Go Into The Story

Script Analysis: “The Lighthouse” — Part 3: Characters

Read and analyze the script for the hallucinatory horror movie.

Script To Screen: “12 Monkeys”

From the 1995 movie 12 Monkeys, screenplay by David Webb Peoples and Janet Peoples.

Daily Dialogue — April 8, 2020

Milo Dean: Have you read “Marley and Me?” Maggie Dean: Yeah. Sad. Milo Dean: Why is it sad? Maggie Dean: You don’t know what happens? Milo…

I bolton, zeroing in on the major plotline points as you have aligns nicely with the paradigm I…

I think these are the major plot points

It’s time for Pendemictv!

Check out this new online resource for anyone interested in writing TV.

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 7

This is the 11th 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: “The Lighthouse” — Part 2: Plot

Read and analyze the script for the hallucinatory horror movie.

Screenwriting 101: Wenonah Wilms

“Conflict. I know that’s trite, but it’s always in the back of my head. Ramp it up, ramp it up. My husband will read my pages. He’ll hand…

Daily Dialogue — April 7, 2020

Raymond: Of course I don’t have my underwear. I’m definitely not wearing my underwear. Charlie: I gave you a fresh pair of mine to wear…

I bolton, I’ll carry your take forward as I reflect on the script.

One thing I was surprised to see in the script: the prevalence of sexuality. Masturbation. Humping mattresses. Fantasies about mermaids…

Thanks, Paul. Good luck on your screenwriting adventure.

The Spirit of the Spec pertains to basically ANY creative endeavor, especially in this day and age when content is king… and queen, prince…

The Spirit of the Spec

The creative empowerment of writing a spec script.

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 6

This is the 11th 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: “The Lighthouse” — Part 1: Scene-By-Scene Breakdown

Read and analyze the script for the hallucinatory horror movie.

On Writing

Writers hate formulas and checklists. It’s way more fun to masquerade as a natural shaman who channels beautiful pages as the oracle once…

Daily Dialogue — April 6, 2020

Jo: Can I call you Teddy? Laurie: Yes.

Sam, thanks for your contribution.

I look for inspiration everywhere and since I love music and was a musician for many years, I find a lot of wisdom in that arena.

Great Scene: “The Exorcist”

“The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you!”

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 5

This is the 11th 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…

Go Into The Story Script Reading & Analysis: “Joker”

The entire 6 part series delving into the award-winning film.

Interview: Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Ryan Reynolds

A recent live video appearance on the weekly podcast Scriptnotes.

Daily Dialogue — April 5, 2020

“Don Corleone.”

I bolton, thanks for your contributions this week, I enjoyed your reflections and observations.

Re Send in the Clowns: Both thematically relevant and ironic given the context of the song.

Here are some lines of dialogue which connect to the central psychological drama of the story…

You don’t listen, do you? I don’t think you ever really hear me. You just ask the same questions every week. “How’s your job?” “Are you…

Great take, I bolton.

Thanks!