Go Into The Story

Watch movies. Read scripts. Write pages.

I came up with this screenwriting mantra eight years ago. Still works.

Interview (Part 2): 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 2: Narrative Framework

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

Screenwriting 101: Michael Werwie

“I’m a big fan of outlining even though I hate doing it. It doesn’t have to be 50 pages, but I think it’s helpful to know the signposts…

Daily Dialogue — June 12, 2018

“And the dream breaks into a million, tiny little pieces which leaves you with a choice. You can either stick with it which is unbearable…

Facing the Blank Page

Reflections on the start of the writer’s journey.

Interview (Part 1): 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 1: Compelling Protagonist

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

On Writing

“If something inside of you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real…

Daily Dialogue — June 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…

Screenwriting News (June 4-June 10, 2018)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

Go Into The Story Script Reading & Analysis: “The Florida Project”

The entire 6 part series delving into the critically acclaimed indie film.

Great Scene: “Fight Club”

One of the most effective ways to begin a script is to start at the ending. And one of the best scenes that opens with the ending is in the…

Interview (Written): Olivia Milch

Co-writer of Ocean’s 8 and the upcoming movie Barbie.

Daily Dialogue — June 10, 2018

“Shut up and take the pain. Take the pain!”

My biggest takeaway is this: We need more movies like The Florida Project.

This and Short Term 12 should be required viewing for everyone.

Well, the last words are just heartbreaking when Moonee races over to see her friend Jancey before…

But I’ll focus on this exchange:

That’s a beautiful take, Georgina, and you touch on several thematic dynamics interwoven in the…

Another point you touch on is the innocence and even daily joy the children have in exploring the ‘wonders’ of their world. It’s one thing…

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 345th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Script Analysis: “The Florida Project” — Part 6: Takeaways

Read the script for the critically acclaimed indie film and analyze it all this week.

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: Snacks

This is a really dumb trick, but damn, if it doesn’t work.

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Nora Ephron

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,677 consecutive days and counting.

Daily Dialogue — June 9, 2018

“Give ’em hell, 54.”

Script Analysis: “The Florida Project” — Part 5: Dialogue

Read the script for the critically acclaimed indie film and analyze it all this week.

The Theology of Screenwriting: Salvation

On the one hand, salvation is directed toward saving someone else. On the other hand, it is a gift, not an achievement.