When you think about it, a majority of most of the words you write in a screenplay are scene description. Yet there is very little attention paid on how to write good description. This series does that with examples from notable movie scripts. (500) Days of Summer: How to write

Very occasional reflections in the middle of the night. 4/22/2009 5/15/2009 9/5/2009

Here are five keys to learning the craft of screenwriting. Think Concepts. Watch Movies. Read Scripts. Write Pages. Live Life.

I first studied Joseph Campbell in college and graduate school, then happily discovered his ideas as presented in the seminal book “The Hero With a Thousand Faces” had become popular in Hollywood. I occasionally post an inspirational quote from Campbell accompanied by my own reflections. Here is a collection of

Here are some of my blog posts to help new and aspiring screenwriters get your feet on the ground, key principles and practices to help you learn the basics of screenwriting. Part 1: How I write a screenplay Part 2: 1, 2, 7, 14: A simple formula to be a

This series is not to prep people to become script readers, rather it is an approach for screenwriters to dig into and analyze screenplays, one key to learning the craft. I am not saying this is the way to read a screenplay. There is no right or wrong way. What

Interview excerpts from some of the most notable screenwriters throughout the history of Hollywood. Another great resource to upgrade your understanding of the craft and inspire you at the same time. Allen, Jay Presson (Marnie, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, A Star is Born) Axelrod, George (Bus Stop, Breakfast

Someone asked me how I wrote a script, so I posted a 10-part series on it. One of my most popular series yet. Not a formula, but rather an approach to the process story-crafting process from concept through final edit. Part 1 — Story Concept Part 2 — Brainstorming Part

Anecdotes and tall tales about working in Hollywood. Allen, Jay Presson: “[Hitchcock] taught me more about screenwriting than I learned in all the rest of my career.” Apatow, Judd: “I just loved comedians — I couldn’t believe they would talk to me. So I wrote for dozens…” Arch, Jeff: “Virginia.

Movies you may not have seen, but ought to as selected by Go Into The Story readers along with their overview of each film. Remember: One key to learning the craft of screenwriting is to WATCH MOVIES! A Canterbury Tale A Perfect World Adam and Paul Appaloosa Ball of Fire

An ongoing weekly series wherein I and guest columnist Jason Cuthbert delve into memorable movie characters. This is a great way to brainstorm characters of your own. Mix and match. Gender bend. Genre bend. Use these characters to inspire your own. Sally Albright (When Harry Met Sally) Garth Algar (Wayne’

Here are transcripts of a few chats I hosted on Twitter with three professional script readers. These people are Hollywood gatekeepers, so it is important for a screenwriter to know how they think. Parts 1–10: The Bitter Script Reader, Amanda Pendolino, Nate Winslow. Parts 11–14: The Bitter Script

Interviews I have conducted with screenwriters, TV writers, and professionals working in the movie and TV business. FILMMAKERS (Screenwriters, Writer-Directors, Directors) 2011 Screenwriters Roundtable: Chris Borrelli, F. Scott Frazier, Jeremiah Friedman, Nick Palmer, Justin Rhodes, Greg Russo, John Swetnam. 2012 Screenwriters Roundtable: Chris Borrelli, F. Scott Frazier, Chris McCoy,