darcy
@darcyiscool.bsky.social
just a dog wearing sunglasses who sometimes talks about screenwriting
Pinned
darcy
@darcyiscool.bsky.social
· Jul 22
Hot take: writing a feature length screenplay is a slog!
Hotter take: if you've written one, regardless of what came of it, you should feel immensely proud.
#scriptsky
Hotter take: if you've written one, regardless of what came of it, you should feel immensely proud.
#scriptsky
Writing > Lighting
A movie can look rich and complex, but if the script stinks the movie stinks.
A movie can look plain and simple, but if the script shines the movie shines.
Producers, take note.
#scriptsky
A movie can look rich and complex, but if the script stinks the movie stinks.
A movie can look plain and simple, but if the script shines the movie shines.
Producers, take note.
#scriptsky
November 19, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Writing > Lighting
A movie can look rich and complex, but if the script stinks the movie stinks.
A movie can look plain and simple, but if the script shines the movie shines.
Producers, take note.
#scriptsky
A movie can look rich and complex, but if the script stinks the movie stinks.
A movie can look plain and simple, but if the script shines the movie shines.
Producers, take note.
#scriptsky
Getting to the end of an outline is a pretty special feeling.
Sure it’ll all end up changing by the time you get to a final draft of the screenplay. But from here on out you have a solid foundation to build those changes on.
You’re now officially standing on solid screenwriting ground.
#scriptsky
Sure it’ll all end up changing by the time you get to a final draft of the screenplay. But from here on out you have a solid foundation to build those changes on.
You’re now officially standing on solid screenwriting ground.
#scriptsky
October 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Getting to the end of an outline is a pretty special feeling.
Sure it’ll all end up changing by the time you get to a final draft of the screenplay. But from here on out you have a solid foundation to build those changes on.
You’re now officially standing on solid screenwriting ground.
#scriptsky
Sure it’ll all end up changing by the time you get to a final draft of the screenplay. But from here on out you have a solid foundation to build those changes on.
You’re now officially standing on solid screenwriting ground.
#scriptsky
Thank you. Too often pros mock any kind of guideline because *they* no longer need it (and are probably in denial they ever did).
It sends the wrong message to aspiring screenwriters, who then jump into the deep end without a life jacket and drown.
Guidelines guide. That’s the point.
#scriptsky
It sends the wrong message to aspiring screenwriters, who then jump into the deep end without a life jacket and drown.
Guidelines guide. That’s the point.
#scriptsky
The idea that certain events happen on certain pages in screenwriting sounds ridiculous because it is.
But so are training wheels. Which is what those suggestions are.
Once you get comfortable with that rhythm, you can drop it and focus on the story's actual needs instead.
#screenwriting
But so are training wheels. Which is what those suggestions are.
Once you get comfortable with that rhythm, you can drop it and focus on the story's actual needs instead.
#screenwriting
September 11, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Thank you. Too often pros mock any kind of guideline because *they* no longer need it (and are probably in denial they ever did).
It sends the wrong message to aspiring screenwriters, who then jump into the deep end without a life jacket and drown.
Guidelines guide. That’s the point.
#scriptsky
It sends the wrong message to aspiring screenwriters, who then jump into the deep end without a life jacket and drown.
Guidelines guide. That’s the point.
#scriptsky
AI won’t replace human screenwriters.
Remember when CG was getting so good it would soon replace actors?
CG has only gotten worse since then. The tech hit a wall and became a commodity.
We’re already seeing this with AI.
Don’t be discouraged. Real screenwriters aren’t going anywhere.
#scriptsky
Remember when CG was getting so good it would soon replace actors?
CG has only gotten worse since then. The tech hit a wall and became a commodity.
We’re already seeing this with AI.
Don’t be discouraged. Real screenwriters aren’t going anywhere.
#scriptsky
September 1, 2025 at 4:24 PM
AI won’t replace human screenwriters.
Remember when CG was getting so good it would soon replace actors?
CG has only gotten worse since then. The tech hit a wall and became a commodity.
We’re already seeing this with AI.
Don’t be discouraged. Real screenwriters aren’t going anywhere.
#scriptsky
Remember when CG was getting so good it would soon replace actors?
CG has only gotten worse since then. The tech hit a wall and became a commodity.
We’re already seeing this with AI.
Don’t be discouraged. Real screenwriters aren’t going anywhere.
#scriptsky
This applies to the style and length of prose in your action lines so much.
Not every single moment of your script can be the most important.
Save the poetry and verbosity for when you need the reader to really lean in.
For the rest, keep it clean and simple and help their eyes glide.
#scriptsky
Not every single moment of your script can be the most important.
Save the poetry and verbosity for when you need the reader to really lean in.
For the rest, keep it clean and simple and help their eyes glide.
#scriptsky
Sharing this for people working on posters, pitch decks, etc. for their projects — the visual hierarchy of information is crucial to all design!
Just like in your script, control your reader's eye; be intentional with the font size, color, size, and placement.
#Scriptsky
Just like in your script, control your reader's eye; be intentional with the font size, color, size, and placement.
#Scriptsky
August 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
This applies to the style and length of prose in your action lines so much.
Not every single moment of your script can be the most important.
Save the poetry and verbosity for when you need the reader to really lean in.
For the rest, keep it clean and simple and help their eyes glide.
#scriptsky
Not every single moment of your script can be the most important.
Save the poetry and verbosity for when you need the reader to really lean in.
For the rest, keep it clean and simple and help their eyes glide.
#scriptsky
Just walked by Aaron Eckhart on the sidewalk chatting with a tech (maybe the director?) and resisted the urge to pay my respects.
Why? Because he was clearly working.
I know if I were in the middle of writing a sentence or thinking of a word, I’d appreciate not being interrupted.
#scriptsky
Why? Because he was clearly working.
I know if I were in the middle of writing a sentence or thinking of a word, I’d appreciate not being interrupted.
#scriptsky
August 14, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Just walked by Aaron Eckhart on the sidewalk chatting with a tech (maybe the director?) and resisted the urge to pay my respects.
Why? Because he was clearly working.
I know if I were in the middle of writing a sentence or thinking of a word, I’d appreciate not being interrupted.
#scriptsky
Why? Because he was clearly working.
I know if I were in the middle of writing a sentence or thinking of a word, I’d appreciate not being interrupted.
#scriptsky
It’s incredible how much writing your brain keeps doing in the back of your mind when you give the front of your mind a break from it.
When you feel a tad too close to the material, taking a break can help you gain a sort of outside perspective that powering through can’t give.
#scriptsky
When you feel a tad too close to the material, taking a break can help you gain a sort of outside perspective that powering through can’t give.
#scriptsky
Writing can be hard, but what can be even harder is admitting you need a break. Even if you're in a creative groove, we all need some time off to recover.
If you need it, take a break from writing today. Go do something for you. Your script will still be there waiting for you tomorrow.
#Scriptsky
If you need it, take a break from writing today. Go do something for you. Your script will still be there waiting for you tomorrow.
#Scriptsky
August 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
It’s incredible how much writing your brain keeps doing in the back of your mind when you give the front of your mind a break from it.
When you feel a tad too close to the material, taking a break can help you gain a sort of outside perspective that powering through can’t give.
#scriptsky
When you feel a tad too close to the material, taking a break can help you gain a sort of outside perspective that powering through can’t give.
#scriptsky
A lot of movies/scripts today truncate act 1 to get to the excitement of act 2, which ends up feeling lifeless because it lacks the context a micro act 1 can't give.
The Matrix has a long first act, with more action and intrigue than most second acts today.
Do with that what you will.
#scriptsky
The Matrix has a long first act, with more action and intrigue than most second acts today.
Do with that what you will.
#scriptsky
August 11, 2025 at 7:29 PM
A lot of movies/scripts today truncate act 1 to get to the excitement of act 2, which ends up feeling lifeless because it lacks the context a micro act 1 can't give.
The Matrix has a long first act, with more action and intrigue than most second acts today.
Do with that what you will.
#scriptsky
The Matrix has a long first act, with more action and intrigue than most second acts today.
Do with that what you will.
#scriptsky
Yes and no.
Notes like these from experts in a given field often miss the story forest for the trees.
When the doc finds a cure significantly faster than normal, they pulled off a one in a million shot.
It’s only a problem if the story doesn’t convey how extraordinary a feat this is.
#scriptsky
Notes like these from experts in a given field often miss the story forest for the trees.
When the doc finds a cure significantly faster than normal, they pulled off a one in a million shot.
It’s only a problem if the story doesn’t convey how extraordinary a feat this is.
#scriptsky
Bad Trope: INSTA-ANTODOTES
Remember when millions of people were dying of COVID and it took every virologist on the entire &$#%ing planet 3 months to develop a vaccine?
Yeah, the doc in your story is not going to develop an antidote for your problem by the third act
#writing #scriptsky #gamedev
Remember when millions of people were dying of COVID and it took every virologist on the entire &$#%ing planet 3 months to develop a vaccine?
Yeah, the doc in your story is not going to develop an antidote for your problem by the third act
#writing #scriptsky #gamedev
August 10, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Yes and no.
Notes like these from experts in a given field often miss the story forest for the trees.
When the doc finds a cure significantly faster than normal, they pulled off a one in a million shot.
It’s only a problem if the story doesn’t convey how extraordinary a feat this is.
#scriptsky
Notes like these from experts in a given field often miss the story forest for the trees.
When the doc finds a cure significantly faster than normal, they pulled off a one in a million shot.
It’s only a problem if the story doesn’t convey how extraordinary a feat this is.
#scriptsky
I’m with Sorkin on this: characters don’t have backstories. It’s either in the story or it isn’t.
Giving characters actions or motivations that only make sense if you know something about their past that isn’t in the story is a recipe for confusion.
#scriptsky
Giving characters actions or motivations that only make sense if you know something about their past that isn’t in the story is a recipe for confusion.
#scriptsky
August 6, 2025 at 8:46 PM
I’m with Sorkin on this: characters don’t have backstories. It’s either in the story or it isn’t.
Giving characters actions or motivations that only make sense if you know something about their past that isn’t in the story is a recipe for confusion.
#scriptsky
Giving characters actions or motivations that only make sense if you know something about their past that isn’t in the story is a recipe for confusion.
#scriptsky
Reposted by darcy
When I worked on #TheOffice, my best friend on the show was also an aspiring writer. He was talented, well-liked, worked hard, but his writing career didn’t pan out.
Years later, his biggest regret was “not being more ENTITLED.” I knew just what he meant.
A 🧵 on good/bad entitlement.
#Scriptsky
1
Years later, his biggest regret was “not being more ENTITLED.” I knew just what he meant.
A 🧵 on good/bad entitlement.
#Scriptsky
1
August 3, 2025 at 3:28 PM
When I worked on #TheOffice, my best friend on the show was also an aspiring writer. He was talented, well-liked, worked hard, but his writing career didn’t pan out.
Years later, his biggest regret was “not being more ENTITLED.” I knew just what he meant.
A 🧵 on good/bad entitlement.
#Scriptsky
1
Years later, his biggest regret was “not being more ENTITLED.” I knew just what he meant.
A 🧵 on good/bad entitlement.
#Scriptsky
1
Harmony is boring. It's also not very revealing.
Conflict is not only far more interesting, but it forces characters to reveal their wants, fears, plans, etc, in a natural way.
Conflict is a cheat code for exposition AND entertainment. It's quite literally the stuff movies are made of.
#scriptsky
Conflict is not only far more interesting, but it forces characters to reveal their wants, fears, plans, etc, in a natural way.
Conflict is a cheat code for exposition AND entertainment. It's quite literally the stuff movies are made of.
#scriptsky
August 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Harmony is boring. It's also not very revealing.
Conflict is not only far more interesting, but it forces characters to reveal their wants, fears, plans, etc, in a natural way.
Conflict is a cheat code for exposition AND entertainment. It's quite literally the stuff movies are made of.
#scriptsky
Conflict is not only far more interesting, but it forces characters to reveal their wants, fears, plans, etc, in a natural way.
Conflict is a cheat code for exposition AND entertainment. It's quite literally the stuff movies are made of.
#scriptsky
First ideas are exciting. There’s this “Oh, I have it!” quality that is almost impossible to ignore.
But more often than not, if you let the idea marinate, more and better versions will come to you.
Your first incredible idea is just the catalyst. You’re capable of even more.
#scriptsky
But more often than not, if you let the idea marinate, more and better versions will come to you.
Your first incredible idea is just the catalyst. You’re capable of even more.
#scriptsky
August 2, 2025 at 3:25 PM
First ideas are exciting. There’s this “Oh, I have it!” quality that is almost impossible to ignore.
But more often than not, if you let the idea marinate, more and better versions will come to you.
Your first incredible idea is just the catalyst. You’re capable of even more.
#scriptsky
But more often than not, if you let the idea marinate, more and better versions will come to you.
Your first incredible idea is just the catalyst. You’re capable of even more.
#scriptsky
Reposted by darcy
That voice telling you 'it shouldn't be this hard to break in'? I hear it too. And you know what? The journey IS tough. But the writers who succeed aren't the ones with shortcuts—they're the ones who fell in love with the process of becoming better.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
July 31, 2025 at 5:17 PM
That voice telling you 'it shouldn't be this hard to break in'? I hear it too. And you know what? The journey IS tough. But the writers who succeed aren't the ones with shortcuts—they're the ones who fell in love with the process of becoming better.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
There’s a reason why first draft rhymes with worst draft.
Don’t beat yourself up. Or read it through rose tinted glasses.
Be proud of your accomplishment, but also be aware it’s gonna need work. A lot of it.
That’s just part of the process.
#scriptsky
Don’t beat yourself up. Or read it through rose tinted glasses.
Be proud of your accomplishment, but also be aware it’s gonna need work. A lot of it.
That’s just part of the process.
#scriptsky
July 30, 2025 at 11:34 PM
There’s a reason why first draft rhymes with worst draft.
Don’t beat yourself up. Or read it through rose tinted glasses.
Be proud of your accomplishment, but also be aware it’s gonna need work. A lot of it.
That’s just part of the process.
#scriptsky
Don’t beat yourself up. Or read it through rose tinted glasses.
Be proud of your accomplishment, but also be aware it’s gonna need work. A lot of it.
That’s just part of the process.
#scriptsky
Reposted by darcy
The most liberating mindset shift for writers? Understanding that the person across the desk in that big meeting is HOPING you're amazing. They need great writers as much as you need opportunities. You're not being judged—you're being discovered.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
July 30, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The most liberating mindset shift for writers? Understanding that the person across the desk in that big meeting is HOPING you're amazing. They need great writers as much as you need opportunities. You're not being judged—you're being discovered.
#scriptsky
#scriptsky
Plot problems are often due to missing conflict, rarely solved by forcing the action through.
Instead try going back to create more problems that challenge or weaken your protagonist. Suddenly the plot moves in a whole new and natural direction, and the problems aren't problems anymore. #scriptsky
Instead try going back to create more problems that challenge or weaken your protagonist. Suddenly the plot moves in a whole new and natural direction, and the problems aren't problems anymore. #scriptsky
July 30, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Plot problems are often due to missing conflict, rarely solved by forcing the action through.
Instead try going back to create more problems that challenge or weaken your protagonist. Suddenly the plot moves in a whole new and natural direction, and the problems aren't problems anymore. #scriptsky
Instead try going back to create more problems that challenge or weaken your protagonist. Suddenly the plot moves in a whole new and natural direction, and the problems aren't problems anymore. #scriptsky
Masterful screenwriting takes time. Especially when you're still developing.
Once you get past your first 1-2 screenplays, tips & tricks that make writing faster and easier could be a trap.
You get faster and better by mastering a technique. And that takes considerable time and effort.
#scriptsky
Once you get past your first 1-2 screenplays, tips & tricks that make writing faster and easier could be a trap.
You get faster and better by mastering a technique. And that takes considerable time and effort.
#scriptsky
July 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Masterful screenwriting takes time. Especially when you're still developing.
Once you get past your first 1-2 screenplays, tips & tricks that make writing faster and easier could be a trap.
You get faster and better by mastering a technique. And that takes considerable time and effort.
#scriptsky
Once you get past your first 1-2 screenplays, tips & tricks that make writing faster and easier could be a trap.
You get faster and better by mastering a technique. And that takes considerable time and effort.
#scriptsky
Writing in sequences and taking breaks in between to reflect and refine can help avoid the pitfalls of plot taking over and driving your screenplay down easy street to the finish line.
Sequences are natural pause points to ensure you keep challenging both your protagonist and yourself.
#scriptsky
Sequences are natural pause points to ensure you keep challenging both your protagonist and yourself.
#scriptsky
July 29, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Writing in sequences and taking breaks in between to reflect and refine can help avoid the pitfalls of plot taking over and driving your screenplay down easy street to the finish line.
Sequences are natural pause points to ensure you keep challenging both your protagonist and yourself.
#scriptsky
Sequences are natural pause points to ensure you keep challenging both your protagonist and yourself.
#scriptsky
Premise will catch people’s interest, but premise alone can’t sustain a story for 90-120 mins.
Character is everything.
A story that sounds cool as a pitch but lacks a central character with a flaw who grows as a result of their hard fought pursuit of a goal… will not go very far.
#scriptsky
Character is everything.
A story that sounds cool as a pitch but lacks a central character with a flaw who grows as a result of their hard fought pursuit of a goal… will not go very far.
#scriptsky
July 29, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Premise will catch people’s interest, but premise alone can’t sustain a story for 90-120 mins.
Character is everything.
A story that sounds cool as a pitch but lacks a central character with a flaw who grows as a result of their hard fought pursuit of a goal… will not go very far.
#scriptsky
Character is everything.
A story that sounds cool as a pitch but lacks a central character with a flaw who grows as a result of their hard fought pursuit of a goal… will not go very far.
#scriptsky
Developing screenwriters remember how their fave movies made them feel but miss all the scaffolding that went into it, then wonder why their script isn’t wowing readers like it wows themselves.
Big moments can’t exist without all the meticulous little moments that hold them together.
#scriptsky
Big moments can’t exist without all the meticulous little moments that hold them together.
#scriptsky
July 27, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Developing screenwriters remember how their fave movies made them feel but miss all the scaffolding that went into it, then wonder why their script isn’t wowing readers like it wows themselves.
Big moments can’t exist without all the meticulous little moments that hold them together.
#scriptsky
Big moments can’t exist without all the meticulous little moments that hold them together.
#scriptsky
Firmly believe it takes at least five screenplays to understand the basics and start uncovering your potential.
Contests and coverage before then can help guide if used sparingly, but easily spirals into lotto ticket addiction.
Put the work in to find and fix your flaws first.
#scriptsky
Contests and coverage before then can help guide if used sparingly, but easily spirals into lotto ticket addiction.
Put the work in to find and fix your flaws first.
#scriptsky
July 26, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Firmly believe it takes at least five screenplays to understand the basics and start uncovering your potential.
Contests and coverage before then can help guide if used sparingly, but easily spirals into lotto ticket addiction.
Put the work in to find and fix your flaws first.
#scriptsky
Contests and coverage before then can help guide if used sparingly, but easily spirals into lotto ticket addiction.
Put the work in to find and fix your flaws first.
#scriptsky
Super useful if you’ve put the time in honing your story craft and are polishing a final draft for submission.
But please, if you are writing say the first draft of your second screenplay, do not concern yourself with this.
Window dressing comes last. Get a sturdy house built first.
#scriptsky
But please, if you are writing say the first draft of your second screenplay, do not concern yourself with this.
Window dressing comes last. Get a sturdy house built first.
#scriptsky
This is an easy mistake to make when you don't know any better.
Time is money in script reading, so it's always pretty gut-wrenching to discover you've wasted time reading stuff that isn't relevant and could've been cut.
Be nice to your Script Reader and they'll be nice to you 😉
#scriptsky
Time is money in script reading, so it's always pretty gut-wrenching to discover you've wasted time reading stuff that isn't relevant and could've been cut.
Be nice to your Script Reader and they'll be nice to you 😉
#scriptsky
July 25, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Super useful if you’ve put the time in honing your story craft and are polishing a final draft for submission.
But please, if you are writing say the first draft of your second screenplay, do not concern yourself with this.
Window dressing comes last. Get a sturdy house built first.
#scriptsky
But please, if you are writing say the first draft of your second screenplay, do not concern yourself with this.
Window dressing comes last. Get a sturdy house built first.
#scriptsky
Validation is such an alluring experience that chat gpt has bet the farm on dolling it out, truthful or not.
But being lied to isn’t helpful when you’re trying to learn and grow.
The most successful screenwriters lean into criticism and away from ego fluffing. They have thick skin.
#scriptsky
But being lied to isn’t helpful when you’re trying to learn and grow.
The most successful screenwriters lean into criticism and away from ego fluffing. They have thick skin.
#scriptsky
July 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Validation is such an alluring experience that chat gpt has bet the farm on dolling it out, truthful or not.
But being lied to isn’t helpful when you’re trying to learn and grow.
The most successful screenwriters lean into criticism and away from ego fluffing. They have thick skin.
#scriptsky
But being lied to isn’t helpful when you’re trying to learn and grow.
The most successful screenwriters lean into criticism and away from ego fluffing. They have thick skin.
#scriptsky
Movies aren’t real situations.
Characters aren’t real people.
Audiences are meant to believe the clever illusion, but as screenwriters if we must construct that illusion using the tools of story craft.
A magician who believes magic is real will never pull a rabbit out of anything.
#scriptsky
Characters aren’t real people.
Audiences are meant to believe the clever illusion, but as screenwriters if we must construct that illusion using the tools of story craft.
A magician who believes magic is real will never pull a rabbit out of anything.
#scriptsky
July 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Movies aren’t real situations.
Characters aren’t real people.
Audiences are meant to believe the clever illusion, but as screenwriters if we must construct that illusion using the tools of story craft.
A magician who believes magic is real will never pull a rabbit out of anything.
#scriptsky
Characters aren’t real people.
Audiences are meant to believe the clever illusion, but as screenwriters if we must construct that illusion using the tools of story craft.
A magician who believes magic is real will never pull a rabbit out of anything.
#scriptsky