Reader Question: How important is it for writers to read screenplays? There is a certain kind of understanding of the craft which a writer can ONLY get by reading and analyzing scripts.
Script Analysis: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” — Part 1: Scene By Scene Breakdown Read the script for the critically acclaimed 2004 film and analyze it all this week.
Go Into The Story Interview: Craig Borten My in-depth interview with Oscar-nominated screenwriter of ‘Dallas Buyers Club’.
On Writing “Usually, a story is triggered by a notion I have of a character in a particular situation, and the various reactions that character might…
Daily Dialogue — June 18, 2018 Dalton Russell: What’s your name? Peter Hammond: Peter. Dalton Russell: Peter what? Peter Hammond: Peter Hammond. Dalton Russell: Where’s…
Go Into The Story Interview: Scott Derrickson My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…
Reader Question: Should I write a big budget spec script or not? Write what you’re passionate about, but there are some good reasons to balance that by putting on your producer’s hat.
Spec Script Deal: Untitled Quinceañera Project Sony Pictures Entertainment / Columbia Pictures acquires comedy Quinceañera Project spec script written by Emilia Serrano. Via Variety:
Daily Dialogue — June 17, 2018 Jonah Baldwin: If you get a new wife, I guess you’ll get to have sex with her, huh? Sam Baldwin: I certainly hope so. Jonah Baldwin: Will…
Saturday Hot Links Time for the 346th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…
Interview (Part 6): Scott Derrickson My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…
Daily Dialogue theme next week: Heist Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,684 consecutive days and counting.
Spec Script Deal: “The Throwdown” Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions acquires comedy spec script “The Throwdown” written by Emilia Serrano. Via Variety:
Daily Dialogue — June 16, 2018 Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Antonelli: You know, it’s dangerous for you to be here in the frozen food section. Shaldeen: Why is that? Vincent ‘Vinnie’…
Interview (Part 5): Scott Derrickson My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…
Screenwriting Lessons: “The Social Network” — Part 5: Handling Exposition A five-part series exploring lessons we can glean from Aaron Sorkin’s script.
Spec Script Deal: “Charlie 3D” Mandalay Pictures acquires science fiction drama “Charlie 3D” written by Scott Speer. Via Deadline:
Writing and the Creative Life: The act of writing provides health benefits “From long-term health improvements to short-term benefits like sleeping better, it’s official: Writers are doing something right.”
Interview (Part 4): Scott Derrickson My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…
Screenwriting Lessons: “The Social Network” — Part 4: Subplots A five-part series exploring lessons we can glean from Aaron Sorkin’s script.
Joy and Misery in the Pixar Script Pixar scripts operate from heightened emotion. We identify with the characters because we understand how they feel.
Spec Script Deal: “I Am Yours” Paramount Pictures acquires thriller spec script written by Ryan Belenzon and Jeffrey Gelber. Via Deadline:
The Business of Screenwriting: Everything you wanted to know about specs Part 19: The value of a spec script… even if it doesn’t sell.
