Go Into The Story

Daily Dialogue — October 10, 2018

“That’s four fouls. One more and you’re outta there.”

Writing Dialogue

My unique 1-week online course begins Monday, October 22.

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 12

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 7: The Beginning

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because it’s…

Screenwriting 101: Bill Holderman

“Having worked with and been on both sides of those meetings, I think it’s really important for writers to not be defensive and to be open…

Daily Dialogue — October 9, 2018

“I play, coach stays. He goes, I go.”

Reader Question: Do characters “own” a scene?

Ownership is less important than underlying conflict between characters.

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 11

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 6: Visual Style

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because…

Spec Script Deal: “You Are Leaving The American Sector”

Parallel Films acquires spy thriller spec script “You are Leaving the American Sector” written by Jared Cowie. From Deadline:

Daily Dialogue — October 8, 2018

“Let’s cheer this guy on as he prepares for the impossible.”

Movie Script Scene-By-Scene Breakdowns

A great way to analyze screenplay structure is by studying a script’s scene-by-scene breakdown. Go Into The Story followers are…

Screenwriting News (October 1— October 7, 2018)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

Spec Script Deal: “Tenfold”

Voltage Pictures acquires action spec script “Tenfold” written by Allan Ungar. From Deadline:

Character Type: Addict

Those of you who have followed my blog for some time or taken courses with me through Screenwriting Master Class know how fascinated I am…

Daily Dialogue — October 7, 2018

The Daily Dialogue theme for the week: Acting.

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 362nd installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

How They Write A Script: David Lynch

The “they” being professional screenwriters. I’ve blathered on about the subject for a week; now it’s other writers turn. Previously…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Basketball

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,796 consecutive days and counting.

Great Scene: “The Matrix”

“You take the blue pill, the story ends… you take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland.”

Daily Dialogue — October 6, 2018

“You weren’t there. You never were. Things were so different then. The Bayou was open. Sitting on that front porch, I stared into your…

Reader Question: Is it true that only 2% of independent films get distribution?

Background on the ever-changing indie film landscape… and is that HOPE on the horizon?

So-Called Screenwriting ‘Rules’: Part 10

There are conventions. There are expectations. There are patterns. But the simple fact is… THERE ARE NO SCREENWRITING RULES!

Is My Screenplay Big Enough to Be a Movie, Part 5: Stakes

This is a fundamental question screenwriters must ask themselves at all stages of a screenplay’s development and writing. Why? Because…

Writing and the Creative Life: “Twelve Things You Were Not Taught in School About Creative…

Not a fan of listicles. This one is different.