Go Into The Story

Script to Screen: “Witness”

The movie’s title exists for a reason: Samuel witnesses a brutal murder.

Writing and the Creative Life: Creativity-In-Action

“Creativity requires more than a dream. In many cases, people struggle to turn their dreams into a reality not because they lack ambition…

Page One: “Nowhere Boy” (2009)

Screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh

Tips on How to Write While Holding Down a Job

Some practical advice to engender productivity even while working full-time.

Interview (Part 4): Leigh Cesiro and Erica Matlin

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Cruel Summer.

The Writer as Psychologist

“It is our responsibility to understand each of characters to the core of their emotional, spiritual, and psychological being.”

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: “Now You See Me” (2013)

Screenplay by Ed Solomon and Boaz Yakin & Edward Ricourt, story by Boaz Yakin & Edward Ricourt

Narrative Imperative: The Protagonist’s Destiny

Reflections by Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell invert the writing process.

Interview (Part 3): Leigh Cesiro and Erica Matlin

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Cruel Summer.

The Theology of Cinema: Conversion

A character transforming from their Old Self into a New Self is a narrative arc we see time and time again, a kind of “conversion”…

Great Scene: “A Serious Man”

This 2009 movie by Joel and Ethan Coen is not only an homage to their Jewish upbringing, but also to the Old Testament book of Job.

Page One: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

Screenplay by Caroline Thompson, adaptation by Michael McDowell, story and characters by Tim Burton

The Psychological Subtext of the Call To Adventure

At the beginning of the story, the Protagonist is just making do. Then something happens which jumbles their life… and their journey…

Interview (Part 2): Leigh Cesiro and Erica Matlin

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Cruel Summer.

Great Scene: “Michael Clayton”

Clayton confronts Crowder, then rides alone with his thoughts.

Screenwriting 101: Brian Arnold

“I like to take my time, feeling scenes out. I don’t like to really dive into a scene until I know why it needs to exist. I remember an…

Page One: “Nocturnal Animals” (2016)

Screenplay by Tom Ford, novel by Austin Wright

“Beginning. Middle. End.”

Consider the universality of narrative in three movements.

Interview (Part 1): Leigh Cesiro and Erica Matlin

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Cruel Summer.

Video: “Dare to Suck”

Writers, if you suffer from perfectionism, you MUST watch this video!

On Writing

“Contrary to popular wisdom, being ‘blocked’ is not about running out of things to say. Instead, it’s succumbing to the unrealistic…

Page One: “Nightmare Alley” (2021)

Screenplay by Guillermo del Toro & Kim Morgan, novel by William Lindsay Gresham

Why Staring Into Space Is an Important Strategy for Success

“In the shower we are simply staring into space, washing our hair on autopilot. We aren’t checking our messages or Twitter feed, or writing…

The Nemesis as the Protagonist’s ‘Shadow’

Want drama? Ask your Protagonist: What do you fear the most? Then put them in a story where they have to confront that fear: Their Nemesis.