Antagonist
The antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension in a story.
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Scripts and Screenwriting
The Essential Showbiz Dictionary™
Welcome to The Essential Showbiz Dictionary™. This page covers the key terms you need to know about scripts and screenwriting in the entertainment industry. For example, understanding the “beat” meaning is crucial—this refers to a pause in dialogue or action that is used to create tension or emphasize a moment in a scene. Whether you’re writing your first screenplay or refining your storytelling skills, knowing these scripts and screenwriting terms will help you master the craft of writing for film and television.
By familiarizing yourself with these key scripts and screenwriting terms, you’ll gain valuable insights into the language and structure that shape compelling stories on screen. This section provides clear definitions to guide you through the various elements of screenwriting, from plot development to character arcs. We’re always updating our list of scripts and screenwriting terms, so check back often to stay informed and continue building your knowledge of the entertainment industry.
The antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension in a story.
An antihero is a protagonist who lacks traditional heroic qualities, often exhibiting moral ambiguity or selfish behavior.
A baby writer is a term for a new or inexperienced writer in a writer’s room, often working on entry-level tasks like script revisions.
A beat is a moment of pause or shift in tone, action, or emotion within a scene, often used to emphasize key moments in film and TV.
A blind script agreement is a contract where a writer is paid to develop a script without the exact project being specified upfront, giving them creative flexibility.
A campy movie is a film that embraces exaggeration and absurdity, often becoming entertaining in an ironic or humorous way due to its over-the-top style.
Cont’d, short for “continued,” is used in screenwriting to indicate that dialogue, action, or scenes will continue onto the next page.
Coverage is a written evaluation of a screenplay, summarizing its plot, strengths, and weaknesses, used to determine its potential for development.
“Cut to” is a screenwriting and editing term indicating an abrupt transition between scenes, used to move the narrative forward quickly.
EXT. (Exterior) is a screenwriting abbreviation used to indicate that a scene takes place outdoors, helping crews prepare for the challenges of shooting in open settings.
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