Go Into The Story

Reader Question: Is it okay to take more time than normal to set up the story in Act One?

What if that script you’re writing insists on having a 30+ page first act?

Screenwriting 101: Sidney Lumet

“Chayefsky used to say, ‘There are two kinds of scenes: the Pet the Dog scene and the Kick the Dog scene. The studio always wants a Pet the…

Page One: “Atonement” (2007)

Screenplay by Christopher Hampton, novel by Ian McEwan

Google “short film script contests.”

Also, go to reddit/screenwriting and post your question there.

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: What to Do After You Finish Your First Draft

It may seem like a really dumb idea, but it’s a crucial step in rewrite process.

“Conversations With Wilder”: Part 22

Billy Wilder. Cameron Crowe. Conversation and creative insight.

The Trouble with “Character Flaws”

“Characters, at least good ones, are multilayered individuals.”

Video: “How I Wrote ‘Arrival’”

A Behind the Curtain video featuring Eric Heisserer talking about how he adapted the Ted Chiang short story into a hit science fiction…

Page One: “Arrival” (2016)

Screenplay by Eric Heisserer, based on the story “Story of Your Life” written by Ted Chiang

Reader Question: What if you fall out of love with a script?

“What about a script you fall out of love with after 2–3 drafts, and just can’t finish? Put it aside for now or just push through?”

“Conversations With Wilder”: Part 21

Billy Wilder. Cameron Crowe. Conversation and creative insight.

When something happens… something ELSE happens

The dynamic dual nature of a screenplay universe.

On Writing

“One word after another. That’s the only way that novels get written and, short of elves coming in the night and turning your jumbled notes…

Page One: “Argo” (2012)

Screenplay by Chris Terrio.

Sundays with Stephen King’s “On Writing”

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

The Theology of Cinema: Salvation

“On the one hand, salvation is directed toward saving someone else. On the other hand, it is a gift, not an achievement.”

Great Scene: “Pulp Fiction”

Does Ezekiel 25:17 ring a bell in this classic Tarantino scene?

Interview (Written): Kurt Vonnegut

A 1973 Playboy interview with the renowned author of such books as Slaughterhouse-Five and Breakfast of Champions.

Page One: “Apollo 13” (1995)

Screenplay by William Broyles Jr. & Al Reinert, book by Jim Lovell & Jeffrey Kluger

“Where am I going?”

A great question for a Protagonist to answer.

What do ‘Wall-E’ and ‘Logan’ have in common?

Both movies use a simple gesture to pack an emotional wallop.

Script To Screen: “The Devil Wears Prada”

Miranda arrives in the office in this scene from the 2006 comedy, screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna, novel by Lauren Weisberger.

Interview (Video): Craig Luck

The backstory on the new Apple TV+ movie Finch from its co-screenwriter who originated the project in film school.

Page One: “The American President” (1995)

Written by Aaron Sorkin

Sharon, not knowing all the details, let me just say this.

My suggestion: Step back from the story, go away for a few days, come back, assess the feedback, compare to your story, and as always, go…