Go Into The Story

Not sure what to attribute the rise of science fiction to re spec script market and feature films…

One thing I can predict: Once the WGA-ATA dispute is resolved and the four big agencies are back in official business with writers, we can…

How to Break Into the Film Industry Without Any Connections

The screenwriters of the smash hit movie A Quiet Place share the ins and outs of their journey to Hollywood.

Studies in Flashbacks: “The Social Network”

Part 2 of a five-part series on movies where flashbacks work.

Screenwriting 101: Lloyd Harvey

“Give yourself permission to enjoy the small wins along the way. We make it a practice within our creating, our writing, and our making…

Daily Dialogue — October 28, 2019

“Please! Kill me!”

‘Star Wars’ and the Question of Identity

At its psychological foundation of the Star Wars universe lies an existential challenge facing key characters posed by the question: Who…

Studies in Flashbacks: “Casablanca”

Part 1 of a five-part series on movies where flashbacks work.

On Writing

“There is no such thing as somebody sitting down and saying, “Now, all right, I’m going to make a new picture.” Not at all. You have ideas…

Daily Dialogue — October 27, 2019

Sarah Connor: [spoken, but silent] Go! Go! Just run! Go!

The Theology of Cinema: Baptism

Plunged beneath the water as the trial. Rising up reborn as a New Person.

Linda Woolverton: “We need originality. We need new stories.”

The screenwriter of such Disney hits as The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, and Maleficent speaks out.

Interview: Mike Flanagan

A /film Q&A with the writer who adapted Stephen King’s novel Doctor Sleep.

Daily Dialogue — October 27, 2019

Dewey Finn: Yes! But, you can’t just say it, man. You’ve gotta feel it in your blood and guts! If you wanna rock, you gotta break the…

Screenwriting Advice From The Past: Midway in the Photoplay [Part 2]

“If the characters are not real enough to you to predominate the story, the photoplay will be without the vital human appeal which sells…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Nightmare

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 4,181 consecutive days and counting.

Studies in Voice-Over Narration (5 Part Series)

The Shawshank Redemption, Double Indemnity, Fight Club, American Beauty, A Christmas Story

Daily Dialogue — October 26, 2019

“See, Mr. Turner, that rocket fell for about fourteen seconds, which means that it flew to an altitude of 3,000 feet. According to the…

Cameron, Chris created a path for himself by taking up directing.

Identify what your “abilities” are and grow them. Refine them. Develop them. That’s why I included a link to my post “Learn the craft.”…

Tweetstorm: Chris McQuarrie on the “Secret to a Rewarding Career in Film”

“It’s infinitely harder to sell a screenplays than it is to sell one’s proven abilities.”

Studies in voice-over narration: “A Christmas Story”

Part 5 of a five-part series on movies where voice-over narration works.

Writing and the Creative Life: “4 Sure-Fire Ways to Stimulate Creativity”

Sadly, bourbon is not one of them.

Daily Dialogue — October 25, 2019

“I am sick of your foul language, your crude behavior and your sluttish manner. There are certain things a decent woman keeps private, and…

Screenplay: The Importance of Establishing Narrative Voice

From Page 1, Line 1, you have to convey your story’s tone and voice.

Studies in Voice-Over Narration: “American Beauty”

Part 4 of a five-part series on movies where voice-over narration works.

The Business of Screenwriting: Everything You Wanted to Know About Specs [Part 4]

“There are all these financiers and financier-driven projects we’re having a lot of luck with outside of the studios. Last year, we sold a…