Kevin Nelson

The Art of Screenplay Adaptations

The Art of Screenplay Adaptations

adaptation. [ ăd′ăp-tā′shən ] A change in structure, function, or behavior by which a species or individual improves its chance of survival in a specific environment. In a similar fashion, adapted screenplays are based on pre-existing material or sources and developed for film or television. The most common adaptations range from novels, stage plays, articles, […]

 Kevin Nelson

How Do Dual Protagonists Function In Screenwriting?

How Do Dual Protagonists Function In Screenwriting?

Discover screenwriting techniques for dual protagonists: develop balanced character arcs, compelling parallel narratives, and effective story structure for screenplays.

 Kevin Nelson

How Screenwriters Can Successfully Use Voice-over & Narration

How Screenwriters Can Successfully Use Voice-over & Narration

Voice-over gets a bad rap. To the point of being derided as kryptonite to your screenplay. Use it at your own risk! One of the most exhausted pieces of advice to be spread in Intro to Screenwriting classes everywhere is to never, ever use voice-over — so help you, god.  Of course, this is mostly rubbish, […]

 Kevin Nelson

Applying Symbolism to Your Script

Applying Symbolism to Your Script

We previously discussed why symbols are used in screenwriting. In this follow-up article Creative Screenwriting Magazine contributor, Kevin Nelson discusses how to apply your knowledge of symbols to your screenplay.   1) Genre   Genres rely on conventional narrative elements that invite certain story expectations and garner specific emotional responses. There are four major genres […]

 Kevin Nelson

Symbolism In Screenwriting

Symbolism In Screenwriting

Everyone gets lost sometimes. In order to find our way back from our wanderings, we search for familiar markers, signs, or symbols to guide us where we need to go, whether in our lives or stories. So let’s not search blindly through the forest or gaze at the heavens for answers, but huddle our minds […]