Online Resources for Screenwriters

These are some of my favorite online resources dedicated the art, craft, and business of screenwriting. It’s safe to say that most of these websites are better and more useful than this one.

MY PERSONAL FAVORITES

  • Wordplay - Terry Rossio’s fantastic website. The too-infrequently-updated columns on Wordplay are probably the single greatest resource online or offline for any aspiring screenwriter. The site also has an active and wonderful message boards community.
  • Johnaugust.com - The website of screenwriter John August. John blogs about his life, screenwriting, and filmmaking. He also answers reader-submitted questions about the craft of filmmaking.
  • The Artful Writer - Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott run this website focused on the craft and business of screenwriting. This is a great source for the nuts and bolts of being a professional screenwriter, including debates on WGA policy.
  • Jane in Progress - Jane Espenson has stopped updating her blog (as of the creation of this post), but there are some great nuggets of wisdom buried in her archives.
  • I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing - Josh Friedman’s hilarious heartbreaking and educational blog on his experiences as a screenwriter.
  • Drew’s Script-o-Rama - I suspect this isn’t the most legal of websites, but for the aspiring screenwriter it is a great opportunity to read professional screenplays to study the craft.

Other Useful Screenwriting Resources

  • WGA West - The official website of the Writers Guild of America - West.
  • BBC Writer’s Room - Great opportunity for UK based screenwriters.
  • Nicholl Fellowship - Official website for the greatest film screenplay competition in the world.
  • Disney|ABC Writing Fellowship - Official website for the greatest TV writing fellowship in the world.
  • $80 Script Notes - I am loath to link to a paid service for script notes and/or coverage, but so many people ask about this that I will provide this link to the only service that I consider to be reputable.

The following are websites that I do not frequent, but which I have been told can be helpful.