BlueCat Writers Blog

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses overcoming writer's block. Writing is a very emotional process and draining process. You may believe you can't write anymore. Gordy says the best step for moving forward is to acknowledge that you are...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses character arcs and themes. Gordy says that the best arcs are the ones that take a long time to unfold, such as over the course of one's lifetime. Or, one that represents a radical departure from the...

In this video, BlueCat Writers share success stories. Several discuss how becoming a BlueCat Winner or Finalist was an important stepping stone in their career, one even as far to say that their success at BlueCat is frequently at talking point at industry...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge makes a radical suggestion as to whom would be the best screenwriting mentor. Gordy's answer is that you are the best screenwriting mentor for yourself. Watch to learn why!Also, if you’d like to join our BlueCat Community,...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses how to write montage. If your story must include a boring action, it is important to compress it. Screenplay writing is not about capturing reality. It is about compressing information. Check out the...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses voice in screenplays. Unlike many, Gordy does not believe the phrase means a writer's particular style. For Gordy, "voice" is the writer's personal attachment to the story the bleeds through the...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses writing for actors. While screenwriters' and actors' personalities are often at odds with one another, it's important that screenwriters can understand what actors' get out of performing a well-written...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses the importance of visual storytelling. Even if your story does not inherently lend itself to strong visuals, it is your job as a screenwriter present the action in a way that can be conveyed in physical...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses when to sell your screenplay. You may have heard conflicting stories on what time of the year is the best for selling your screenplay. Though there are some down periods, such as around the holiday...

In this video, BlueCat Founder and Judge Gordy Hoffman discusses screenwriting help books. A lot of writers wonder that in a market that is so saturated with how-to books & videos and screenwriting gurus, how can it be helpful. Gordy says that perhaps...

2014 BlueCat Winner's Table Reading BlueCat held a table reading for 2014 Winner HF Crum's script 3 Faces of Hunger and Thirst.  A lineup of terrific actors took part in the reading, including John Ortiz (Silver Linings Playbook), Sal Lopez (Full...

Great Moments in Rock and Roll History (That Never Happened), an animated short directed by 2014 BlueCat Finalist José Luis González, has been announced as an official selection of the 2014 Marfa Film Festival! Make sure to check out the trailer below!Also,...

Check out a behind-the-scenes clip from the Sundance TV original series The Red Road. The series was created by BlueCat alum Aaron Guzikowski, who written Prisoners, and stars Jason Momoa, Martin Henderson, and  Julianne...

The 2014 Sundance Screenwriters Lab has selected BlueCat Winner Ana Lily Amirpour. She will begin working on a project titled The Bad Batch. Her first feature film, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, premiered at Sundance this past January where it was...

2014 Feature Screenplay Winner AnnouncementWe are very excited to announce our 2014 Feature Screenplay Finalists, selected from a record total of 4060 Features.  3 Faces of Hunger & Thirst by HF Crum The Winner will receive $15,000. Four Finalists will...

2014 Short Screenplay Winner AnnouncementWe are proud to announce our 2014 Short Screenplay Winner, selected from a record total of 1602 Shorts.   Wingedby Jennifer...

2014 Feature Screenplay Finalists AnnouncementWe are very excited to announce our 2014 Feature Screenplay Finalists, selected from a record total of 4060 Features.  Bad House by Doug Mallette Chicago Shuffle by Dennis Capps Hambone by Kateland...

2014 Short Screenplay Finalists AnnouncementWe are proud to announce our 2014 Short Screenplay Finalists, selected from a record total of 1602 Shorts.  The Twelve Plagues by Jeremy Lerman     Los Angeles, CA Waabooz by Wenonah...

2014 Cordelia Award Winner AnnouncementWe are very proud to announce our 2014 Cordelia Award Winner! Face to Face by Jason PittockBradford, West Yorkshire, UKThe Cordelia Award is a $1500 USD honorarium to the best screenplay submitted by a writer residing in the...

2014 Joplin Award Winner AnnouncementWe are very proud to announce our 2014 Joplin Award Winner! The Longest Birthday by Savion EinsteinTel Aviv, IsraelThe Joplin Award is a $1500 USD honorarium to the best screenplay submitted to the competition from a...

New Spring 2014 Screenwriting Workshops Announced! Nashville, Chattanooga, Austin, San Francisco, Charlotte, LA, Boise, Portland, and NYC!You don't want to miss out!To Register for one the New Spring 2014 Screenwriting Workshops, please visit:...