Go Into The Story

On Writing

“I think procrastination can be a really helpful creative tool. So when I procrastinate, I try to do it with intention. I’m like, “For the…

Page One: “The Descendants” (2011)

Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash, novel of Kaui Hart Hemmings

Sundays with Stephen King’s “On Writing”

A series featuring reflections on writing from the famed author’s memoir.

Script Analysis: “Hanna” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Here is my take on this exercise from a previous series of posts — How To Read A Screenplay:

60 Second Screenwriter: What is “high concept?”

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in sixty seconds.

Video: 10 Screenwriting Tips from M. Night Shyamalan

Advice from the writer-director of The Sixth Sense and Split.

Page One: “The Departed” (2006)

Screenplay by William Monahan, based on the 2002 screenplay Mou gaan dou by Alan Mak and Felix Chong

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rule’: Action Paragraphs — 3 Lines Max

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Script Analysis: “Green Book” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Reading scripts. Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. The focus of this weekly series is a deep structural and thematic…

Spec Script Deal: “Homecoming”

Lionsgate acquires comedy drama spec script “Homecoming” written by Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana, and Jana Savage. Via Deadline:

Interview (Video): Guillermo del Toro and Kim Morgan

A conversation with the co-screenwriters of the movie Nightmare Alley.

Page One: “Deliverance” (1972)

Screenplay by James Dickey, novel by James Dickey

Walter Murch and The Rule of Six

When this notable figure in cinema talks editing… think screenwriting.

Script Analysis: “Gravity” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Here is my take on this exercise from a previous series of posts — How To Read A Screenplay:

Movie Story Type: Contained Thriller

In Hollywood movie circles, there are genres like Horror or Science Fiction, cross genres like Action-Thriller or Drama-Comedy, and…

Writing and the Creative Life: Why Your Brain Loves Good Storytelling (Part 1)

Something about your story, most particularly involving your Protagonist, must resonate with a reader. What that boils down to is creating…

Page One: “Dazed and Confused” (1993)

Written by Richard Linklater

Great Scene: “The Shawshank Redemption”

Red’s parole board scenes — three of them — are their own mini-story.

Script Analysis: “The Grand Budapest Hotel” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Here is my take on this exercise from a previous series of posts — How To Read A Screenplay:

60 Second Screenwriter: Do I need to move to L.A.?

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in sixty seconds.

The Business of Screenwriting: “Everyone is here because of us”

It is late spring 1988. I am in San Diego where K-9 is being shot. It’s my first day on a movie set. Ever. The scene the crew is shooting…

Page One: “Days of Heaven” (1978)

Written by Terrence Malick

Best Writing Approach: Routine or Ritual?

I am fascinated by creativity, in particular how creativity manifests itself in the wide variety of people I meet or learn about. That has…

Script Analysis: “Gone Girl” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Here is my take on this exercise from a previous series of posts — How To Read A Screenplay:

Writing Mantra: On the other hand…

One of the best ways for writers to combat the dreaded Voices Of Negativity.