Go Into The Story

Character Type: Martyr

“A martyr has seen or experienced something so profoundly true, at least to them, they are willing to sacrifice everything on its behalf…

The Business of Screenwriting: The Importance of a Writer’s Group

There’s that image of a writer. Sequestered in a room. Struggling over a blank piece of paper. Crumpled pages strewn about. A cup of booze…

Daily Dialogue — December 20, 2018

Captain Renault: No matter how clever he is, he still needs an exit visa… or I should say two? Rick: Why two? Captain Renault: He is…

Analysis: 2018 Black List

A deep dive into the scripts named to this year’s annual Black List.

Reader Question: Do all Protagonists need a character arc?

A character’s ‘arc’ is a big buzzword in Hollywood development circles.

Update: 2018 “Twas the Night Before Black List…” Challenge

Annual writing contest with Black List & Screenwriting Master Class prizes.

Script To Screen: “Looper”

A masterful montage from the 2012 movie Looper, written and directed by Rian Johnson.

Daily Dialogue — December 19, 2018

“Now I want your full attention, Starling. Be very careful with Hannibal Lecter. Dr. Chilton at the asylum will go over all the physical…

Tweetstorm: Javi Grillo-Marxuach on Writing Screenplay Scene Description

“Writing for the screen is the description of emotional and physical movement in real time.”

Update: 2018 Award Season Screenplay Downloads — 4 New Scripts, 18 Total

It’s that time of year again when studios and production companies make available PDFs of movie scripts for award season.

“Go into the story and find the animals”

The story behind Go Into The Story…

Screenwriting 101: Spencer Harvey

“Tone is so important. If you can make sure you have something, a peg to pop in the dirt there to say, ‘This is my tone,’ then as you…

Daily Dialogue — December 18, 2018

“One drink and that’s it. Don’t be rude. Drink your drink… do it quickly. Say good night… and go home. You see this is a moral test of…

2018 Black List: Final

All 73 scripts listed in order of votes received including loglines, plus a link where you can download the official list.

Black List 2018 — Live Blogging 4

Live updates of the unveiling of this year’s annual Black List.

Black List 2018 — Live Blogging 3

Live updates of the unveiling of this year’s annual Black List.

Black List 2018 — Live Blogging 2

Live updates of the unveiling of this year’s annual Black List.

Black List 2018 — Live Blogging 1

Live updates of the unveiling of this year’s annual Black List.

On Writing

“I recall that my workshop leaders were tactful in their ways of acquainting me with my shortcomings as a writer. So much so that I hardly…

Daily Dialogue — December 17, 2018

Andy: That’s the beauty of music. They can’t get that from you… Haven’t you ever felt that way about music? Red: I played a mean harmonica…

Screenwriting News (December 3 — December 9, 2018)

Thembi Banks writing untitled Double Dutch project for Universal Pictures.

The Spirit of the Spec

The creative empowerment of writing a spec script.

Script To Screen: “Little Miss Sunshine”

The climax of the 2006 movie Little Miss Sunshine, written by Michael Arndt.

Interview (Written): Phil Lord and Chris Miller

Q&A with the screenwriter and producers of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Daily Dialogue — December 16, 2018

“One hundred and fifty dollars… in gold.”