Go Into The Story

Selling Scripts and Shooting Scripts

There are two key stages in the life of a screenplay: There is the selling script and the shooting script.

Page One: “Cruel Intentions” (1999)

Screenplay by Roger Kimble, novel by Choderlos de Laclos

Break your story in prep

My only Prep: From Concept to Outline workshop of 2023 begins July 10th.

Interview (Part 4): Elad Ziv

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Court 17.

Writers’ Shut-It-Down Strategy Has Been Effective

Executives privately admit the WGA’s strategy is working.

Character Archetype: The Role of the Trickster in “The Dark Knight”

In a recent Screenwriting Master Class course, we had an interesting discussion about the role of Coleman Reese in the movie The Dark…

Page One: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)

Screenplay by Hui-Ling Wang and James Schamus and Kuo Jung Tsai, based on a book by Du Lu Wang

Go Into The Story Resource: Page One

A daily series featuring the first page of notable movie scripts from all eras.

Interview (Part 3): Elad Ziv

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Court 17.

L.A. Times: Media and Entertainment Company Executive Compensation

“Of the top 30 highest-paid CEOs in America, 27% come from the media and entertainment space, even though the entertainment and media…

Screenwriting 101: F. Scott Frazier

“As far as serendipity vs. talent, I feel you have to both, but the ratio is different for every person. There are so many factors in…

Page One: “Cyrano” (2021)

Screenplay by Erica Schmidt, based on the stage musical adapted by Erica Schmidt, from “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand

Go Into The Story Resource: Songwriters on Songwriting

From David Byrne to Brian Wilson, Joan Baez to Suzanne Vega… wisdom about the creative process from a musical perspective.

Interview (Part 2): Elad Ziv

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Court 17.

Deadline’s Strike Talk Podcast With Billy Ray And Todd Garner

Episode 4: Featured guest Bill Mechanic, Oscar-nominated producer and chairman/CEO of Pandemonium.

‘Good Will Hunting’ Meets Screenwriting Gurus

A recent tweet thread sparked interest among screenwriters on Twitter.

Page One: “Crash” (2004)

Screenplay by Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco, story by Paul Haggis

Go Into The Story Resource: Hollywood Writing Fellowships

List and links to multiple writing and mentoring programs.

Interview (Part 1): Elad Ziv

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Court 17.

Picket Astrology: What’s Your Sign?

Striking members of the WGA explain their picket signs.

On Writing

“I’ve thought about endings a lot because I have to write them. While I usually have a vague idea of an ending when I start writing a play…

Page One: “The Conversation” (1974)

Written by Francis Ford Coppola

Go Into The Story Resource: 30 Things About Screenwriting

Reflections on and basic tenets about the craft. They represent my take. If any of them resonate with you, great. If not, feel free to…

Go Into The Story Script Reading & Analysis: “Living”

The entire 6-part series delving into the award-winning drama.

The Writers Are Striking For The Future Of Entertainment

The Writers Guild of America is trying to save the film and TV industry from destroying itself.