Go Into The Story

Go Into The Story Interview: Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Reader Question: Should I write a big budget spec script or not?

Write what you’re passionate about, but there are some good reasons to balance that by putting on your producer’s hat.

Spec Script Deal: Untitled Quinceañera Project

Sony Pictures Entertainment / Columbia Pictures acquires comedy Quinceañera Project spec script written by Emilia Serrano. Via Variety:

Daily Dialogue — June 17, 2018

Jonah Baldwin: If you get a new wife, I guess you’ll get to have sex with her, huh? Sam Baldwin: I certainly hope so. Jonah Baldwin: Will…

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 346th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Interview (Part 6): Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Heist

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,684 consecutive days and counting.

Spec Script Deal: “The Throwdown”

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions acquires comedy spec script “The Throwdown” written by Emilia Serrano. Via Variety:

Daily Dialogue — June 16, 2018

Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Antonelli: You know, it’s dangerous for you to be here in the frozen food section. Shaldeen: Why is that? Vincent ‘Vinnie’…

Interview (Part 5): Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Screenwriting Lessons: “The Social Network” — Part 5: Handling Exposition

A five-part series exploring lessons we can glean from Aaron Sorkin’s script.

Spec Script Deal: “Charlie 3D”

Mandalay Pictures acquires science fiction drama “Charlie 3D” written by Scott Speer. Via Deadline:

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.”

Daily Dialogue — June 15, 2018

“They all look as though they died before they were dead.”

Interview (Part 4): Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Screenwriting Lessons: “The Social Network” — Part 4: Subplots

A five-part series exploring lessons we can glean from Aaron Sorkin’s script.

Joy and Misery in the Pixar Script

Pixar scripts operate from heightened emotion. We identify with the characters because we understand how they feel.

Spec Script Deal: “I Am Yours”

Paramount Pictures acquires thriller spec script written by Ryan Belenzon and Jeffrey Gelber. Via Deadline:

The Business of Screenwriting: Everything you wanted to know about specs

Part 19: The value of a spec script… even if it doesn’t sell.

Daily Dialogue — June 14, 2018

“I cooked artichokes with hollandaise sauce which is melted butter that’s been whipped into a frenzy with egg yolks until it’s died and…

Reader Question: How to handle the passage of time in a script?

Time management can be a big concern in a screenplay.

Interview (Part 3): Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Screenwriting Lessons: “The Social Network” — Part 3: Theme

A five-part series exploring lessons we can glean from Aaron Sorkin’s script.

Great Scene: “Die Hard”

Compare script to screen for the explosive rooftop sequence.

Daily Dialogue — June 13, 2018

“The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one…