Reader Question: Can writing a character bio get in the way of one’s creative process? What if the bio veers away from the writer’s take on the character?
Script To Screen: “American Psycho” A scene from the 2000 movie American Psycho, screenplay by Mary Harron & Guinevere Turner, novel by Bret Easton Ellis.
The Business of Screenwriting: Spec scripts aren’t just for aspiring screenwriters You may think a spec script is something only relevant to aspiring screenwriters. Not true.
Daily Dialogue — November 16, 2017 Man: Hey, there’s the award-winning scholar! Woman: We’re all very proud of you, Ben.
The Value of Working with a Mentor Receiving professional guidance and honest, informed, helpful feedback.
Reader Question: What’s the scoop on writer’s residuals? Residuals! We LOVE residuals! It’s like free money!
Black List Writers on the Craft Some of Hollywood’s top screenwriters share insights from my interviews.
Script To Screen: “American Beauty” One of the most memorable scenes from the 1999 movie American Beauty, written by Alan Ball, a plastic bag dancing in the wind.
Great Scene: “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” A brilliant cinematic moment in Spielberg’s classic science fiction movie.
Daily Dialogue — November 15, 2017 When trying to get out of The Dump, Joy looks at the blue Core Memory and looks at a forgotten memory.
Tweetstorm: Eric Heisserer on the Challenge of Screenplay Adaptations Adapting a novel, short story, or true life story may be the hardest gig of all.
Reader Question: How do you read a script? More importantly, how does a Hollywood reader assess YOUR script?
Script To Screen: “Amadeus” The glorious “Requiem” scene from the 1984 movie Amadeus, screenplay by Peter Shaffer based on his original stage play.
Screenwriting 101: Scott Neustadter “I heard a story once about Jeffrey Katzenberg that he used to make his animation writers put the theme of the movie at the top of every…
Daily Dialogue — November 14, 2017 Henry: Well, kid, you beat him. Johnny: You’re right, Henry. It’s not enough.
Reader Question: How do you know when your script is ready to send out? Tough question, especially for writers who may NEVER think a story is ‘done’.
Spec Script Deal: “Crater” Twentieth Century Fox acquires science fiction spec script “Crater” written by John J. Griffin. From Variety:
Script To Screen: “Almost Famous” A terrific movie Almost Famous (2000), written and directed by Cameron Crowe. One of the keys to creating drama is to put characters under…
On Writing “I love writing, but hate starting. The page is awfully white and it says, ‘You may have fooled some of the people some of the time but…
Daily Dialogue — November 13, 2017 “Mission accomplished. Well done, men. Pack it up, we’re going home.”
Tweetstorm: Eric Heisserer on Minimalist Screenwriting Style “Find the most powerful word and use it.”
Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: The Six Word Test If you’re having trouble finding the focus of your story, try this test.
