Go Into The Story

60 Second Screenwriter: What is a ‘character arc?’

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

The Business of Screenwriting: Commencement of Principal Photography

When your movie officially starts production, that can trigger a writer’s payday.

Page One: “My Week with Marilyn” (2011)

Screenplay by Adrian Hodges, based on books by Colin Clark

Damien Chazelle’s Guide to Beginnings and Endings

“You’ve got to have a good beginning, a good ending, and no shitty scenes in between.”

Interview (Part 2): Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Whittier.

60 Second Screenwriter: How to come up with story ideas?

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

Great Scene: “Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back”

Luke confronts a phantasm of Darth Vader… and his own Shadow.

Page One: “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997)

Written by Ron Bass

Prep: From Concept to Outline: “It works!”

When you enroll in this online workshop, you will receive a FREE personalized autographed copy of my book The Protagonist’s Journey!

Interview (Part 1): Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Whittier.

60 Second Screenwriter: How is a screenplay different than a novel?

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

Screenwriting 101: Allison Buckmelter

“Just go ahead and start a first draft. That was our big thing before, until the last few years. We wouldn’t want to start a first draft…

Page One: “The Muppets” (2011)

Written by Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller, based on characters created by Jim Henson

Story and the Question of Self-Identity

Every story inevitably raises this question about the Protagonist: “Who am I?”

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek”

Wisdom on creativity from Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.

60 Second Screenwriter: What is “high concept?”

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

On Writing

“Discipline allows magic. To be a writer is to be the very best of assassins. You do not sit down and write every day to force the Muse to…

Page One: “Munich” (2005)

Screenplay by Tony Kushner and Eric Roth, book by George Jonas

Werner Herzog calls three-act structure “brainless.” Is it?

The famous writer-director is teaching an online filmmaking class and his comments about three-act structure are noteworthy.

Go Into The Story Interview: Chris Wu

My interview with 2021 Black List writer.

60 Second Screenwriter: What is a ‘flashback?’

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

The Theology of Cinema: Predestination

“The story you write about your Protagonist is in some ways predestined, the specific combination of the character’s life circumstances…

Page One: “The Mummy” (1999)

Screenplay by Stephen Sommers, screen story by Stephen Sommers and Lloyd Fonvielle & Kevin Jarre

Screenwriting “Hats”

Sometimes when a writer is writing a screenplay, we have to wear other “hats”: Director, Actor, Editor, Producer.

Interview (Part 6): Chris Wu

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for his script Mr. Benihana.