Go Into The Story (Page 475)

Reader Question: Should I reference other movies when pitching my own?

“I have heard/read that most Hollywood types believe it to be amateurish, while others feel it gives the reader a better sense of the…

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 9] — The Only Way Out Is Through

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2017 and will do in 2018.

Test your story concept

If your goal is to traffic in mainstream, commercial movies, I cannot overstate the importance of your spec script’s story concept. As I…

The Business of Screenwriting: The Crazed Life of a Studio Executive

There is nothing laid-back about movie execs who live life in the fast lane and this impacts you — the writer.

Daily Dialogue — December 13, 2018

“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”

John, congrats on your wedding (vows). Lots of pressure there and evidently, you nailed it.

If you aren’t in the habit of reading movie scripts, I’d recommend you add that to your regular study practice. A huge benefit to see how…

Ezra, it all comes down to one thing: Your script.

So focus on the WRITING. As a reference, read professional screenplays. Read dozens of them. Your script needs to measure up to those…

Test your story concept

If your goal is to traffic in mainstream, commercial movies, I cannot overstate the importance of your spec script’s story concept. As I…

Set-up and Payoffs

One of the most important narrative elements screenwriters have available to us is set-ups and payoffs. The basic idea is this: We…

Writing Goals: 2018 [Part 8] — First Draft

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Spec Script Deal: “The French Quarter Will Not Be Spared”

Lionsgate acquires horror spec script “The French Quarter Will Not Be Spared” written by Anthony Jaswinski. From Deadline:

Script To Screen: “Lincoln”

A memorable scene from the 2012 movie Lincoln, written by Tony Kushner.

Daily Dialogue — December 12, 2018

“When I’m around you, I kind of feel like I’m on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case I do them all the time. All…

Script To Screen: “Lincoln”

A memorable scene from the 2012 movie Lincoln, written by Tony Kushner.

Pixar and the Craft of Storytelling

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 7] — Time Management

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Spec Script Deal: “Wolf Country

Endeavor Content acquires adventure drama spec script “Wolf Country” written by Pete Begler. From Deadline:

Screenwriting 101: Michael Werwie

“In my early scripts I put a lot of thought and a lot of energy into crafting and shaping theme, weaving it through the story to the point…

Daily Dialogue — December 11, 2018

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a…

The 2018 “Twas the Night Before Black List…” Challenge

Annual writing contest with Black List & Screenwriting Master Class prizes.

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 6] — Schedule

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Update: 2018 Award Season Screenplay Downloads — 4 New Script, 12 Total

It’s that time of year again when studios and production companies make available PDFs of movie scripts for award season.

On Writing

“You must once and for all give up being worried about successes and failures. Don’t let that concern you. It’s your duty to go on working…

Daily Dialogue — December 10, 2018

“I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you’re the greatest woman on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates…

Ira, I will be expanding these ideas in the form of a book I’ve been commissioned to write.

Someone could argue, “How can I expect working with characters to lead to the story’s structure? Their lives are as messy and convoluted as…