Go Into The Story

The Heroine’s Journey

A four-part series as relevant today as it was when first published in 2012.

The Definitive Spec Script Deals List [1991–2020]

Pretty much ever since I broke into the movie business in 1987, I have been keeping track of spec script deals. This list is, as far as I…

Writing and the Creative Life: The Virtues of Spacing Out and Goofing Off

Finally, science is good for something! Spacing out rules!

Page One: “True Romance” (1993)

Written by Quentin Tarantino

“The Protagonist’s Journey”: #1 New Release on Amazon

My book is currently in the top position of New Releases in Amazon’s category of Film & Television. You may pre-order it now.

The Heroine’s Journey: Part 4

I’m reprising a 4-part series from 2012 on The Heroine’s Journey because it’s as relevant today as it was nearly a decade ago.

Spec Script Deal: “Hellish Nell”

Studiocanal and The Picture Company acquire historical drama “Hellish Nell” written by Chris Basler. Via Deadline:

The Business of Screenwriting: There are three kinds of people in Hollywood

Story. Some get it. Some kinda get it. And some… well…

Page One: “True Grit” (2010)

Screenplay by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, novel by Charles Portis

The Heroine’s Journey: Part 3

I’m reprising a 4-part series from 2012 on The Heroine’s Journey because it’s as relevant today as it was nearly a decade ago.

Interview: Dana Coen

A conversation about the award-winning screenplay Sleeping Upright written by the former co-executive producer of the CBS series JAG.

Writing Advice from Matt Stone and Trey Parker

A video from a surprise appearance at NYU Film School.

Great Scene: “The Elephant Man”

It’s one of the most poignant, sad, and beautiful movie moments I can remember: The ending of The Elephant Man (1980). Directed by David…

Page One: “The Tree of Life” (2011)

Written by Terrence Malick

The Heroine’s Journey: Part 2

I’m reprising a 4-part series from 2012 on The Heroine’s Journey because it’s as relevant today as it was nearly a decade ago.

A New Angle Into an Old Story

Looking for your next spec script subject? It just might be waiting for you in a history book.

How They Write A Script: Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson has written novels and short stories, as well as screenplays for both film and television. Notably he is among the few…

Screenwriting 101: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods

In May 2018, I interviewed Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who originated and co-wrote the screenplay A Quiet Place. The script is notable for…

Page One: “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948)

Screenplay by John Huston, based on the novel by B. Traven

The Heroine’s Journey: Part 1

I’m reprising a 4-part series from 2012 on The Heroine’s Journey because it’s as relevant today as it was nearly a decade ago.

Conversations With Billy Wilder

Excerpts from the excellent book “Conversations With Wilder,” a series of interviews Cameron Crowe conducted with Billy Wilder.

On Writing

“Your characters…are like children. You give birth to these children but you have to send them into the world and then they have to live…

Page One: “Trainwreck” (2015)

Written by Amy Schumer

Sundays with Stephen King’s “On Writing”

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

Guillermo del Toro Has Spent ‘Roughly 16 Years’ Writing Screenplays That Never Got Filmed

For the next time you whine about your experience as a screenwriter.