Go Into The Story

Reader Question: How to indicate a ‘jump cut’ in a screenplay?

A jump cut is a transition to suggest a time ellipsis, a jump in time, hence the term.

Page One: “Gone Girl” (2014)

Screenplay by Gillian Flynn, novel by Gillian Flynn

I'm going to focus on some moments in which Fern reflects on the marriage she had with her now…

A cloudy and breezy morning. Fern is shaving Swankie’s head. Swankie sits in a chair, a towel wrapped around her neck.

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 16

This is the 12th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Because the best way to come up with…

Script Analysis: “Nomadland” — Part 5: Dialogue

A week-long analysis of this Oscar-nominated screenplay. Download. Read. Discuss.

Twelve Things You Were Not Taught in School About Creative Thinking

Not a fan of listicles. This one is different.

Page One: “The Godfather: Part II” (1974)

Screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo, novel by Mario Puzo

Val, what I would have to say about pitching quite literally takes about 30–45 minutes.

https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/reader-question-whats-the-best-way-to-approach-pitching-33da4e0f17bd

Laura and Ant, I think you've zeroed in the two themes which came to me as I was watching the movie.

Laura, that line from Bob, that's worthy of inclusion in the Dialogue comments. It's interesting, isn't it, that it takes Fern ALL THAT…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 15

This is the 12th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

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

Part 1: The Genesis of the Spec Script [1900–1942]

Script Analysis: “Nomadland” — Part 4: Themes

A week-long analysis of this Oscar-nominated screenplay. Download. Read. Discuss.

Page One: “Get Shorty” (1995)

Screenplay by Scott Frank, novel by Elmore Leonard

Interesting that both of you (Bruno and Laura) pegged Dave as a Trickster.

In that moment, the wisdom provided by Bob Wells (Mentor) trumps whatever feelings Fern may have for Dave. Frankly, I don't think she's…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 14

This is the 12th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Script Analysis: “Nomadland” — Part 3: Characters

A week-long analysis of this Oscar-nominated screenplay. Download. Read. Discuss.

Rewrite Strategy: The Protagonist Pass

“It’s where the writer reviews their current script and revisits the single most important character in the story.”

Page One: “Frozen” (2013)

Screenplay by Jennifer Lee, story by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee & Shane Morris, story inspired by “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian…

Interesting take, Laura.

Your take is interesting because it gives the ending more of a positive spin. Bob says, "We don't ever say goodbye because we'll always see…

Ant, that is an excellent analysis and I thought your notes in the breakdown about certain key plot…

You are right: This is not your typical hero's journey, although Fern is certainly ON a journey. She does not have what we might call a…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 13

This is the 12th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Script Analysis: “Nomadland” — Part 2: Plot

A week-long analysis of this Oscar-nominated screenplay. Download. Read. Discuss.

Screenwriting 101: Ian Shorr

For 100s more Screenwriting 101 posts, go here.

Page One: “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991)

Screenplay by Fannie Flagg and Carol Sobieski, novel by Fannie Flagg

From a screenwriting standpoint, there are two aspects of this story which set it off as unusual.

It raises the question: Did Zhao write the scenes featuring these non-actors beforehand or listen to their stories and incorporate them…