Go Into The Story

Page One: “Air Force One” (1997)

Written by Andrew W. Marlowe

Xiao, I always make the point: archetypes are malleable.

That said, if we really drill down to the core narrative function of any character, chances are they best fit into the role of one…

Viridiana, I remember reading an article about filmmaker Robert Rodriguez who had a similar…

As I say, every writer is different. Each of us has to find what works best. If the AM things works for you, Viridiana, great! More power…

2023 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — “What if…”

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Set Pieces, Part 1: Spin the plot

One of the most valuable pieces of brainstorming a screenwriter can do with regard to a story is conjure up some good set pieces.

Great Scene: “Tootsie”

Great scenes are, first and foremost, entertaining, but a really great scene can accomplish so much more. In the movie Tootsie (screenplay…

On Writing

“I give it the first energy of the day. When I get up, I go to my office and start writing. I’m still in my pajamas. I haven’t even brushed…

Page One: “After the Wedding” (2019)

Screenplay by Bart Freundlich, original screenplay by Susanne Bier and Anders Thomas Jensen

Rita, perhaps you can go back in time and somehow contrive to have a father who is an Air Force…

I can do this: send you a blast of creative juju!

On Storytelling: Thoughts, Feelings, Mentors, and Attractors

Reflections on two primary character archetypes.

Go Into The Story Script Reading & Analysis: “Aftersun”

The entire 6-part series delving into the critically acclaimed drama. Download. Read. Discuss.

The Theology of Cinema: Congregation

In giving themselves over to a larger cause, the individuals forge themselves together as a congregation.

Beyond Words 2023

Writers Guild Awards Screenplay Nominees Panels

Page One: “The Addams Family” (1991)

Written by Caroline Thompson & Larry Wilson, characters by Charles Addams

A Simple Writing Technique to Get Your Characters Talking to You … and Win Free Beer!

I’m not kidding. An anecdote from my days as a grad student at Yale.

Script Analysis: “Aftersun” — Part 6: Takeaways

A week-long analysis of the screenplay for the critically acclaimed horror-thriller. Download. Read. Discuss.

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: 1 Page Per Day

1 month prep + 4 months writing + 1 month rewriting = 2 scripts per year.

Interview: Craig Mazin

A conversation with the co-creator of the hit HBO TV series The Last of Us.

Page One: “Absolute Power” (1997)

Screenplay by William Goldman, novel by David Baldacci

As noted in previous responses this week, the specter of Calum's death weaves in and out of the…

CALUM

Thanks, Jacobo.

I’d like to focus on the dramatic irony created by the looming specter of Calum’s death. There is the certain knowledge of his death as…

The story has an intriguing structure as there are three storylines:

--Young Sophie: While spending the majority of her time with her father Calum, she also explores her emerging sexuality, specifically in…

Here is a plot synopsis provided as part of the film's marketing materials:

At a fading vacation resort in the late 1990s, 11-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) treasures rare time together with her loving and…

How to Discover a Character’s Humanity

A writing exercise which helps you tap into a character’s inner life.

Script Analysis: “Aftersun” — Part 5: Dialogue

A week-long analysis of the screenplay for the critically acclaimed horror-thriller. Download. Read. Discuss.