Scott Myers

Spec Script Deal: “Stuber”

Tripper Clancy sells action comedy spec script “Stuber” to Fox. From Deadline: Fox has acquired for mid-six figures Stuber, an action-comedy spec by Tripper Clancy takes place over one harrowing night in the life of an Uber driver named Stu. Good to see the majors stepping into spec

Character Archetypes: “Up”

Over the years, I’ve analyzed dozens of movies through the lens of five primary character archetypes: Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, Trickster. This is my theory, that most movies have these five narrative dynamics at work in them: A character or characters with a conscious goal toward which they are

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 15

This is the sixth year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Each day, I’ll give you some tips on how to come up with stories. Tip: Public domain Laws vary from country to country, but if a person, event, book is considered to be in

Script To Screen: “Rushmore”

The revenge sequence from Rushmore (written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson). Setup: Vying for the affections of Rosemary, Max and Herman decide to go after each other. INT. HOTEL ROOM. DAY The living room of Mr. Blume’s suite. Mr. Blume is dressed in a  bathrobe with the Bilbly-

Daily Dialogue — April 15, 2016

DARKNESS: Eat. LILI: I’m not hungry. DARKNESS: You lie. (Chuckles) Just to please me. LILI: I do nothing for your pleasure. DARKNESS: All I wish is for you to sit and talk with me. LILI: Sit? Here? DARKNESS: Yes. Please. LILI: I prefer to stand. DARKNESS: Sit! Or stand,

“Mad Men” Creator Matthew Weiner’s Reassuring Life Advice For Struggling Artists

If this excerpt featured in Fast Company is any indication, the book “Getting There: A Book of Mentors” looks to fall into my must-buy-then-must-read category (as opposed to must-buy-then-lie-in-a-stack-by-the-bed-and-collect-dust-for-years). This is a

Character Archetypes: “Juno”

Over the years, I’ve analyzed dozens of movies through the lens of five primary character archetypes: Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, Trickster. This is my theory, that most movies have these five narrative dynamics at work in them: A character or characters with a conscious goal toward which they are

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 14

This is the seventh year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Last week I provided a daily explanation about why you should make it a habit to be generating story ideas. This week, I’ll give you some tips on how to come up with stories.

The Business of Screenwriting: OWA

Three little letters: OWA. But they mean big things for Hollywood screenwriters. What do these letter stand for? Owen Wilson’s Assistant? Afraid screenwriter Mike Le has that covered already. Okay, maybe Overworked Wretched Assistants. Nah, see in Hollywood, they’re just called assistants. The real significance of OWA in

Daily Dialogue — April 14, 2016

“A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.” — The Silence of the Lambs (1991), screenplay by Ted Tally, novel by Thomas Harris The Daily Dialogue theme for the week: Villain. Today’s suggestion by Rashonda. Trivia: Jame “Buffalo

Gender as Represented in Spec Script Deals: 1991–2015

In 2013, I posted some analysis of spec script deals from 1991–2012: Recently we have seen quite a few studies and analysis pointing out gender inequity in the entertainment business including independent films, television, even the theater. Now we can add spec scripts to the mix. The post included

Character Archetypes: “The Apartment”

Over the years, I’ve analyzed dozens of movies through the lens of five primary character archetypes: Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, Trickster. This is my theory, that most movies have these five narrative dynamics at work in them: A character or characters with a conscious goal toward which they are

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 13

This is the sixth year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Last week I provided a daily explanation about why you should make it a habit to be generating story ideas. This week, I’ll give you some tips on how to come up with stories.

Spec Script Deal: “Deeper”

Max Landis sells supernatural action spec script “Deeper” to MGM. From Variety: The spec was announced last November and involves a former astronaut hired to take a submersible to the lowest point in the ocean. As the submersible gets closer to its destination, supernatural events transpire. Bradley Cooper is attached

Spec Script Deal: “Done It All”

Cliff Hollingsworth sets up spec biopic “Done It All” to GMH Productions. From Deadline: Merle Haggard’s life may be made into a feature film. GMH Productions has optioned the script “Done It All”, about the life of the legendary country singer/songwriter/musician, written by Cinderella Man scribe Cliff

Daily Dialogue — April 13, 2016

SYNDROME: Huh? Huh? Oh, come on, you gotta admit this is cool! Just like a movie! The robot will emerge dramatically, do some damage, throw some screaming people, and just when all hope is lost, Syndrome will save the day! I’ll be a bigger hero than you ever were.

Reader Question: What are three good ‘how to’ scripts to read?

Three scripts essential for learning the craft. Lee, I assume by “how to” scripts, you mean screenplays which are not only great stories, but also examples of strong screenwriting practices. I am tempted to name the very first three I ever read because in addition to Syd Field’s book

Announcing: 2016 Black List Screenwriters Lab

When: October 16–22, 2016 Where: Los Angeles Cost: All expenses paid I have participated in all eight Black List screenwriting labs and each has been a tremendous experience. You can read testimonials from participating writers below: Athena Film Festival Chicago Las Vegas Los Angeles New York San Francisco Toronto

Character Archetypes: “The Wizard of Oz”

Over the years, I’ve analyzed dozens of movies through the lens of five primary character archetypes: Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, Trickster. This is my theory, that most movies have these five narrative dynamics at work in them: A character or characters with a conscious goal toward which they are

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 12

This is the seventh year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Last week I provided a daily explanation about why you should make it a habit to be generating story ideas. This week, I’ll give you some tips on how to come up with stories.

Screenwriting 101: William Goldman

“Screenplays don’t have to read like an instruction manual for a refrigerator. You can write them as a pleasurable read.” — William Goldman Comment Archive

Daily Dialogue — April 12, 2016

“Pop quiz, hotshot. There’s a bomb on a bus. Once the bus goes 50 miles an hour, the bomb is armed. If it drops below 50, it blows up. What do you do? What do you do?” — Speed (1994), written by Graham Yost The Daily Dialogue theme for the

Learn a Proven Approach to Story Prep

Have you ever started a script and not finished it? Has it ever taken you 6 months, 1 year, or more to finish a script? Have you ever gotten so lost when writing a story, you became incredibly frustrated, and gave up? Chances are you did not do enough story

Reader Question: How would you define “inner motivation” and “outer motivation”

From my email: Subject: inner motivation / outer motivation Message: brief definition please. A short email requiring a long answer. Inner motivation. Outer motivation. This sounds like the jargon of a screenwriting ‘guru’. Let me try to put a human face on these concepts. You are a person. You have a

Character Archetypes: “True Grit”

Over the years, I’ve analyzed dozens of movies through the lens of five primary character archetypes: Protagonist, Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, Trickster. This is my theory, that most movies have these five narrative dynamics at work in them: A character or characters with a conscious goal toward which they are