Field guide 04 · 7 lessons
Scenes & Dialogue
Objectives, conflict, subtext, exposition and the moment-to-moment craft of a readable script.
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The scenes shelf
How to Write a Scene
Start hereHow to enter a scene at the interesting moment, keep it alive and leave as soon as something has genuinely changed.
Scene Objectives and Tactics
Core craftA straightforward way to think about what each person wants in a scene and how they try to get it.
Conflict and Stakes
Core craftHow to make a scene matter without turning every conversation into a shouting match or threatening the end of the world.
Writing Screenplay Dialogue
Core craftHow to write lines that sound like a particular person trying to get through a particular moment—not a writer showing off.
Writing Subtext
Deep diveHow characters talk around the dangerous thing, test one another and let the real conversation happen underneath the words.
Exposition That Moves
Core craftHow to give the audience what they need to know without bringing the story to a halt for an explanation.
Visual Storytelling
Core craftHow objects, space, movement and repeated images can carry feelings the characters would never put into words.