Go Into The Story

Joseph, here are two links:

Download over 100 movie scripts

Joseph, the point you made about allowing “the first draft to suck” cannot be emphasized enough.

By embracing the fact your first draft will *not* be perfect, that it will in all likelihood suck, that actually takes the pressure *off*…

The Despair of the Blank Page

What if when you start writing a story… the page really ISN’T blank?

How They Write A Script: Alvin Sargent

“I think too many people are too organized; they’ve got it all worked out, instead of hearing their characters first. Get the goop out…

Go Into The Story Resource: 120 Scene-Writing Prompts

At a fundamental level, screenwriting is scene-writing. Use these prompts to improve your scene-writing chops.

Scene Description Spotlight: “Unforgiven”

The ‘folksy’ narrative voice in synch with the movie’s Western genre and a clean read with strong bursts of imagematic writing.

The Business of Screenwriting: When you don’t get the gig

We are seated in the expansive office of a top Hollywood director and we are having a great time. I mean a really great time. We talk…

Daily Dialogue — May 9, 2019

Nacho: I’m a little concerned right now. About… your salvation and stuff. How come you have not been baptized? Esqueleto: Because I never…

Handling Rejection

It can motivate… debilitate… or take a long time to see its meaning.

Andrew Stanton TED Talk: “Clues to a Great Story”

A 10-part series analyzing the Pixar writer-director’s TED Talk.

Go Into The Story Resource: Reader Questions

Nearly 300 questions on virtually any subject related to screenwriting with my responses and feedback from GITS readers.

Dan Harmon, The Hero’s Journey, and the Circle Theory of Story

From the archives, a February 2012 post featuring Dan Harmon’s ‘circle theory’ of Story. I’ve updated it with a video featuring Joseph…

Script To Screen: “Scream”

Part of the memorable opening sequence in the 1996 horror movie Scream, written by Kevin Williamson.

Daily Dialogue — May 8, 2019

Pete: I’ll be a sonofabitch. Delmar’s been saved. Delmar O’Donnell: Well, that’s it, boys. I’ve been redeemed. The preacher’s done warshed…

Go Into The Story goes to Paris

Reflections on my recent three day master class with 120 French writers, creatives, and movie and television professionals.

Interview: Denise Meyers

How her film The Dark of Night came to debut at the Cannes Film Festival.

Go Into The Story Resource: Everything You Wanted to Know About Specs

A 20 part series, essential reading for anyone who is writing and hoping to sell a spec script.

Writing and the Creative Life: 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.”

Screenwriting 101: Claire Denis

“ In terms of writing a script, I have to figure out moments, and if I see a moment that is fulfilled, I think, now I can start writing…

Daily Dialogue — May 7, 2019

“How do you do it? How do you get all your friends to get baptized just so you can make a monster movie?”

The Coen Brothers and the Craft of Storytelling

My one-week online class begins Monday, May 13th.

Writing Mantra: “The story rules”

The first and last commandment of writing.

Go Into The Story Resource: Conversations With Billy Wilder

A 28-part journey through the wonderful book “Conversations with Billy Wilder” focusing on the master filmmaker’s take on screenwriting…

Reader Question: What to do when you feel out of touch with creative energy?

“Be sure not to overlook an obvious consideration: Do you have a strong emotional connection to the story you’re writing?”

On Writing

“When I’m thinking about these more abstract, philosophical questions, I start thinking about scenarios that might dramatize them, and…