Go Into The Story

The Business of Screenwriting: Hurry up and wait

The bane of a screenwriter’s existence: They want the script NOW… then they make you WAIT… and wait… and wait…

Page One: “Quiz Show” (1994)

Screenplay by Paul Attanasio, book by Richard N. Goodwin

Thanks, Michelle. You can read 100s more Go Into The Story interviews here:

https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/go-into-the-story-interviews-9fff8e1cdbda#.umppz2lxe

Screenwriting Back to Basics, Day 3: Plot Emerges From Character

No matter what paradigm or theory you use to craft your screenplay’s plot, the single most important thing you can do is this: Start with…

“Go Into Yourself”

Words of wisdom from Rainer Maria Rilke in his Letters to a Young Poet.

Test Your Story Concept

5 questions to ask about a story idea to assess its viability as a scripted project.

Great Scene: “The Big Lebowski”

“Donny was a good bowler, and a good man. He was one of us.”

Page One: “Queen & Slim” (2019)

Screenplay by Lena Waithe, story by James Frey and Lena Waithe

Screenwriting Back to Basics, Day 2: The Protagonist’s Journey

Transformation lies at the heart of the character’s arc.

How to Handle Blocks of Scene Description

Think of each paragraph as a camera shot… with a catch.

“Earn this.”

When it comes to a scene where a character makes a critical choice, it’s imperative that you — as the writer — have earned that moment.

Screenwriting 101: Chris Mundy

“If you have a choice between a hard plot and what falls more on the emotional side, always fall on the emotional side. People watch shows…

Page One: “Quartet” (2012)

Screenplay by Ronald Harwood based on his play

Screenwriting Back to Basics, Day 1: Writing Scenes

With every scene, you should ask yourself this question: What is the scene’s Beginning, Middle, and End?

Go Into The Story Interview: Tara Tomicevic

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script “Thicker Than Ice.”

The Commuting Writer

If your commute to work is a half-hour or longer, there is every reason in the world you should use that time on your writing projects.

On Writing

“I can count on one hand, or possibly one elbow, the number of good writing ideas I’ve had while straining at the keyboard. When you find…

Page One: “Purple Rain” (1984)

Written by Albert Magnoli & William Blinn

Sundays with Sidney Lumet’s “Making Movies”

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

Interview (Part 6): Tara Tomicevic

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script “Thicker Than Ice.”

Go Into The Story Interview: James Ponsoldt

An exclusive conversation with the co-writer and director of the drama film Summering.

Page One: “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002)

Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

Meg is always a popular presenter in public venues such as the Austin Film Festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j28Ncqi1ufc&list=PLsubzWvFXmVQ6GeTYGP7noJwIyM2kK2zA

From Zero Draft… to Hero Draft

“There are no mistakes. There are CHOICES. We have a scene. Or a character. Or a dialogue exchange. Whatever we’re writing, it represents…

Interview (Part 5): Tara Tomicevic

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script “Thicker Than Ice.”