Skip to content

The Fact-Based Screenplay

Writing Real Life for the Screen
Main navigation
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Articles & Analysis
    • Analysis
    • Reviews
    • Five to Watch
    • Discover
  • Screenplay research
  • Free resources
    • Source Material
      • Non-fiction books
      • Biographies & Autobiographies
      • Magazine articles
      • News reports
      • Interviews / first-hand accounts
      • Images
      • Transcripts
      • Reports & official documents
      • Fact-based fiction
    • Writing the Fact-Based Film 101
      • Central Story Thread
      • Structure
      • Theme & Controlling Idea
      • Exposition
      • Subtext
      • Character arc
      • Rights
      • Biographical Drama
      • Historical drama
      • Sports biopics
      • 101 Screenplay Words
    • Screenwriting glossary
    • Worksheet

Source Material

Fact-based films and TV shows are drawn from a variety of source material. Learn the basics of working with each of the main types in our series of introductory guides:

  • Non-fiction books
  • Biographies & autobiographies
  • Magazine articles
  • News reports
  • Interviews & first-hand accounts
  • Transcripts
  • Reports & official documents
  • Images
  • Fact-based fiction

Recent Analysis

  • Analysis: Shaping History into a Screen Narrative – A Complete Unknown (2024)
  • Analysis: Bringing the Past into the Present
  • Analysis: Fact vs. Fiction – One Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
  • Analysis: Establishing Historical Context – BlackBerry (2023)
  • Analysis: Ford v Ferrari (2019) and the Power of ‘Action’ Words
  • Analysis: Setting the Scene – First 12 Pages of The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Recent Reviews

  • Review: The Penguin Lessons (2024)
  • Review: A Complete Unknown (2024)
  • Review: September 5 (2024)
  • Review: Saturday Night (2024)
  • Review: The Bikeriders (2023)
  • Review: Scoop (2024)
© 2025 The Fact-Based Screenplay. Made with love by Pixelgrade
  • Home
  • 101 Screenplay Words
  • About
  • Biographical Drama
  • Biographies & Autobiographies
  • Blog
  • Bookshop
  • Central Story Thread
  • Character arc
  • Checkout
    • Confirmation
    • Order History
    • Receipt
    • Transaction Failed
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Exposition
  • Fact-based fiction
  • Free ebooks
  • Historical drama
  • Images
  • Interviews / first-hand accounts
  • Magazine articles
  • Narrative Breakdowns
  • News reports
  • Newsletter
  • Non-fiction books
  • Paid services
  • Privacy Policy
  • Reports & official documents
  • Resources
  • Rights
  • Screenwriting glossary
  • Source Material
  • Sports biopics
  • Structure
  • Subtext
  • Theme & Controlling Idea
  • Transcripts
  • Welcome to TFBS
  • Worksheet
  • Writing the Fact-Based Film 101
Secondary navigation
  • Search

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT