Scriptnotes Ep. 450: Only the Interesting Scenes
by John August, Craig Mazin · Scriptnotes
August and Mazin argue that every scene in a screenplay must be actively interesting, diagnose common excuses for dead scenes (moving characters, delivering exposition, setups), and give techniques for reworking or cutting scenes during revision.
More resources on Scene Construction
Scene & Structure
The only widely used book devoted entirely to scene mechanics (goal, conflict, disaster, sequel) and pacing via scene/sequel rhythm. Jack Bickham's guide to building stories scene by scene: the goal-conflict-disaster scene pattern, reaction sequels, and how linking scenes and sequels controls pacing. It is written for fiction, but its cause-and-effect scene mechanics carry over directly to screenplays.
Scriptnotes Ep. 79: Rigorous, Structured Daydreaming (How to Write a Scene)
John August and Craig Mazin work through August's step-by-step method for writing a single scene: what it must accomplish, whether it can be cut, who is in it, where it happens, its surprise, length, entry point, and scribble draft.
Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach
Paul Gulino's study of feature screenplays as a series of roughly eight 10–15 minute sequences, each with its own tension and resolution, analysed through films such as Toy Story and Chinatown, so writers can plan and diagnose long-form structure.
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