Tom Vaughan
@storyandplot.bsky.social
I post about screenwriting. I teach it at http://storyandplot.com and my beloved alma mater The University of Houston 🐾 Writer of 8 films, including WINCHESTER and more to come.
Join 8k+ subscribers FREE👉 https://storyandplot.link/bsky
Join 8k+ subscribers FREE👉 https://storyandplot.link/bsky
The audience will almost always be less moved by a main story that helps resolve a subplot.
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
November 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The audience will almost always be less moved by a main story that helps resolve a subplot.
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
An audience can only experience a movie one moment at a time.
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
November 12, 2025 at 8:30 PM
An audience can only experience a movie one moment at a time.
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
The want drives the action in your screenwriting.
While ALIEN wasn't written in eight sequences, yesterday I shared with 10,000 subscribers how changing wants define its classic structure.
Did you miss it? One more chance: the link is in the replies. 👇
#screenwriting
While ALIEN wasn't written in eight sequences, yesterday I shared with 10,000 subscribers how changing wants define its classic structure.
Did you miss it? One more chance: the link is in the replies. 👇
#screenwriting
November 12, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The want drives the action in your screenwriting.
While ALIEN wasn't written in eight sequences, yesterday I shared with 10,000 subscribers how changing wants define its classic structure.
Did you miss it? One more chance: the link is in the replies. 👇
#screenwriting
While ALIEN wasn't written in eight sequences, yesterday I shared with 10,000 subscribers how changing wants define its classic structure.
Did you miss it? One more chance: the link is in the replies. 👇
#screenwriting
I have been writing screenplays professionally since 1996.
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
November 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM
I have been writing screenplays professionally since 1996.
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
Screenwriting and storytelling are all about the emotion. Make the reader feel something.
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
November 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Screenwriting and storytelling are all about the emotion. Make the reader feel something.
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
Always remember: movies and TV are products because they evoke emotion.
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
November 9, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Always remember: movies and TV are products because they evoke emotion.
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
Every scene in your screenwriting should be worth watching. When in doubt, put it through The Late Night Talk Show test.
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
November 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Every scene in your screenwriting should be worth watching. When in doubt, put it through The Late Night Talk Show test.
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
Honestly, you can do pretty much whatever you want in screenwriting if it's with intention.
Format, structure, tone. Whatever.
But the clarity of that intent is key. If you lose that, you lose the reader.
#screenwriting
Format, structure, tone. Whatever.
But the clarity of that intent is key. If you lose that, you lose the reader.
#screenwriting
November 7, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Honestly, you can do pretty much whatever you want in screenwriting if it's with intention.
Format, structure, tone. Whatever.
But the clarity of that intent is key. If you lose that, you lose the reader.
#screenwriting
Format, structure, tone. Whatever.
But the clarity of that intent is key. If you lose that, you lose the reader.
#screenwriting
Don't let Act 2 intimidate you. Break it up into pieces. Make these choices in your screenwriting:
- What's the dramatic question out of Act 1?
- What's the midpoint?
- Who does the character become in Act 3?
Know where you're going and ask, "What needs to happen to get there?"
#screenwriting
- What's the dramatic question out of Act 1?
- What's the midpoint?
- Who does the character become in Act 3?
Know where you're going and ask, "What needs to happen to get there?"
#screenwriting
November 6, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Don't let Act 2 intimidate you. Break it up into pieces. Make these choices in your screenwriting:
- What's the dramatic question out of Act 1?
- What's the midpoint?
- Who does the character become in Act 3?
Know where you're going and ask, "What needs to happen to get there?"
#screenwriting
- What's the dramatic question out of Act 1?
- What's the midpoint?
- Who does the character become in Act 3?
Know where you're going and ask, "What needs to happen to get there?"
#screenwriting
The sooner you stop comparing your screenwriting career to others, the happier you will be.
Your writing will be better, too.
You get to be you and to enjoy where that takes you.
And if one day it's others comparing themselves to you, that's cool. It's just not necessary.
#screenwriting
Your writing will be better, too.
You get to be you and to enjoy where that takes you.
And if one day it's others comparing themselves to you, that's cool. It's just not necessary.
#screenwriting
November 5, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The sooner you stop comparing your screenwriting career to others, the happier you will be.
Your writing will be better, too.
You get to be you and to enjoy where that takes you.
And if one day it's others comparing themselves to you, that's cool. It's just not necessary.
#screenwriting
Your writing will be better, too.
You get to be you and to enjoy where that takes you.
And if one day it's others comparing themselves to you, that's cool. It's just not necessary.
#screenwriting
Writing anything down that you find interesting for your screenwriting isn't just about remembering it.
It helps train your mind to see the world through that lens.
Is this a story? A moment? A character?
You'll start asking this out of habit.
#screenwriting
It helps train your mind to see the world through that lens.
Is this a story? A moment? A character?
You'll start asking this out of habit.
#screenwriting
November 4, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Writing anything down that you find interesting for your screenwriting isn't just about remembering it.
It helps train your mind to see the world through that lens.
Is this a story? A moment? A character?
You'll start asking this out of habit.
#screenwriting
It helps train your mind to see the world through that lens.
Is this a story? A moment? A character?
You'll start asking this out of habit.
#screenwriting
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
November 3, 2025 at 4:04 PM
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
With a two-hander, a big decision for your screenwriting is when they become a team/couple.
- Rom-com template is at the end.
- Buddy movies just before Act 3.
- Love stories before the midpoint.
Make this decision; regardless of genre, the rest of the structure simplifies.
#screenwriting
- Rom-com template is at the end.
- Buddy movies just before Act 3.
- Love stories before the midpoint.
Make this decision; regardless of genre, the rest of the structure simplifies.
#screenwriting
November 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
With a two-hander, a big decision for your screenwriting is when they become a team/couple.
- Rom-com template is at the end.
- Buddy movies just before Act 3.
- Love stories before the midpoint.
Make this decision; regardless of genre, the rest of the structure simplifies.
#screenwriting
- Rom-com template is at the end.
- Buddy movies just before Act 3.
- Love stories before the midpoint.
Make this decision; regardless of genre, the rest of the structure simplifies.
#screenwriting
We tend to add more plot to our screenwriting for the wrong reasons. We're trying to fix something, or we don't think we have "enough."
But plot is added weight.
We are almost always better off simplifying and digging deeper into the emotion we already have instead.
#screenwriting
But plot is added weight.
We are almost always better off simplifying and digging deeper into the emotion we already have instead.
#screenwriting
November 1, 2025 at 3:02 PM
We tend to add more plot to our screenwriting for the wrong reasons. We're trying to fix something, or we don't think we have "enough."
But plot is added weight.
We are almost always better off simplifying and digging deeper into the emotion we already have instead.
#screenwriting
But plot is added weight.
We are almost always better off simplifying and digging deeper into the emotion we already have instead.
#screenwriting
Whenever I've struggled with my own screenwriting, I've found one of these is to blame.
1. I've lost track of the story and/or emotion.
2. I've lost confidence.
3. I'm over-complicating what should be simple.
This is why I focus on teaching processes that resist all three.
#screenwriting
1. I've lost track of the story and/or emotion.
2. I've lost confidence.
3. I'm over-complicating what should be simple.
This is why I focus on teaching processes that resist all three.
#screenwriting
October 31, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Whenever I've struggled with my own screenwriting, I've found one of these is to blame.
1. I've lost track of the story and/or emotion.
2. I've lost confidence.
3. I'm over-complicating what should be simple.
This is why I focus on teaching processes that resist all three.
#screenwriting
1. I've lost track of the story and/or emotion.
2. I've lost confidence.
3. I'm over-complicating what should be simple.
This is why I focus on teaching processes that resist all three.
#screenwriting
You can always add tension to your screenwriting when you need to.
In RAIDERS, a scene about measuring a wooden staff becomes riveting because of some poison dates.
The poison dates don't have to be physical. They can be emotional, too,
Always look for your poison dates.
#screenwriting
In RAIDERS, a scene about measuring a wooden staff becomes riveting because of some poison dates.
The poison dates don't have to be physical. They can be emotional, too,
Always look for your poison dates.
#screenwriting
October 30, 2025 at 3:03 PM
You can always add tension to your screenwriting when you need to.
In RAIDERS, a scene about measuring a wooden staff becomes riveting because of some poison dates.
The poison dates don't have to be physical. They can be emotional, too,
Always look for your poison dates.
#screenwriting
In RAIDERS, a scene about measuring a wooden staff becomes riveting because of some poison dates.
The poison dates don't have to be physical. They can be emotional, too,
Always look for your poison dates.
#screenwriting
Confidence is essential to your screenwriting.
The confidence to be decisive. Emotional. Disciplined to the story.
To be simple and clear. The confidence to get out of your own way.
There’s no way to develop it without writing. You have to keep writing. Then write some more.
#screenwriting
The confidence to be decisive. Emotional. Disciplined to the story.
To be simple and clear. The confidence to get out of your own way.
There’s no way to develop it without writing. You have to keep writing. Then write some more.
#screenwriting
October 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Confidence is essential to your screenwriting.
The confidence to be decisive. Emotional. Disciplined to the story.
To be simple and clear. The confidence to get out of your own way.
There’s no way to develop it without writing. You have to keep writing. Then write some more.
#screenwriting
The confidence to be decisive. Emotional. Disciplined to the story.
To be simple and clear. The confidence to get out of your own way.
There’s no way to develop it without writing. You have to keep writing. Then write some more.
#screenwriting
One of the most important things with screenwriting is simply having an intention.
It's choosing what you want in that scene and in that moment. After that, everything else is pretty much just problem-solving.
It's all the non-choices that kill most screenplays.
#screenwriting
It's choosing what you want in that scene and in that moment. After that, everything else is pretty much just problem-solving.
It's all the non-choices that kill most screenplays.
#screenwriting
October 28, 2025 at 3:03 PM
One of the most important things with screenwriting is simply having an intention.
It's choosing what you want in that scene and in that moment. After that, everything else is pretty much just problem-solving.
It's all the non-choices that kill most screenplays.
#screenwriting
It's choosing what you want in that scene and in that moment. After that, everything else is pretty much just problem-solving.
It's all the non-choices that kill most screenplays.
#screenwriting
The audience will almost always be less moved by a main story that helps resolve a subplot.
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
October 27, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The audience will almost always be less moved by a main story that helps resolve a subplot.
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
It tends to feel like an afterthought.
Look for the subplot to help resolve the main story in your screenwriting. It's far more satisfying and much more emotional bang for your buck.
#screenwriting
An audience can only experience a movie one moment at a time.
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
October 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
An audience can only experience a movie one moment at a time.
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
I try to duplicate that in my screenwriting. One moment after another, in the order the audience experiences it.
It is one of many ways to get the reader to feel like they've seen the movie just from the read.
#screenwriting
I have been writing screenplays professionally since 1996.
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
October 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I have been writing screenplays professionally since 1996.
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
I never heard the term ‘unfilmable” as a noun referencing action lines until last year on Twitter.
I get what it means, but it's an academic concern, not a real one. Don't let it get in your head.
#screenwriting
Screenwriting and storytelling are all about the emotion. Make the reader feel something.
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
October 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Screenwriting and storytelling are all about the emotion. Make the reader feel something.
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
But remember, "That's f**king cool!" is also an emotion.
While it's a challenge to sustain a whole movie with that, there are moments where it's more than enough.
#screenwriting
Always remember: movies and TV are products because they evoke emotion.
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
October 23, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Always remember: movies and TV are products because they evoke emotion.
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
That's the deal with the audience.
They pay money, and we make them feel something.
Screenwriting is an early proof of concept. You need to evoke emotion from the reader because that's what you're selling.
#screenwriting
Every scene in your screenwriting should be worth watching. When in doubt, put it through The Late Night Talk Show test.
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
October 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Every scene in your screenwriting should be worth watching. When in doubt, put it through The Late Night Talk Show test.
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
Imagine an actor from your movie is on The Tonight Show plugging the film.
This is the scene they show.
Does the audience want to go see this movie?
#screenwriting
Through each stage of our screenwriting, there is the question, “Should I move on, or rewrite what I just finished?”
Yesterday, I shared with 9,900+ subscribers how your own style and emotions dictate the answer.
Did you miss it? One more chance below. 👇
#scriptsky
Yesterday, I shared with 9,900+ subscribers how your own style and emotions dictate the answer.
Did you miss it? One more chance below. 👇
#scriptsky
October 22, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Through each stage of our screenwriting, there is the question, “Should I move on, or rewrite what I just finished?”
Yesterday, I shared with 9,900+ subscribers how your own style and emotions dictate the answer.
Did you miss it? One more chance below. 👇
#scriptsky
Yesterday, I shared with 9,900+ subscribers how your own style and emotions dictate the answer.
Did you miss it? One more chance below. 👇
#scriptsky