Go Into The Story

An Argument Against Screenplay Formulas

Christopher Hampton: “I don’t believe in rules for writing screenplays. What that gives you is formula, and the result will be formulaic.”

“Write what they’re buying or sell them your dream”

There are many writing paths. Here are two of them.

The Business of Screenwriting: Celebrate your victories

Based on my experiences as a screenwriter in Hollywood, there are many things I can advise you to do that are not particularly enjoyable…

Page One: “A Simple Plan” (1998)

Written by Scott B. Smith, based on his novel

2022 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 21

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Reader Question: Are there specific ways to focus a story?

“What is the central theme of my movie? If you can’t answer that question, then that’s probably an area where you would benefit spending…

On Writing: The Difference Between Personal History and Backstory

As writers, we immerse ourselves in the lives of our characters. We get curious and ask questions about them and to them, searching for…

Great Scene: “Moonlight”

The quiet, but intense final scene where Black confesses a secret to Kevin.

Page One: “Silver Streak” (1976)

Written by Colin Higgins

2022 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 20

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

60 Second Screenwriter

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

Dialogue-Writing Exercises

Over 100 prompts to develop your dialogue chops.

Screenwriting 101: Laura Colella

“My hope is that we would revolutionize the film business and figure out a way to make it a viable, exciting industry that caters to the…

Page One: “The Shining” (1980)

Screenplay by Stanley Kubrick & Diane Johnson, based on a novel by Stephen King

Screenplay as a Series of Event-Reactions

“A movie is — in a way — simply a continuous series of event-reactions / moment-responses.”

2022 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 19

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

30 Days of Screenplays

Volume 1 and Volume 2.

On Writing

“You cannot be judging yourself as you write the first draft — you want to harness that unexpected energy, and you don’t want to limit the…

Page One: “The Sessions” (2012)

Screenplay by Ben Lewin, based on an article by Mark O’Brien

2022 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 18

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Go Into The Story Interview: Kryzz Gautier

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script “Wheels Come Off.”

Daily Dialogue

1000s of Go Into The Story posts featuring dialogue in notable movies.

Great Scene: “Amélie”

The wordless ending of the lovely 2001 fantasy romance.

Page One: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013)

Screenplay by Steve Conrad, screen story by Steve Conrad, based on the short story by James Thurber

2022 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 17

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.