Go Into The Story

When something happens… something ELSE happens

The dynamic dual nature of a screenplay universe.

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…

Studies in Voice-Over Narration: “The Shawshank Redemption”

Part 1 of a five-part series on movies where voice-over narration works.

Interview (Video): Kenneth Lonergan

A 2017 conversation / presentation as part of the BAFTA Guru series.

Page One: “Steve Jobs” (2015)

Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, based on a book by Walter Isaacson

The Protagonist’s Journey: “We are not prisoners of that room”

A reflection on Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Letters to a Young Poet”

Reader Question: Where do you go for inspiration when the words just aren’t coming?

What to do to break through a creative funk?

Writing and the Creative Life: Creativity-In-Action

“Creativity requires more than a dream. In many cases, people struggle to turn their dreams into a reality not because they lack ambition…

The Business of Screenwriting: Everything You Wanted to Know About Specs

Part 18: Sell Them Your Dream.

Page One: “Star Trek” (2009)

Screenplay by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, based on TV series created by Gene Roddenberry

Why are we fascinated with Bad Guys?

So many current TV series feature anti-heroes. Why?

The Thing With Coincidences in Screenplays…

The difference between Fate… and Writer’s Convenience.

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?

Songwriters on Songwriting: Tom Petty

The late singer-sonwriter talks about how long he waited to write “The Waiting”.

Page One: “Stand by Me” (1986)

Screenplay by Raynold Gideon & Bruce A. Evans, based on a novella by Stephen King

The Trouble with “Character Flaws”

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

Writing Mantra: Set aside your attachments

“All too often, attachments get in the way of our writing. When you should be inside your story universe, your mind is outside thinking…

Successful Screenwriters Have A Consistent Daily Routine

A 6-minute video featuring… me, reflecting on the importance of a writer locking down a specific time of day to get feedback from readers.

Page One: “Young Frankenstein” (1974)

Screen story and screenplay Gene Wilder & Mel Brooks, based on characters in the novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

Make Words Your Friend

“Putting one right word after another” — that is so right. When you bust it all down, writing is about choosing words. A writer can choose…

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?”

The Importance of Persistence in a Writer’s Life

“PERSIST on telling your story. PERSIST on reaching your audience. PERSIST on staying true to your vision.”

Screenwriting 101: Florian Zeller

“We are telling a story for others. We are doing it for other people. It's really about sharing things. I think this is what cinema is…

Page One: “Stalag 17” (1953)

Written for the screen by Billy Wilder and Edwin Blum, based on the play by Donald Bevan

Victoria, the thing is, as the article indicates, a writer can convey the experience of this or…

Save the camera shots for a production draft when working with the director.