Go Into The Story

2019 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 19

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

The Power of Emotional Storytelling

“If I’m gonna dole out $20, I want to be transported.”

Screenwriting Meta View: Return

In order to return home, the Protagonist must endure a Final Struggle, one almost always tied to the resolution of Want and Need.

The Business of Screenwriting: Everybody gets rewritten in Hollywood

And by everybody, I mean EVERYBODY!

Daily Dialogue — September 19, 2019

Ed: ‘Purple Rain’? Shaun: No. Ed: ‘Sign o’ the Times’? Shaun: Definitely not. Ed: The ‘Batman’ soundtrack? Shaun: Throw it. Ed: ‘Dire…

2019 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 18

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Approach the Craft Like a Professional Screenwriter

A 4-minute video excerpt featuring… me.

Screenwriting Meta View: Initiation

“Initiation, no matter how big or small, is a powerful experience. It lies at the heart of a Protagonist’s metamorphosis.”

Reflections of 2019 Black List Feature Writer’s Lab Participants

6 writers. 7 mentors. 6 days. 1 incredible experience.

Daily Dialogue — September 18, 2019

“Such a shit day.”

Good to hear, Pat.

When I talk to Hollywood managers, which I do frequently, I hear a consistent refrain: “I’m looking for a writer with a unique voice.”

2019 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 17

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Conflict in Scene-Writing

As a screenwriter, it’s important to get in touch with your inner Conflict-O-Meter to ensure your scenes convey compelling drama.

Screenwriting Meta View: Separation

“Whether it’s geographical, psychological, or symbolic, the Protagonist leaves the Old World behind and enters the New World.”

Screenwriting 101: Greg Russo

“The story idea really is everything. It’s the beginning of everything we do, everything follows that idea. I can’t tell you how many ideas…

Daily Dialogue — September 17, 2019

“Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!”

Ultimately, Steven, as you know, it’s all semantics.

His Conscious Goal (Want) is to write the novel. That’s why he took the gig (ostensibly). But of all the gigs in the world, he takes *this*…

2019 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 16

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Can a Protagonist evolve into an Antagonist?

“I prefer to look at it in Jungian terms: The Protagonist’s shadow has emerged from latency and because the Protagonist has not confronted…

Screenwriting Meta View: Life before FADE IN

In writing a screenplay, we go into the story. That’s critical in order to connect with the characters and immerse ourselves in the story…

On Writing

“You have to decide how important this is to you. If it’s important enough, you won’t have any excuses. You’ll sit in the chair as long as…

Daily Dialogue — September 16, 2019

“That was longer than a heart beat.”

Marly, thanks for sharing that anecdote and your reflections on visual and emotional storytelling.

Marly, I’d love to do a blog article featuring your post. It’s really great. Let me know if that’s okay. And thanks again for sharing!

2019 Zero Draft Thirty September Challenge: Day 15

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Humanize Your Nemesis

We don’t need to sympathize with an Antagonist figure, but it can help to at least be able to empathize with them.