Go Into The Story

The Importance of Subplots

An in-depth exploration of the value of these mini-stories.

On Writing

“A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”

Page One: “Juror #2” (2024)

Written by Jonathan A. Abrams

Go Into The Story Interview: Colton Childs

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

The Best 25 Films of 2024

A Video Countdown by film critic David Ehrlich.

Page One: “The Innocents” (1961)

Screenplay by William Archibald and Truman Capote, based on the story “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James

Interview (Part 6): Colton Childs

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

David Lynch’s Favorite Films: 10 Movies the Director Wants You to See

David Lynch, who recently passed away, was an eclectic filmmaker, thus, it’s no surprise his favorite films reflect that sensibility.

Page One: “Better Man” (2024)

Written by Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole and Michael Gracey

Interview (Part 5): Colton Childs

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Hero’s Journey as Psychological Journey

When we think of the Hero’s Journey, what comes to mind is a geographical adventure. The Heroine starts out in their Ordinary World…

Page One: “I Saw the TV Glow” (2024)

Written by Jane Schoenbrun

Interview (Part 4): Colton Childs

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Download 2025 WGA Screenwriting Award Nominated Screenplays

10 screenplays. Get them here.

Page One: “Civil War” (2024)

Written by Alex Garland

Interview (Part 3): Colton Childs

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

The Key to Character Introductions

What is it we need to know about a character to help us craft an effective introduction? Their core essence.

Page One: “Nickel Boys” (2024)

Screenplay by RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes, book by Colson Whitehead

Screenwriting 101: Mark Bomback

“A big misconception that people have about these franchise movies is that all the studios care about is the action. It’s very cynical and…

Interview (Part 2): Colton Childs

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Page One: “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (2024), original title: “Dane-ye anjir-e ma’abed”

Written by Mohammad Rasoulof

Interview (Part 1): Colton Childs

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

On Writing

“Don’t write about a character. Become that character, and then write your story.”

Page One: “The Fire Inside” (2024)

Written by Barry Jenkins, based on the documentary T-Rex

The Iceberg Theory of Writing

How much character development is enough?