Anything you need to know to develop a script. View various formats, download free templates, learn about scriptwriting software, network with other Chicago writers, check out film scripts.

Discover alternative methods to finance a project. View standard rate sheets for production equipment rental and purchase. Download a free budget spreadsheet.

Developing storyboards, gathering crew, legalities of a shoot and various pre-production package materials.

Professional tips and advice on handling on-set situations. Anything from equipment malfunction to talent morale.

Editing and effects. Articles on software and hardware choices, local post houses and more.

Share your ideas and find answers on our discussion board dedicated exclusively for writers.

Character Development

Characters and Story
Dynamic characters draw in an audience because they promise to take a story's audience on a journey to experience a story's fulfillment. The key issue to understand is that it is because characters in stories act out to resolve issues of human need that they engage the attention of an audience.

Character Questionnaire
When writing a character it is always helpful to ask yourself questions about him/her. Coming up with answers to those questions helps shape the person you are creating into a more three dimensional being. I combined a list of helpfull questions on this page. Sources for much of the information are the following books: Writing the Character-Centered Screenplay by Andrew Horton, The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri, and The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph.D.

Throwing Characters Over the Edge
A review of The Sweet Hereafter, Last Night, and the Five Senses that explores how throwing characters into new, difficult worlds is a method of forcing characters to reveal their inner selves.

Characters and Premise
Practical examples of how characters must act in a way that ties their actions into a story premise. Includes a review of Last Action Hero.

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