When a writer connects part of the script with something that happened earlier, that’s a callback. It can be a big set-up and payoff, or something smaller like a joke.
Read all about callbacks in this article at Script Mag:
https://scriptmag.com/whats-a-callback-in-a-script-and-are-they-necessary-or-even-useful
I’ve been watching Instagram shorts from writer Nic Curcio (highly recommended), and he now co-hosts a new show, available as podcast or Youtube channel.
The Hollywood Hang is an industry deep-dive podcast hosted by two screenwriters – Nic Curcio and Kristen Tepper. Together, they and their guests share the highs, lows and hell no’s of their journeys to break into Hollywood – offering honest, relatable, and sometimes totally insane behind-the-scenes at the realities of the film industry today.
Some good thoughts here on writing efficiently, especially for a low budget.
https://scriptstrategy.com/2025/06/04/five-screenwriting-lessons-from-night-of-the-living-dead/
This recent episode of Scriptnotes covers all the ways humans can approach a problem. These are great things to know when writing characters! For instance, RUBBER DUCKING…
Rubber Ducking is “Talking through a coding problem to an inanimate object, like literally a rubber duck, saying ‘Okay, first I’m doing this and then I’m doing this.'”
Certain screenplays come to mind that use this method, including Cast Away, wherein the Tom Hanks character talks to Wilson, the volleyball, as he works on solving his problems.
See more at:
https://johnaugust.com/2025/problem-solving
Here’s a good thread from Reddit, covering some of common strengths and weaknesses found in screenplays sent to script readers.
See more at:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/1iskujk/ive_been_a_script_reader_for_13_years_and_ive/
Writers and filmmakers often need to generate interest in their work by creating materials such as a pitch deck. Aaron Davis showcases his design work, sharing great examples of pitch decks and posters.
See more at:
https://aarondavis.com/the-tracks-tv-series-pitch-deck
Over on Stage 32, writer Maurice Vaughan started a list of themes he uses in his work. Take a look, maybe some will spark with you!
Remember, a theme need not be profound. It’s just a life lesson that a character is confronted with in your story. If they learn their lesson, change for the better, that’s usually a happy ending. If they don’t learn from the theme, it’s a tragedy.
Some sample themes:
– Think before you act
– Don’t give up on those you love
– Put aside your differences
– Let go of the past
– Respect one another
And a favorite of RWW:
– You can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.
See more at:
https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Theme-List
What do you get when you ask AI to write a screenplay? The answer may surprise you.
https://www.pcmag.com/articles/i-used-ai-to-write-a-screenplay-heres-what-i-got
The screenwriting software from John August, Highland, got a new version this week. (It’s now called Highland Pro.) Unfortunately, it’s moved to a subscription model. I gladly paid a one-time fee for Highland 2 a few years ago… which I suppose I’ll never be able to install again? Still a fine program with some interesting new features, but if you’re an amateur writer, you may not want to spend $60 a year until the end of your days. Certainly if you make your living writing, it’s different. However, I’m not writing every week, or even every month.
The news prompted me to update the recommended software page here on the Rochester Writers Workshop website. A lot of writing software has jumped in price in the last few years! As before, if you’re looking for free on Windows or Linux, try TRELBY. Free software for the Mac is hard to come by, unless you’re using the first-free-script option with freemium apps like WriterDuet or Studiobinder. Sadly, Celtx doesn’t appear to have a free plan anymore.
I’ve been using Scrivener, which is a one-time $60 fee (or $50 educational pricing). I like that it has notecard options and ways to maintain sub-documents and photos for research purposes. One drawback is I’ll have to buy it again if I want it on both my Mac and PC laptop.
Here’s the updated RWW software page:
https://www.rwwny.org/software/
See if you can limit your use of adverbs. Instead, use descriptive verbs. Why “walk irregularly” when you can “lurch”?
From the “Writers Write” blog at https://www.writerswrite.co.za/115-ways-to-say-walk/
Keep your reader engaged! Use alternate vocabulary for verbs like “look” and “walk”.
See more lists here:
https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/90-words-for-looks-and-115-words-for-walks-d1e24566faec