Go Into The Story

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…

2018 Scene-Writing Challenge: Day 9

Write some scenes. Win a great prize.

The Business of Screenwritng: I can do that!

A writer rises to meet the challenge of any story.

Daily Dialogue — August 16, 2018

“Twenty-two, twenty-two, come on back to me, come on back to me!”

Special Note to European Based Writers!

Upcoming Master Classes with me in London and Cologne!

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…

2018 Scene-Writing Challenge: Day 8

Write some scenes. Win a great prize.

Script To Screen: “Grosse Pointe Blank”

From the 1997 movie Grosse Pointe Blank, screenplay by Tom Jankiewicz and D.V. DeVincentis & Steve Pink & John Cusack, story by Tom…

Daily Dialogue — August 15, 2018

The inmates are playing cards and betting with cigarettes.

Interview: Scott Myers

75 minutes of yours truly on “The Process with Brad Wilson” podcast on creativity, productivity, and the power behind the adage “Follow…

Set Pieces, Part 2: Emotional Meaning

One of the most valuable pieces of brainstorming a screenwriter can do with regard to a story is conjure up some good set pieces.

2018 Scene-Writing Challenge: Day 7

Write some scenes. Win a great prize.

Screenwriting 101: Dustin Lance Black

“That’s where I start, taking an idea, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, and figuring out why — not just what you’re going to tell, not…

Daily Dialogue — August 14, 2018

Charlie: Now casinos have house rules: they don’t like to lose. So you never show that you’re counting cards. That is the cardinal sin…

Plot = Structure

Explore inner workings of the screenplay universe: Plotline and Themeline.

Set Pieces, Part 1: Spin the Plot

One of the most valuable pieces of brainstorming a screenwriter can do with regard to a story is conjure up some good set pieces.

2018 Scene-Writing Challenge: Day 6

Write some scenes. Win a great prize.

On Writing

“When I write, I live with my characters. It’s like going to work. You see the people at the next desk in full regalia all the time, and…

Daily Dialogue — August 13, 2018

Macon: Well, looks like you just about cleaned everybody out, fellah. You haven’t lost a hand since you got to deal. What’s the secret of…

Screenwriting News (August 6 — August 12, 2018)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

Spec Script Deal: “The Fishermen”

Voltage Pictures acquires action drama spec script “The Fishermen” written by John C. Richards. From Deadline:

Go Into The Story Interview: Charlie Wachtel and David Rabinowitz

My entire interview with the co-writers of the movie BlacKkKlansman.

Videos: Academy Originals Screenwriter Interviews

Featuring John August, Ava DuVernay, Eric Roth, Aline Brosh McKenna, David Seidler, Dustin Lance Black, and more.

Daily Dialogue — August 12, 2018

Mr. Braddock: Ben, what are you doing? Benjamin: Well, I would say that I’m just drifting. Here in the pool. Mr. Braddock: Why? Benjamin…

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 354th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…