEMATIC WRITING
The execution.
Story is what happens. Plot is how it happens.
Writing is the execution of both.
Cinematic Writing means you tell me exactly what I need to know for a reason, in the least amount of words possible.
WHY
POWER
Cinematic writing is its own craft. A screenplay must hook the reader on page one by making them see the movie. Your job isn’t to explain or describe. It’s to show exactly what appears on screen, moment by moment, image by image. Every line must reveal action, emotion, or visual storytelling. Cinematic writing is a skill, and like any skill, it strengthens with practice. When you learn to write visually, your power as a screenwriter comes alive.
HOW
BREVITY, SPECIFICITY AND INTENT
Brevity: Don’t let unnecessary words get in the way of the movie I’m seeing in my mind. If it can’t be shot by a camera, it doesn’t belong on the page. Your job is to write only what can be filmed by a camera nothing more.
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Specificity: The words you choose reveal your level of craft. Too vague, and I can’t see the movie. Too flashy, and you’re drawing attention to the writing instead of the story. Be a poet.
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Intent: Every detail you include must have a purpose. Don’t ask the reader to remember anything that doesn’t matter. Every word must move the story forward.
TIPS
READ & REFINE
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Read screenplays: Start with the WGA’s list of the best screenplays of the last 20 years. Script Slug is my go-to resource.
Write in present tense:
Suzy sits. She is never “sitting.” Screenplays happen in real time.
Refine the language: most common fixes are
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“and” → replace with a comma wherever possible
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“goes/goes to/goes over” → replace with “crosses” or a more specific, visual action
Small refinements bring clarity to your pages.
Choose Your Route for the Plot Phase
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PRINT PDFS FROM THE STARTER KIT
Download and print the Daily Writing Calendar to get a day by day schedule for writing to keep you on track to finish your draft. Work the writing phase research worksheets inside the Brainstorming Notebook PDF also included in your Starter Kit.
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TEMPLATES INSIDE FINAL DRAFT
(coming soon)
Open the “Templates” tab inside Final Draft to find the Plot worksheets in plain text format. While digital brainstorming can work, I highly recommend beginning with messy pencil and paper work first, then transferring your insights into Final Draft. This solidifies your decisions before you move deeper into the 16 Steps.
A Peek Inside Writing
For the Full 16 Step Writing Experience, get The Starter Kit!
It includes:
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A daily Writing Calendar to use in tandem with the Brainstorming Notebook: every weekday assignment mapped out for the full 16 steps/ weeks.
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A proposed daily writing pace that makes finishing your draft manageable
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A discounted consult link that never expires, where we can read 15 pages at a time together, and get instant feedback on your draft as you write.
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Research Tips & Exercises to help add authenticity, depth, and detail to your writing
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Cinematic Writing Reference Pages: that reinforce brevity, specificity, intent.​​
Inside Final Draft
(coming soon)
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A precise 8-week writing schedule with weekly targets so you stay on pace
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A proposed daily writing pace that makes finishing your draft manageable.
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More tips on cinematic writing and researching.
READY TO WRITE
YOUR BEST SCREENPLAY
EVER?
Need Feedback on a Finished Draft?
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​If you’ve completed your draft and want detailed notes, I offer Writing Consults with in-depth feedback. This includes reading the full script and giving line by line revisions. We then go over the notes together on Zoom. You keep a recording of the session and the pdf with my raw notes.