Go Into The Story

Daily Dialogue — February 26, 2020

“So, that was Mrs. Lundegaard on the floor in there. And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper. And those three people in…

Interview: Kelly O’Sullivan, Alex Thompson, and James Choi

A conversation with the writer-actor, director, and producer of the new indie drama comedy Saint Frances which opens in select theaters…

Script Analysis: “Us” — Part 2: Plot

Read the script for the hit horror movie written and directed by Jordan Peele.

2020 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — Script Diary

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Screenwriting 101: Sam Baron

“There are some great quotes that I always keep in mind. One is the David Mamet quote ‘Who needs what from whom, and what will happen if…

Daily Dialogue — February 25, 2020

“You seek a great fortune, you three who are now in chains. You will find a fortune, though it will not be the one you seek. But first……

2020 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — Index Cards!

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Script Analysis: “Us”

Read the script for the hit horror movie written and directed by Jordan Peele.

Go Into The Story Interview: Sean Malcolm

My interview with the 2019 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

On Writing

“The only thing I’ve got better at as the years have gone by is I’ve grown more resigned to the fact that it comes hard. You realize that…

Daily Dialogue — February 24, 2020

Tom holds Bernie at gunpoint, and walks him out deeper into the forest.

2020 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep (Part 1) — “What if…”

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

The Theology of Cinema: Salvation

“On the one hand, salvation is directed toward saving someone else. On the other hand, it is a gift, not an achievement.”

Interview (Part 6): Sean Malcolm

My interview with the 2019 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Interview (Video): Benh Zeitlin

Conversation with the co-writer and director of the new movie Wendy.

Daily Dialogue — February 23, 2020

Rick: Last night we said a great many things. You said I was to do the thinking for both of us. Well, I’ve done a lot of it since then, and…

Great Scene: “Back to the Future”

Where Marty meets his father for the first time… in the past!

Interview (Part 5): Sean Malcolm

My interview with the 2019 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Coen Brothers

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 4,300 consecutive days and counting.

Interview (Video): Kelly Reichardt

A 50-minute conversation with the writer-director of the new movie First Cow.

Daily Dialogue — February 22, 2020

“In case I don’t see ya’… good afternoon, good evening, and good night.”

Your Writing Time Should Be “Non-Negotiable”

Four years ago, my alma mater, the University of Virginia, hired a new football coach. He has a name I would have loved to give to one of…

Interview (Part 4): Sean Malcolm

My interview with the 2019 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Writing and the Creative Life: How Does “Creativity” Translate Across Different Cultures?

“Globally, we move from this image or old fascination of the individual genius toward an idea that everyone can create. And beyond that, we…

Daily Dialogue — February 21, 2020

Princess Leia: I love you. Han Solo: I know.