Go Into The Story

Reader Question: What should I do if a project sells in Hollywood which is similar to a script I’m…

Before you jump, step back from the ledge, and consider the following.

Andrew Stanton TED Talk: “Clues to a Great Story”

A 10-part series analyzing the Pixar writer-director’s TED Talk.

Go Into The Story Resource: Great Characters

Need inspiration? Here are 100+ articles analyzing great movie characters.

Writing and the Creative Life: Seeing… Hearing…

One day a while ago, I was out with my family for a walk in the neighborhood. As we returned home, I noticed a speed limit sign in the…

Daily Dialogue — May 11, 2018

“I ain’t got time to bleed.”

Dan Harmon, The Hero’s Journey, and the Circle Theory of Story

From the archives, a February 2012 post featuring Dan Harmon’s ‘circle theory’ of Story. I’ve updated it with a video featuring Joseph…

Live Stream Events: In Conversation with Rainn Wilson / Q&A with Bo Burnham

Two great events — today (May 10) and tomorrow (May 11) — live streamed on YouTube as part of the DePaul University Visiting Artists…

Go Into The Story Resource: Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work

20 writing tips which actually are quite smart… because they work!

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

Part 14: Going Wide

Daily Dialogue — May 10, 2018

“You’re a funny guy, Sully, I like you. That’s why I’m going to kill you last.”

Reader Question: What is life really like for a beginning screenwriter?

For a writer who has just broken into the business?

Screenwriting Tip: Character Work as Iceberg

How much character development is enough?

Go Into The Story Resource: 100 Scene-Writing Prompts

At a fundamental level, screenwriting is scene-writing. Use these prompts to improve your scene-writing chops.

Script To Screen: “Fargo”

Here is a terrific scene from a terrific movie, the 1996 film Fargo, screenplay by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen for which they won an Academy…

Daily Dialogue — May 9, 2018

“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… And I’m all out of bubblegum.”

“On Story”: Eric Heisserer

A half-hour with the screenwriter of the hit movie Arrival from his panel at the 2017 Austin Film Festival.

Tweetstorm: Amy Berg on Staffing a TV Writer’s Room (Part 2)

A series of tweets about the phenomenon which is staffing season.

Go Into The Story Resource: Reader Questions

Nearly 300 questions on virtually any subject related to screenwriting with my responses and feedback from GITS readers.

Screenwriting 101: Mickey Fisher

“I think the best thing I ever did for myself was to not wait around for someone to give me a break. I kept writing, I kept making my own…

Daily Dialogue — May 8, 2018

“You’re a disease… and I’m the cure.”

Pixar and the Craft of Storytelling

My popular one week online class begins Monday, May 14th.

Tweetstorm: Amy Berg on Staffing a TV Writer’s Room (Part 1)

A series of tweets about the phenomenon which is staffing season.

Go Into The Story Resource: Everything You Wanted to Know About Specs

A 20 part series, essential reading for anyone who is writing and hoping to sell a spec script.

On Writing

“Young writers often confuse dialogue with conversation, under the assumption that the closer you get to reality, the more convincing you…

Daily Dialogue — May 7, 2018

“I’m gonna take you to the bank, Senator Trent — to the blood bank!”