Go Into The Story

Ethan Hawke on Creativity

You may know Ethan Hawke as an actor from notable performances in such films as Dead Poets Society, Training Day, First Reformed, and the…

Scripted TV production has virtually stopped in L.A.

Nearly two months after writers’ strike began, the movement is stronger than ever.

Script To Screen: “Thelma & Louise”

One of the most memorable movie endings in the last quarter century: Thelma & Louise (1990), written by Callie Khouri.

Page One: “An Education” (2009)

Screenplay by Nick Hornby, memoir by Lynn Barber

Writing Tip: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Characters

Not every character is created equal, but how we treat each one is equally important.

“Growin’ Up Zas”

A brand new animated family series written, directed, produced, and starring Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav.

Script To Screen: “There’s Something About Mary”

One of the most memorable scenes from the 1998 comedy There’s Something About Mary, screenplay by Ed Decter & John J. Strauss and Peter…

Interview: Gene Stupnitsky

Conversations with the co-writer/director of the new Jennifer Lawrence movie No Hard Feelings.

Page One: “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

Screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie and Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, based on the novel “All You Need Is Kill” by Hiroshi…

How to approach writing a villain Protagonist?

Three keys to crafting a Bad Guy who is your story’s Protagonist.

How A24 took over Hollywood

A video overview of the successful movie and television production and distribution company.

A Therapist Shares Mental Health Tips for Striking Writers

“Learning to tolerate anxiety, to not know what will happen but still move forward, is a valuable skill for writers, as it’s always been an…

Of Beginnings and Endings

Remember when you first came up with the story idea you’re currently writing? How great that felt?

Page One: “Duel” (1971)

Written by Richard Matheson

The Protagonist’s Journey: Character Arc

An excerpt from my book The Protagonist’s Journey: An Introduction to Character-Driven Screenwriting and Storytelling.

“The only way out is through”

Imagine the process of writing a story as being a journey. Perhaps as you embark on your adventure, you have a map — an outline or beat…

“They’re Scared”

5,000-Plus Demonstrators Rally In L.A. to Support Writers Strike.

24/7/365

When you’re a writer, you’re basically never NOT working.

Page One: “Eighth Grade” (2018)

Written by Bo Burnham

Harrison Ford on why we love Indiana Jones

The cast of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has been making the rounds to drum up publicity for the latest installment in the…

Reader Question: How to handle the passage of time in a script?

Time management can be a big concern in a screenplay.

Deadline’s Strike Talk Podcast

Episode 7: Billy Ray talks with AI, specifically CHATGPT4, designed — by its own admission — to “replace screenwriters.”

Script To Screen: “The Thin Man”

A scene in the first in a series of successful Thin Man movies and, of course, it features drinking alcohol… or the aftermath thereof.

Page One: “Drugstore Cowboy” (1989)

Screenplay by Gus Van Sant and Daniel Yost, novel by James Fogle

The Protagonist’s Journey: Narrative Imperative

An excerpt from my book The Protagonist’s Journey: An Introduction to Character-Driven Screenwriting and Storytelling.