Go Into The Story

Script to Screen: “Zombieland”

The very beginning of the movie Zombieland (2009), screenplay by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.

“Nothing succeeds like failure”

Re-thinking the role of failure in the creative life.

Page One: “Catherine Called Birdy” (2022)

Screenplay by Lena Dunham, book by Karen Cushman

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 18

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Because the best way to come up with…

Script Analysis: “Nope” — Part 2: Plot

A week-long analysis of the screenplay for the science fiction horror movie written and directed by Jordan Peele. Download. Read. Discuss.

Hollywood tales

“Working with Billy Wilder on Double Indemnity was an agonizing experience and has probably shortened my life, but I learned from it about…

Screenwriting 101: Jennifer Archer

“Don’t just read — read critically. Spend ten minutes writing down what you like or dislike about a project after reading, for your eyes…

Page One: “Casino” (1995)

Screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi & Martin Scorsese, book by Nicholas Pileggi

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 17

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Because the best way to come up…

Script Analysis: “Nope” — Part 1: Scene-By-Scene Breakdown

A week-long analysis of the screenplay for the science fiction horror movie written and directed by Jordan Peele.

Great Character: Howard Beale (“Network”)

It’s one of the most memorable movie roles in the last 50 years: TV anchorman become crazed prophet, and Dark Mentor Howard Beale, an…

On Writing

“This is why you have to know everything there is to know about the protagonist’s specific internal problem before you create the plot, and…

Page One: “Carlito’s Way” (1993)

Written by Paul Schrader

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 16

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Go Into The Story Interview: Kieran Turner

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Black Dogs.

Why the Black List?

Thoughts from the Black List founder and CEO Franklin Leonard.

Sometimes the Best Dialogue is…

No dialogue.

Page One: “The Card Counter” (2021)

Written by Paul Schrader

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 15

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 6): Kieran Turner

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Black Dogs.

The Best Last Line of Movie Dialogue

In my view, it’s from the classic 1960 Billy Wilder film The Apartment.

Story and Self-Identity

A scene from A Quiet Place asks a question posed in every story.

Page One: “Capote” (2005)

Screenplay by Dan Futterman, book by Gerald Clarke

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 14

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 5): Kieran Turner

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Black Dogs.