Go Into The Story

Studies in Voice-Over Narration: “The Shawshank Redemption”

Part 1 of a five-part series on movies where voice-over narration works.

On Writing

“Someone asked me the other day about writer’s block. Writer’s block basically doesn’t exist. It’s a way of saying the writing you are…

Daily Dialogue — October 21, 2019

“So, Mr. Williams thinks I am an Uncle Tom, hm? Well, well, well. What does that have to do with your ability to place a comma in its…

The Theology of Cinema: Annunciation

What the Angel’s visit to Mary can teach us about the Call to Adventure.

Movie Story Types: The [Blank] From Hell

This was a popular story conceit back in the 80s and 90s.

Interview (Video): Kasi Lemmons

Conversation with co-writer/director of the upcoming movie Harriet.

Daily Dialogue — October 20, 2019

“What’s in the box?”

The Theology of Screenwriting: Annunciation

What the Angel’s visit to Mary can teach us about the Call to Adventure.

Screenwriting Advice From The Past: Midway in the Photoplay [Part 1]

“Every new turn of the plot must not only interest the audience, but must make them ask mentally, ‘I wonder what will come next’ or ‘How…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Teaching

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 4,174 consecutive days and counting.

Spec Script Deal: “The Tip”

TriStar Pictures acquires thriller spec script “The Tip” written by Cooper McMains. Via Deadline:

Daily Dialogue — October 19, 2019

Carla Jean Moss: You don’t have to do this. Anton Chigurh: [smiles] People always say the same thing. Carla Jean Moss: What do they say…

Reader Question: Is it okay to take more time than normal to set up the story in Act One?

What if that script you’re writing insists on having a 30+ page first act?

Spec Script Deal: “The Traveler”

MGM acquires science fiction spec script “The Traveler” written by Austin Everett. Via Deadline:

Writing and the Creative Life: Here’s to Us Night Owls!

“The conventional wisdom is that morning people are high achievers, go-getters, while late risers are lazy. But what if going to bed in the…

Daily Dialogue — October 18, 2019

“Hello. Anybody here?”

Why are we fascinated with ‘Bad Guys’?

So many current TV series feature anti-heroes. Why?

A Screenwriter’s Guide to Aristotle’s “Poetics”

Free downloadable Go Into The Story eBook.

The Business of Screenwriting: Everything you wanted to know about specs [Part 3]

“In tracking the spec script market over the last three decades, one thing is clear: It’s a cyclical business. However, with the emergence…

Daily Dialogue — October 17, 2019

“18th Century Cameroon, yes? Your taste is in your ass.”

The Thing With Coincidences in Movies…

The difference between Fate… and Writer’s Convenience.

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: What to Do After You Finish Your First Draft

It may seem like a really dumb idea, but it’s a crucial step in rewrite process.

Great Scene: “Wonder Woman”

Diana single-handedly takes on the German Army in the breathtaking No Man’s Land scene from the movie Wonder Woman.

Daily Dialogue — October 16, 2019

“Long live the king.”

The Trouble with ‘Character Flaws’

“Characters, at least good ones, are multilayered individuals.”