Go Into The Story

Page One: “Swordfish” (2001)

Written by Skip Woods

The Importance of Subplots

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

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: Create an argument

Let’s say you’re stuck writing a flat scene. No matter how you’ve approached it, the scene just lays there.

Think Concepts

The foundation of a good script is a strong story concept.

Screenwriting 101: Brian Arnold

“One of the reasons I historically have not been a big outliner is I have a lot of experience with improv. I know that’s a weird thing to…

Page One: “Suffragette” (2015)

Written by Abi Morgan

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie?

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because it’s…

How To Read A Screenplay

If you’re serious about learning the craft, here are some ways to dig into scripts.

The Curse of Shiny Object Syndrome

“It’s not quite ADD/ADHD. It’s more that a new idea captures your imagination and attention in such a way that you get distracted from the…

On Writing

“Three things are in your head: First, everything you have experienced from the day of your birth until right now. Every single second…

Michael, absolutely true.

That said, there is a path of least resistance to breaking into Hollywood and that is — in part — staying “within the lines” of…

Page One: “The Stuntman” (1980)

Screenplay by Lawrence B. Marcus, adaptation by Richard Rush, novel by Paul Brodeur

Sundays with Sidney Lumet’s “Making Movies”

A series featuring reflections on filmmaking by one of the truly great movie directors.

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 7): Style and Language

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.

Screenplays are stories, not formulas

“If you go in with formula, you come out with formula.”

Interview (Video): Guillermo del Toro and Mike Flanagan

A conversation between two masters of the horror genre.

Page One: “The Stranger” (1946)

Screenplay by Anthony Veiller, adaptation by Victor Trivas and Decla Dunning

Hollywood’s New Four-Quadrant Movie Model

You need to know: The old Four-Quadrant Model has changed.

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 6): Themes

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.

Great Scene: “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

A contentious exchange between Riggan and his daughter Sam turns into an acerbic truth-telling moment.

Interview (Video): Brad Ingelsby

From Season 12 of the PBS series “On Story.”

Page One: “Stir of Echoes” (1999)

Screenplay by David Koepp, novel by Richard Matheson

Brian, there's no right or wrong with this issue.

As always, read movie scripts written by professional writers, see what they do, and emulate the ones you feel best reflect your style and…

Reflections of 2022 Black List Feature Writer’s Lab Participants

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

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 5): Metamorphosis

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.