logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
41m 51s

Conquering the Dreaded Second Act

Script Reader Pro
About this episode

Scott and Desiree tackle "the dreaded second act," offering tips to help writers push through one of the toughest parts of any script. Second acts can often slow down momentum and frustrate writers, but Scott gives his expert strategies on learning how to keep your story moving.


Links from discussion: Master Screenplay Structure book


Join in on the conversation and reach out to us at: hello@scriptreaderpro.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Jul 1
The Art of the Blank Space
In this episode, Scott & Desiree talk about visual writing and how not filling in all theblanks is the best way to go.Read the full show notes here: https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/resources-podcast/podcast-ep-72-the-art-of-the-blank-space/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ... Show More
53m 21s
Jun 17
The Truth Characters Must Learn
In the second part of our series on change, Scott & Desiree dig into the way a character has to admit the truth behind their lies in order for their arc to be worth it.Read the full show notes here: https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/resources-podcast/podcast-ep-71-the-truth-charact ... Show More
46m 32s
Jun 3
The Lie Characters Tell Themselves
In the first part of a two-part series, Scott & Desire discuss the dynamics of character arcs and changes and some great tips to find out exactly what your characters hold inside.Read the full show notes here: https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/resources-podcast/podcast-ep-70-the-li ... Show More
48 m
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
Adolescence Episode 2: Dialectical Screenwriting
Learn how to use dialectical structure to deepen your screenplay’s theme, character arcs, and emotional impact through a deep analysis of Adolescence Episode 2. Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:0 ... Show More
40m 12s
Apr 2020
6 | Mastering Structure In Your Screenplay: Part I
Writers dread the idea of feeling confined by a structure, but what they don't realize, is that structure is one of the greatest gifts that they can be given as a writer. Structure = story, and the best films ever made know how to "play within the rules." Today, we go over those ... Show More
39m 8s
Sep 2025
263 | Feature Film Story Engine Checklist: 8 Elements to Turn a Situation Into a Movie (REBROADCAST)
Check out our premium TSL WORKSHOPS program here: https://tslworkshops.circle.so STORY ENGINE. Two words we so often dread, but let's be honest: the engine of your story is what POWERS your movie. It's make, or break. And today, we break down eight elements to test whether or not ... Show More
1h 10m
Apr 2020
7 | Mastering Structure In Your Screenplay: Part II
If you haven't listened to last week's episode, jump back and make sure you're caught up, because this week, we're picking up at the midpoint. PLUS, as always, we answer your incredible questions, here, on The Screenwriting Life podcast! Make sure to subscribe to Popcorn Talk! - ... Show More
47m 6s
Oct 2024
Between the Temples – Alternative Forms of Structure
Learn from Between The Temples how to create compelling structure in your screenplay, even when working with passive main characters or unconventional narratives. Join us for Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, ... Show More
29m 19s
Nov 2024
The Lost Tapes, Tape 2 - Are You Scared?
Part 2 of 3Content Notes:- Strong Language- Hallucinations/Altered Reality / Unreality- Paranoia- Graphic Violance- Infestation- Vehicle Accidents (air and automobile)- Drugging- Mass Death- SFX: Bugs, explosionsThe video version of this episode is available now on the Watcher En ... Show More
22m 24s
Jul 2020
Second Person
You are intrigued by second person narratives. CONSUME: GirlsArePretty.com CREATE: Write a 200-400 word story in Second Person POV that begins with “You knew it was a bad idea, but you did it anyway.” And ends with “You still have 20 more to go.” Join the SWT Membership community ... Show More
31m 13s
Feb 2021
Melodrama
Mightly push your powerful writing to the top of the highest literary peaks! Or… work on your craft. CONSUME: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett or its sequel, World Without End. Or, for a less committal and free option, the BBC fiction podcast "Home Front" CREATE: Think abo ... Show More
32m 6s
May 2024
The Most Important Sentence in Your Story
<p>The hardest part of creating a powerful story is knowing what to keep and what to cut?</p><br><p>If you lose your audience's attention for just a second, most likely they are gone. But you also have to fight against a daily decreasing budget, and creative teams disagreeing, an ... Show More
18m 33s