Go Into The Story

Interview (Written): Phil Johnston and Rich Moore

Conversation with the co-directors of Ralph Breaks the Internet.

Daily Dialogue — November 24, 2018

“Can you imagine what this will do for my reputation? Screwing the new headmaster’s daughter before school starts. She’ll be my greatest…

The Importance of Universal Themes in Storytelling

With the rousing opening weekend success of Ralph Breaks the Internet, I’m reminded of another animated movie: Zootopia grossed over $1…

“Get the damn thing done!”

The one unalterable truth about writing a first draft.

How They Write A Script: Walter Hill

“I tried to write in an extremely spare, almost haiku style, both stage directions and dialogue. Some of it was a bit pretentious — but at…

Writing and the Creative Life: Why Staring Into Space Is an Important Strategy for Success

“In the shower we are simply staring into space, washing our hair on autopilot. We aren’t checking our messages or Twitter feed, or writing…

Daily Dialogue — November 23, 2018

“I wouldn’t touch you if my life depended on it.”

Time to Read 2018 Movie Scripts

One of the best ways to learn the craft: Read scripts!

6 Old Grammar Rules That Are Finally Going Out of Style

Writers should feel free to write stories how the stories need to be told.

How They Write A Script: Leigh Brackett

“I don’t think there’s anything better than screenwriting to teach you the construction of a story.”

The Business of Screenwriting: Someday someone WILL beat you to the punch

If you traffic in high concept stories, chances are you’ll confront this scenario.

Daily Dialogue — November 22, 2018

Benjamin: Oh, my God! Mrs. Robinson: Pardon? Benjamin: Oh no, Mrs. Robinson. Oh no. Mrs. Robinson: What’s wrong? Benjamin: Mrs. Robinson…

The Beth Test is a great way to compel writers to up their game.

20 Proven Ways To Impress A Script Reader With Your Writing

20 Proven Ways To Impress A Script Reader With Your Writing

“Script readers are the gatekeepers of producers, studio executives, financiers, directors and actors. If you want to get your screenplay…

Update: 2018 Award Season Screenplay Downloads — 8 New Scripts, 17 Total!

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

How They Write a Script: Ted Tally (“The Silence of the Lambs”)

Ted Tally is yet another screenwriter who started out as a playwright. His film credits include White Palace (1990), The Juror (1996), All…

Great Scene: “Life of Brian”

Today: The 1979 movie Life of Brian, written by Graham Chapman & John Cleese & Terry Gilliam & Eric Idle & Terry Jones & Michael Palin…

Daily Dialogue — November 21, 2018

Oliver rubs Elio’s shoulder. Elio moves away.

Tweetstorm: Ed Solomon on Story Structure, What It Is, and How to Find It

“A script’s structure grows out of its own internal DNA. Your job is to assess what the organic rules are for that specific script. It’s…

How They Write A Script: Nancy Meyers

Nancy Meyers was for many years part of the Meyers & Shyer writing team that produced numerous hit movies including Private Benjamin…

Screenwriting 101: Will Simmons

“Story ideas usually begin with a burning question or a visual motif. If you’re about to spend months writing and developing a script, you…

Daily Dialogue — November 20, 2018

Betty: Get out of here. Woody Katz: Before what? Betty: Before I kill you.

Character Type: Rookie

“For almost always, the Rookie is a neophyte at their own self-understanding and need to be helped along to get in touch with their…

Similar but different

Or Precedent / Analogy. However you refer to it, it’s how Hollywood operates.

How They Write A Script: Paddy Chayefsky

The only person to win 3 Academy Awards for screenwriting.