Scott Myers

Break your story in prep

My only Prep: From Concept to Outline workshop of 2023 begins July 10th.

“The story rules”

The first and last commandment of writing.

Character Introductions: Part 1

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

On Writing

“Never look at a reference book while doing a first draft. You want to write a story? Fine. Put away your dictionary, your encyclopedias…

Page One: “The Men Who Stare at Goats” (2009)

Screenplay by Peter Straughan, book by Jon Ronson

We’re on the road to… somewhere.

A really long-ass bridge… story outlines… and YOU!

The Inward Path of the Protagonist’s Journey

Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell remind us that the outer journey of the hero is about the inner journey into the Self.

The Theology of Cinema: Redemption

“Metaphorically bondage can translate into being tied to some event or circumstance in the past, a character bound to it emotionally, even…

Interview (Video): Chloe Okuno

A conversation with the co-writer-director of the thriller Watcher.

Page One: “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005)

Screenplay by Robin Swicord, book by Arthur Golden

Reader Question: How to go about the query letter process?

“Is there any direction as to how to go about the query process? Should I target a few dream-list agencies or should I paint the town with…

Great Scene: “A Quiet Place”

In a brief respite from the monster’s violence, Evelyn and Lee confront the pain of the past as it exists in the present… and their…

The Theology of Cinema: Predestination

“The story you write about your Protagonist is in some ways predestined, the specific combination of the character’s life circumstances…

Interview (Video): Christopher McQuarrie

Insights into McQuarrie’s role working on the Top Gun: Maverick screenplay in the last stage of pre-production, through production, and…

Page One: “Memphis Belle” (1990)

Written by Monte Merrick

Writing and the Creative Life: A Playlist to Calm the Mind

A therapist suggests some music to reduce anxiety… and spur creativity.

Page One: “Melvin and Howard” (1980)

Written by Bo Goldman

90 Words for “looks” and 115 Words for “walks”

Movies are primarily a visual medium. Therefore as screenwriters, we need to think visually… and write visually.

Imagematic writing

Good screenwriting is visual writing. After all, movies are: Motion. Pictures.

Trimming Tricks of the Trade: Lose the Orphans

One way to cut pages while not messing with the integrity of the story.

The Business of Screenwriting: Someday someone WILL beat you to the punch

If you traffic in high concept stories, chances are you’ll confront this scenario.

Page One: “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” (2015)

Written by Jesse Andrews

Video: David Lynch on Where Ideas Come From

Story wisdom from the writer-director of such notable movies as Blue Velvet, Elephant Man, Twin Peaks, and Mulholland Dr.

What is the point of the scene?

Begin the scene-writing process by asking this fundamental question.

How Judd Apatow Wrote a Movie Using Email

He emailed himself notes which became the foundation for the movie Knocked Up.