Go Into The Story

Interview (Part 4:) David L. Williams

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Clementine.

Script To Screen: “Wag the Dog”

A key scene from the 1997 satire Wag the Dog, screenplay by Hilary Henkin and David Mamet, book by Larry Beinhart.

Picket Line Etiquette

I wrote this humor piece in 2001 when it looked like we were going to have a work stoppage. Fortunately, we didn’t and I shelved it. As…

Page One: “The Sopranos”

Written by David Chase, Pilot (8/7/1997)

Go Into The Story Resource: Guides to Classic Movies

Selected by Go Into The Story readers, a compilation of notable movies from the 1930s through 1990s, plus some classic international films.

Interview (Part 3:) David L. Williams

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Clementine.

If you have WGA strike story to tell…

You are invited to share it on my blog.

Hollywood Tales

“I couldn’t believe we were willing to go out and shoot the script that we were gonna shoot. I believe they felt the script worked because…

Page One: “Fleabag”

Written by Phoebe Waller Bridge, Pilot (3/2/2015)

Go Into The Story Resource: A Screenwriter’s Guide to Aristotle’s “Poetics”

You know you should read it. This 44-part series takes you through all of “Poetics” and offers analysis from a screenwriter’s perspective.

Interview (Part 2): David L. Williams

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Clementine.

“What is the simple emotional journey?”

Reflections on one of my favorite writing quotes.

Screenwriting 101: Jason Mark Hellerman

“Nothing is better than having a first draft. Not the best idea you’ve ever had, not writing the first scene, not writing a piece of…

Page One: “Breaking Bad” (5/27/2005 — pilot)

Written by Vince Gilligan

Go Into The Story Resource: Annual Spec Script Market Reports

Detailed information and statistics on every verified spec script deal from 2008–2021, and analysis of the spec script market and business…

Interview (Part 1): David L. Williams

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Clementine.

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month (2023)

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April.

On Writing

“When you consider that there are a thousand ways to express even the simplest idea, it is no wonder writers are under a great strain…

Page One: “Cold Mountain” (2003)

Screenplay by Anthony Minghella, novel by Charles Frazier

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 30

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Because the best way to come up with…

Go Into The Story Interview: Gillian Weeks

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for her script OH THE HUMANITY.

Script To Screen: “Wall-E”

One of the best scenes from the 2008 movie Wall-E, screenplay by Andrew Stanton and Jim Reardon, original story by Andrew Stanton and Pete…

Interviews: ‘Flashdance’ Screenwriters

Conversations with Thomas Hedley Jr. and Joe Eszterhas on the 40th anniversary of a movie which became a cultural phenomenon.

Page One: “The Cocoanuts” (1929)

Book by George S. Kaufman, adapted by Morrie Ryskind

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 29

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Because the best way to come up with…