You’ve heard the adage, “Show, don’t tell”—but do you know what it means?
One of my favorite things about screenwriting is all the excellent terms and phrases that come with creating for the screen. Of course, things like Chekhov’s gun, beats, and sluglines are all important to learn about and use. But I would say the granddaddy of all the adages in screenwriting, and also maybe the most important one, is, “Show, don’t tell.”
If you’ve attended film school, read any of the posts on screenwriting from this website, or nerded out listening to screenwriters talk, then you have heard those words before.
But what does that mean? And how can you define it?
Today, I’m going to go over the meaning of “Show, don’t tell,” provide some examples, and also talk about why this is maybe the most important thing to remember as you continue on your writing journey. Even if you think you’ve mastered it, there’s always more to learn.
Author: Jason Hellerman
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
