Go Into The Story

On this site, I only supply links provided by the studios and production companies.

I have deleted the most recent batch of dead links. I am now updating this site with the 2024 FYC scripts which are just now going public.

How to Break Into the Film Industry Without Any Connections

The screenwriters of the smash hit movie A Quiet Place share the ins and outs of their journey to Hollywood.

Go Into The Story Interview: Michael Ballin and Thomas Aguilar

My interview with 2021 Black List writers.

Page One: “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012)

Screenplay by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, novel by J.R.R. Tolkien

Writing Tip: Beginnings and Endings

Remember when you first came up with the story idea you’re currently writing? How great that felt?

Screenplay: The Importance of Establishing Narrative Voice

From Page 1, Line 1, you must convey your story’s tone and voice.

Page One: “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” (2017)

Written by Tom O’Connor

The Importance of Persistence in a Writer’s Life

“PERSIST on telling your story. PERSIST on reaching your audience. PERSIST on staying true to your vision.”

Video: “The Christ Symbol”

Another in the excellent screenwriting series Raising the Stakes.

Page One: “A Hidden Life” (2019)

Written by Terrence Malick

Make Words Your Friend

When you bust it all down, writing is about choosing words. A writer can choose them well … or not.

2024 Award Season Screenplay Downloads — 2 New Scripts

It’s that time of year again when studios and production companies make available PDFs of movie scripts for award season.

Page One: “A Hero” a.k.a. “Ghahreman” (2021)

Written by Asghar Farhadi

This is something you can do because this is something you have done!

I get email:

Spec Script Deal: “Clean Break

Searchlight Pictures acquires drama spec script “Clean Break” written by Ryan Brennan. Via Deadline:

Page One: “Heavyweights” (1995)

Written by Judd Apatow & Steven Brill

Reflections of 2024 Black List Feature Writer’s Lab Participants

Writers who participated in this year’s Black List Feature Writer’s Lab reflect on their experience.

On Writing

“Style has always been in my mind the author’s Self, the creative expression of that Self.”

Page One: “Blink Twice” (2024)

Written by Zoë Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum

Negative Fear, Positive Fear

“Fear of writing, understandable, but a negative influence. However, fear of NOT writing and what that prospect could mean, that can be a…

Screenwriting 101: Mark Boal

“It’s [The Hurt Locker] the not the first war movie to be told in chapters. Apocalypse Now is told in chapters, in sort of an episodic way…

Page One: “The Idea of You” (2024)

Screenpay by Michael Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt, novel by Robinne Lee

Screenwriting Tip : “Earn this.”

When it comes to a scene where a character makes a critical choice, it’s imperative that you — as the writer — have earned that moment.

On Writing

“A writer has to have an imagination — that’s what make a writer.”

Page One: “My Old Ass” (2024)

Written by Megan Park