Go Into The Story

Character Introductions: Part 2

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

“Dare to Suck”

Writers, if you suffer from perfectionism, you MUST watch this video!

Script Analysis: “Jackie” — Part 2: Plot

Read the script for the Oscar nominated movie and analyze it all this week.

Screenwriting 101: John Lasseter

“There are three things you need to do to make a movie that is successful, a move that truly entertains your audience. First, you’ve got to…

Daily Dialogue — January 31, 2017

“I’m giving you a choice. Either put on these glasses… or start eating that trash can.”

Jackie is an excellent read and little wonder it made the 2010 Black List.

For those who claim flashbacks are an example of weak writing, which I happen to believe is nonsense, this script will prove problematic…

How I Stopped Whining and Loved the 1 Page Synopsis

We all hate writing loglines and treatments… unless they make you $$$.

Character Introductions: Part 1

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

Go Into The Story Interview: Spencer Harvey and Lloyd Harvey

Brother-sister filmmaking duo who won 2016 Nicholl Fellowship

Script Analysis: “Jackie” — Part 1: Scene By Scene Breakdown

Read the script for the Oscar nominated movie and analyze it all this week.

On Writing

“Plot grows out of character. If you focus on who the people in your story are, if you sit and write about two people you know and are…

Daily Dialogue — January 30, 2017

“You tell him… tell him I’m coming. Tell him I’m fucking coming.”

The next Go Into The Story Read and Analysis Script: “Jackie”

Read the 2010 Black List script for the movie and analyze it next week.

Interview (Part 6): Spencer Harvey and Lloyd Harvey (2016 Nicholl Winners)

My conversation with the brother and sister writing duo from Australia.

Screenwriting News (January 23-January 29, 2017)

This week’s writing deals and movie project news.

2017 Dialogue-Writing Challenge: Week 4

Writing prompts #16–20. Practice writing dialogue. Win a free class with me.

Sundance 2017: The Wrap Industry Panel

Panel on the explosion of digital distribution, but you still need a good story.

Daily Dialogue — January 29, 2017

Flik: Here, pretend — pretend that that’s a seed. Dot: It’s a rock. Flik: Oh, I know it’s a rock, I know. But let’s just pretend for a…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Threat

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,180 consecutive days and counting.

Screenwriting Lessons: Michael Arndt [5 part series]

Insights from the screenwriter of Little Miss Sunshine and Toy Story 3

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 274th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Spec Script Deal: “Skyward”

Twentieth Century Fox buys historical drama spec script “Skyward” written by Joe Ballarini. From Deadline:

Interview (Written): James L. Brooks

Screenwriter (As Good As It Gets) & TV writer (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)

Daily Dialogue — January 28, 2017

“Wanna know how I got these scars?”

Spec Script Deal: “Little America”

Universal acquires “sci-fun” spec script “Little America” written by Rowan Athale. From THR: