How To Write Descriptions In Your Screenplays For Maximum Effect

Hosted by Spencer Robinson

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Spencer Robinson

Webinar hosted by: Spencer Robinson

Manager at Art/Work Entertainment

Spencer Robinson is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over twenty years. His clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, TBS and more. Spencer’s clients have also recurred on series for Freeform, TNT, AMC, Showtime and many more. He currently has clients writing on shows for Netflix and HBO Max, and another client whose first series premiered last year on Amazon. His clients have projects in development with several production companies on both the television and film side. Spencer also represents executive producers with TV projects currently set up at FX and Showtime. Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

 

Hosted by a Literary & Talent Manager with over 20 Years’ Experience

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts & tips on crafting your A & B Stories! 

 

In this essential Stage 32 webinar, you will examine the important parts of the script that exist between the dialogue: the descriptions.

Comprising everything from location headings, character briefs, action lines, transitions, and act breaks, your descriptions should be formatted properly and written succinctly and with your personal flair that convey your message in a tone that is consistent with your story.

How much detail should you include when describing your characters? Is a transition needed between every scene? How much direction and camera work should you include in your writing?

All these questions and more will be answered by your host, Spencer Robinson. Spencer is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment whose clients have worked with top directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and with major networks and streamers such as Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS.

Spencer will discuss how to properly use descriptions to really make your script come alive. He will cover details that will help make your pieces stand out to agents, managers, and producers. This webinar will leave you with a new understanding of how to use several important tools of storytelling, and ultimately make your script a more smooth and exciting read.

Many screenwriters only focus on dialogue when they think of writing their screenplay. While dialogue is certainly a critical component of your script, it’s not the only part of your work that you need to deliver at the highest level. Be great at description writing and level up your screenwriting. 

Praise For Spencer's Webinar

"Spencer Robinson's "Writing Descriptions" webinar filled in a whole lot of blanks for me and shone a light on most of the newbie mistakes I have been making when writing/formatting my screenplays. A valuable lesson! Thank you Spencer, and Stage 32." -Margaret A.

"This webinar was very informative! Spencer Robinson presented the material clearly. He was also very generous with his knowledge about the business." -Carmen R.

 

What You'll Learn

Format

  • Why is this important?
  • What happens when the formatting is not correct?

Characters

  • Using capitalization
  • Writing Character Descriptions
  • The importance of Specificity
  • Potential pitfalls

Location

  • How specific should you be?
  • Effective World Building

Action Lines

  • Understanding action in a Visual Medium
  • Making sure your action lines fit the medium
  • Camera: To direct or not to direct
  • Using Capitalization
  • Infusing your own personality

Transitions

  • Using transitions successfully

Act Breaks

  • How many acts should your script be?
  • How and when to use Act Breaks
  • Cable vs Streaming vs Broadcast

Bonus Writing Tips

  • Crafting your A and B Stories
  • The importance of properly driving story

Q&A with Spencer

About Your Instructor

Spencer Robinson is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over twenty years. His clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, TBS and more. Spencer’s clients have also recurred on series for Freeform, TNT, AMC, Showtime and many more. He currently has clients writing on shows for Netflix and HBO Max, and another client whose first series premiered last year on Amazon. His clients have projects in development with several production companies on both the television and film side. Spencer also represents executive producers with TV projects currently set up at FX and Showtime.

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