Go Into The Story

The Business of Screenwriting: The Travails of Pitching (Part 1) — The Distracted Exec

We are seated in a studio executive’s office for a pitch meeting. He’s late. Very late. We’ve been waiting for close to a half-hour. His…

Page One: ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)

Screenplay by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, novel by Kevin Kwan

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 5): Metamorphosis

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.

Great Scene: “Network”

“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

Page One: ‘Collateral’ (2004)

Written by Stuart Beattie

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 4): Subplots, Relationships and Character Functions

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.

The Bitter Script Reader Revealed!

We finally learn his name, his current gig as a TV writers’ assistant, and an exciting upcoming charity event.

Page One: ‘Cloverfield’ (2008)

Written by Drew Goddard

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 3): Plotline Points and Sequences

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.

On Writing

“Art stands on the shoulders of craft, which means that to get to the art, you must master the craft. If you want to write, practice…

Page One: ‘Chinatown’ (1974)

Written by Robert Towne

Reader Question: Should I write a big budget spec script or not?

Write what you’re passionate about, but there are some good reasons to balance that by putting on your producer’s hat.

Interview (Video): Orson Welles

The famous 1960 Paris conversation is back online!

Page One: ‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Screenplay by Alfonso Cuarón & Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby, novel by P.D. James

Interview: Brian Duffield

A conversation with the writer-director of the movie Spontaneous.

Great Scene: “Casablanca”

One of the most memorable movie scenes ever… but have you read the script?

Page One: ‘Carol’ (2015)

Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy, novel by Patricia Highsmith

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 2): The Scene-By-Scene Breakdown

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.

Writing and the Creative Life: “Believing is seeing”

A twist on the old saying, “Seeing is believing.”

Page One: ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ (1969)

Written by William Goldman

How To Read A Screenplay (Part 1): The First Pass

There are multiple layers to any story. The more you dig, the deeper your understanding.

The Business of Screenwriting: Celebrate your victories

Based on my experiences as a screenwriter in Hollywood, there are many things I can advise you to do that are not particularly enjoyable…

Page One: ‘Broadcast News’ (1987)

Written by James L. Brooks

Reader Question: How do I know when I’ve done enough story prep and can start writing?

There’s no formula, no guideline. But there is your gut, your creative instincts.

Spec Script Deal: “Wraith”

Netflix acquires cyber-thriller spec script “Wraith” written by Matt Lopez. Via Deadline: