Go Into The Story

Pixar and the Craft of Storytelling

My popular one week online class begins Monday, January 7, 2019.

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 7] — Time Management

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Spec Script Deal: “Wolf Country

Endeavor Content acquires adventure drama spec script “Wolf Country” written by Pete Begler. From Deadline:

Screenwriting 101: Michael Werwie

“In my early scripts I put a lot of thought and a lot of energy into crafting and shaping theme, weaving it through the story to the point…

Daily Dialogue — December 11, 2018

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a…

The 2018 “Twas the Night Before Black List…” Challenge

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

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 6] — Schedule

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Update: 2018 Award Season Screenplay Downloads — 4 New Script, 12 Total

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

On Writing

“You must once and for all give up being worried about successes and failures. Don’t let that concern you. It’s your duty to go on working…

Daily Dialogue — December 10, 2018

“I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you’re the greatest woman on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates…

Ira, I will be expanding these ideas in the form of a book I’ve been commissioned to write.

Someone could argue, “How can I expect working with characters to lead to the story’s structure? Their lives are as messy and convoluted as…

There are LOTS of great stories in movie theaters and via streaming services.

Find your indie film movie theater and support those movies. That’s the way to grow the market for compelling, different stories.

Screenwriting News (December 3 — December 9, 2018)

Dave Callaham writing tentpole movie “Shang-Chi” for Marvel Studios, Inc.

Spec Script Deal: “The Best Friends”

TriStar Pictures acquires comedy spec script “The Best Friends” written by Chad Kultgen and Amy Rhodes. From Deadline:

Great Scene: “Rocky”

How budget issues helped to create the memorable ice rink scene.

Interview (Video): Barry Jenkins

A 75-minute master class and a 35-minute interview with Jenkins and cast members of the new film If Beale Street Could Talk.

Daily Dialogue — December 9, 2018

“Great moments… are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here, tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One…

Same here, Roo, although I have to say I am constantly amazed at how time seems to ‘stretch’ when…

Funny, I just remembered a friend whose house I visited years ago. A writer, I saw her study and she had tacked up at her desk in big black…

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 370th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Writing Goals: 2019 [Parts 1–5]

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2018.

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Profession of Love

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,859 consecutive days and counting.

Interview (Video): Brad Bird

A 75-minute conversation with the writer-director of Incredibles 2.

Daily Dialogue — December 8, 2018

Larry: [Larry jogs out to the mound to break up a players’ conference] Excuse me, but what the hell’s going on out here? Crash Davis: Well…

“The Lady Hero’s Journey”

A whimsical take on a female iteration of the Hero’s Journey.

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 5] — Going Public

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.