Go Into The Story

Who wants what? What happens if they don’t get it? Why now?

That’s a helpful set of questions to bring to the scene-writing process. You could also do the inverse of the 2nd one: What happens if they…

Script Analysis: “Green Book” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Reading scripts. Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. The focus of this weekly series is a deep structural and…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 23

This is the 10th year in a row I’ve run this series in April.

Spec Script Deal: “Rubble”

Universal Pictures acquires science fiction spec script “Rubble” written by Patrick Pittis. From Deadline:

Keys to the Screenwriting Craft: Watch Movies

Movies must be in your lifeblood. The best way to do that is to watch them.

Screenwriting 101: Aaron Tracy

“My agent recently asked me to send him 10 ideas for screenplays in the span of a couple weeks. It seemed like a silly exercise because…

Daily Dialogue — April 23, 2019

Col. Jessup: Do you have any more questions for me, Counselor? Judge Randolph: Lt. Kaffee? [pause] Lieutenant, do you have anything further…

Dialogue-Writing Workshop

My one-week online workshop focusing on writing dialogue begins April 29.

Script Analysis: “First Man” — Scene By Scene Breakdown

Reading scripts. Absolutely critical to learn the craft of screenwriting. The focus of this weekly series is a deep structural and…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 22

This is the 10th year in a row I’ve run this series in April.

Keys to the Screenwriting Craft: Think Concepts

The foundation of a good script is a strong story concept.

On Writing

“You say grace before meals. I say grace before I dip the pen in the ink.”

Daily Dialogue — April 22, 2019

Frank Galvin: How did you settle on the amount? Bishop Brophy: We thought it was just. Frank Galvin: You thought it was just? Bishop…

Screenwriting News (April 15-April 21, 2019)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

How They Write A Script: David Lynch

“If you want to make a feature film, you get ideas for 70 scenes. Put them on 3-by-5 cards. As soon as you have 70, you have a feature…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 21

This is the 10th year in a row I’ve run this series in April.

Character Type: Femme Fatale

“There is a strong element of sexuality at work with the Femme Fatale and that cuts both ways as an narrative element: empowerment for the…

Screenwriting Advice From The Past: The Actor’s Angle [Part 2]

“It is your duty to think up situations which call for the necessary bits of business.”

Daily Dialogue — April 21, 2019

Danny Butterman: Do you want anything from the shop? Nicholas Angel: Cornetto.

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 387th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Writing Mantra: On the other hand…

One of the best ways for writers to combat the dreaded Voices Of Negativity.

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 20

This is the 10th year in a row I’ve run this series in April.

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Lawyer

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,992 consecutive days and counting.

Interview (Video): Scott Frank and Walter Hill

The Season 8 episode of the PBS series “On Story”.

Daily Dialogue — April 20, 2019

Waiter: Two scoops, sir? Kevin: Two. Make it three. I’m not driving.