Go Into The Story

Why the Black List?

Thoughts from the Black List founder and CEO Franklin Leonard.

Sometimes the Best Dialogue is…

No dialogue.

Page One: “The Card Counter” (2021)

Written by Paul Schrader

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 15

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 6): Kieran Turner

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

The Best Last Line of Movie Dialogue

In my view, it’s from the classic 1960 Billy Wilder film The Apartment.

Story and Self-Identity

A scene from A Quiet Place asks a question posed in every story.

Page One: “Capote” (2005)

Screenplay by Dan Futterman, book by Gerald Clarke

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 14

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 5): Kieran Turner

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

Lose the Orphans

One way to cut pages while not messing with the integrity of the story.

Why Staring Into Space Is an Important Strategy for Success

“In the shower we are simply staring into space, washing our hair on autopilot. We aren’t checking our messages or Twitter feed, or writing…

Page One: “Candyman” (2021)

Screenplay by Jordan Peele & Win Rosenfeld and Nia DaCosta, based on the 1992 motion picture entitled Candyman written by Bernard Rose…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 13

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 4): Kieran Turner

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

Reader Question: Does one character “own” each scene?

Which character has the strongest sense of purpose in that very moment? What is their goal? What do they want, both in terms of the overall…

Hurry up and wait

The bane of a screenwriter’s existence: They want the script NOW… then they make you WAIT… and wait… and wait…

Page One: “Caddyshack” (1980)

Written by Brian Doyle-Murray & Harold Ramis) & Douglas Kenney

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 12

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 3): Kieran Turner

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

The Virtues of Spacing Out and Goofing Off

Finally, science is good for something! Spacing out rules!

The act of writing provides health benefits

“From long-term health improvements to short-term benefits like sleeping better, it’s official: Writers are doing something right.”

Page One: “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (2013)

Written by Danny Strong

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 11

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 2): Kieran Turner

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