Go Into The Story

Reader Question: Who is the Nemesis in “character driven” films?

Is it necessary for more character-oriented movies to feature a specific Antagonist figure?

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 15

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES.

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 10: Metamorphosis

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because…

Writing and the Creative Life: What are you afraid of?

The single greatest inhibitor to creativity is fear. Do you recognize any of these voices?

Daily Dialogue — October 12, 2018

‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our…

The 2018 “For Your Consideration” Screenplay Download Season officially begins!

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

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 14

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 9: The Ending

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because…

The Business of Screenwriting: Premieres!

It’s one of the perks of working in the business: Attending movie premieres.

Daily Dialogue — October 11, 2018

Moses: Friend, I think the planets are against us. Tyrone: Hey, I know what you’re thinking, but first appearances have a way of being…

“Should I write a story if I’m not sure I’m a writer?”

What if a fully-formed story pops into your head, but you’ve never written a screenplay before?

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 13

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 8: The Middle

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because it’s…

Spec Script Deal: “Wink”

Warner Bros. acquires romantic comedy spec script “Wink” written by Brad Desch. From Deadline:

Daily Dialogue — October 10, 2018

“That’s four fouls. One more and you’re outta there.”

Writing Dialogue

My unique 1-week online course begins Monday, October 22.

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 12

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 7: The Beginning

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because it’s…

Screenwriting 101: Bill Holderman

“Having worked with and been on both sides of those meetings, I think it’s really important for writers to not be defensive and to be open…

Daily Dialogue — October 9, 2018

“I play, coach stays. He goes, I go.”

Reader Question: Do characters “own” a scene?

Ownership is less important than underlying conflict between characters.

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 11

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 6: Visual Style

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because…

Spec Script Deal: “You Are Leaving The American Sector”

Parallel Films acquires spy thriller spec script “You are Leaving the American Sector” written by Jared Cowie. From Deadline:

Daily Dialogue — October 8, 2018

“Let’s cheer this guy on as he prepares for the impossible.”