Go Into The Story

The Theology of Cinema: Conversion

A character transforming from their Old Self into a New Self is a narrative arc we see time and time again, a kind of “conversion”…

Great Scene: “The Verdict”

Courtroom dramas. A staple of Hollywood cinema for decades. From a string of great films nearly a half-century ago Anatomy of a Murder…

Interview (Video): Todd Field

A conversation with the writer-director of the movie Tár.

Page One: “American Gangster” (2007)

Written by Steven Zaillian, based on an article by Mark Jacobson

2023 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — Get Your Head On Straight

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: Adopt a Different Writing Persona

This is a first in this humble blog’s history: Another Dumb Little Writing Trick That Work, only this one isn’t my idea, but from some…

5-Part Series: Set Pieces

A scene or set of scenes with a big idea, feel and/or scope to them, often associated with major plot points, and always about…

Interview (Written): Jimmy Warden

A conversation with the screenwriter of Cocaine Bear.

Page One: “The American” (2010)

Screenplay by Rowan Joffe, novel by Martin Booth

2023 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — Genre Bend

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Set Pieces, Part 5: Entertainment

A series this week on set pieces: A scene or set of scenes with a big idea, feel and/or scope to them, oftentimes associated with major…

Great Scene: “Up”

Carl gets the house to the top of Paradise Falls, but it’s a Pyrrhic victory.

Writing and the Creative Life: “Believing is seeing”

A twist on the old saying, “Seeing is believing.”

Page One: “All That Jazz” (1979)

Written by Robert Alan Aurthur and Bob Fosse

Hummingbirdheart8: Agreed.

And you are so right about the first page of a script: It should lure the reader to turn the page, to excite them to read more … and be a…

2023 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — Gender Bend

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Set Pieces, Part 4: Complications, Roadblocks and Reversals

A series this week on set pieces: A scene or set of scenes with a big idea, feel and/or scope to them, oftentimes associated with major…

Great Scene: “The Untouchables”

Late night. A quiet bridge. Ness and Malone meet for the first time.

The Business of Screenwriting: Celebrate your victories

Based on my experiences as a screenwriter in Hollywood, there are many things I can advise you to do that are not particularly enjoyable…

Page One: “All Is Lost” (2013)

Written by J.C. Chandor

SS, there's nothing wrong with first draft = final draft (presuming you've worked, reworked, and…

But each writer is different. Do what works best for you. Good luck!

2023 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — Script Diary

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Set Pieces, Part 3: Stakes

A series this week on set pieces: A scene or set of scenes with a big idea, feel and/or scope to them, oftentimes associated with major…

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: “Don’t Finish That Scene!”

Let’s say you’re in the middle of writing a script — and it’s a slog. You’re finding it really tough to drag your ass onto the chair and…

Great Scene: “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Dominic proposes to Siobahn in a gut-wrenching scene from the award-winning film.