Go Into The Story

The act of writing provides health benefits

“From long-term health improvements to short-term benefits like sleeping better, it’s official: Writers are doing something right.”

Writing Tip: Screenplays are stories, not formulas

William Goldman has famously written, “Screenplays are structure.” That is true in a tangible sense because at some point, a script becomes…

Page One: “A History of Violence” (2005)

Screenplay by Josh Olson, graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke

Want to see an example of AMPTP psyops in the trades?

Here you go!

Interview (Part 4): Kristen Tepper

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for her script Better Luck Next Time.

Writing Tip: The Disunity to Unity Arc

Reflections on The Lion King and Simba’s physical and psychological journey.

Net profits = zilch

“Net profit participation” sounds so nice, but…

Page One: “Hereditary” (2018)

Written by Ari Aster

WGA Response to Studios Indicates No Quick End to Strike

The two sides returned to the bargaining table last Friday for the first time since the strike began on May 2.

Interview (Part 3): Kristen Tepper

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for her script Better Luck Next Time.

Script To Screen: “Pi”

An unforgettable scene from the 1998 movie Pi, written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, story by Darren Aronofsky & Sean Gullette & Eric…

Movie Analysis: Non-Linear Storytelling in ‘Pulp Fiction’

“Tarantino, whether intended it or not, hit upon non-linearity as the only way he could tell one particular storyline involving the fates…

Page One: “Her” (2013)

Written by Spike Jonze

Robert Reich on the Hollywood Strikes, Tech “Leviathans” and a Second Gilded Age

“The real power with regard to the entertainment industry is in Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft and Meta.”

Keys to Handling Exposition

Take my 1-week online class to learn ways to make exposition entertaining. Begins Monday, August 21, 2023.

Interview (Part 2): Kristen Tepper

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for her script Better Luck Next Time.

Screenwriting 101: Philip Dunne

“I hate to admit this, but we got nothing but the worst stuff; all the good books and plays went through the New York readers’ department…

Page One: “Hellboy” (2004)

Screenplay by Guillermo del Toro, screen story by Guillermo del Toro and Peter Briggs, comic books by Mike Mignola

Deadline’s Strike Talk Podcast

Episode 15: On “Ethical AI” & what to expect when WGA-AMPTP talks resume.

Interview (Part 1): Kristen Tepper

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for her script Better Luck Next Time.

Writing Tip: We’re on the road to… somewhere.

A really long bridge… story outlines… and YOU!

On Writing

“There is, I hope, a thesis in my work: we may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated. That sounds goody-two-shoes, I know…

Page One: “Heavenly Creatures” (1994)

Screenplay by Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson

How writers’, SAG strikes inspired global worker solidarity

Hollywood saw global TV as strike insurance. Workers of the world have other plans.

Writing Tip: The First Draft is a Journey of Discovery

“As a writer, when you put something down, you make something happen.”