Go Into The Story

Character Development Exercise: Switch Protagonists

After all, every character is the Protagonist in their own story.

Character Introductions: Part 4

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

The Business of Screenwriting: There’s a green light…

I’m attending a fundraiser for my son’s elementary school. It’s an alternative private school on the Westside, an institution that prides…

Page One: “Midnight in Paris” (2011)

Written by Woody Allen

Character Introductions: Part 4

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

The Spirit of the Spec

The creative empowerment of writing a spec script.

Character Introductions: Part 3

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

Great Scene: “Aliens” (1986)

Two “mama bears” going at it in the movie’s climactic battle.

Page One: “Midnight Express” (1978)

Screenplay by Oliver Stone, book by Billy Hayes and William Hoffer

Set-up and Payoffs

One of the most important narrative elements screenwriters have available to us is set-ups and payoffs. The basic idea is this: We…

Character Introductions: Part 2

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

Screenwriting 101: Preston Sturges

His “golden rule” for successful comedy:

Page One: “Middle of Nowhere” (2012)

Written by Ava DuVernay

Break your story in prep

My only Prep: From Concept to Outline workshop of 2023 begins July 10th.

“The story rules”

The first and last commandment of writing.

Character Introductions: Part 1

Think there’s nothing to introducing characters in a script? Think again!

On Writing

“Never look at a reference book while doing a first draft. You want to write a story? Fine. Put away your dictionary, your encyclopedias…

Page One: “The Men Who Stare at Goats” (2009)

Screenplay by Peter Straughan, book by Jon Ronson

We’re on the road to… somewhere.

A really long-ass bridge… story outlines… and YOU!

The Inward Path of the Protagonist’s Journey

Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell remind us that the outer journey of the hero is about the inner journey into the Self.

The Theology of Cinema: Redemption

“Metaphorically bondage can translate into being tied to some event or circumstance in the past, a character bound to it emotionally, even…

Interview (Video): Chloe Okuno

A conversation with the co-writer-director of the thriller Watcher.

Page One: “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005)

Screenplay by Robin Swicord, book by Arthur Golden

Reader Question: How to go about the query letter process?

“Is there any direction as to how to go about the query process? Should I target a few dream-list agencies or should I paint the town with…

Great Scene: “A Quiet Place”

In a brief respite from the monster’s violence, Evelyn and Lee confront the pain of the past as it exists in the present… and their…