Go Into The Story

Go Into The Story Interview: Robin Swicord

My in-depth interview with prolific screenwriter whose credits include Little Women and The Jane Austen Book Club.

Spec Script Deal: “1917”

Amblin Partners acquires World War I drama spec script “1917” written by Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns. From Deadline:

Screenwriting 101: Tess Morris

“Don’t spend too much time on your own. If I do any seminars or any talks and there are lots of people sitting there and they’re saying, ‘I…

Daily Dialogue — June 19, 2018

Danny: Ten oughta do it, don’t you think?

Reading the scene-by-scene breakdown really drives home how much time-switching takes place in the…

If there’s a message in these stories, I suppose it’s that humans would rather have an AUTHENTIC relationship even if it’s one filled with…

Reader Question: How important is it for writers to read screenplays?

There is a certain kind of understanding of the craft which a writer can ONLY get by reading and analyzing scripts.

Script Analysis: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” — Part 1: Scene By Scene Breakdown

Read the script for the critically acclaimed 2004 film and analyze it all this week.

Go Into The Story Interview: Craig Borten

My in-depth interview with Oscar-nominated screenwriter of ‘Dallas Buyers Club’.

On Writing

“Usually, a story is triggered by a notion I have of a character in a particular situation, and the various reactions that character might…

Daily Dialogue — June 18, 2018

Dalton Russell: What’s your name? Peter Hammond: Peter. Dalton Russell: Peter what? Peter Hammond: Peter Hammond. Dalton Russell: Where’s…

Screenwriting News (June 11-June 17, 2018)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

Go Into The Story Interview: Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Reader Question: Should I write a big budget spec script or not?

Write what you’re passionate about, but there are some good reasons to balance that by putting on your producer’s hat.

Spec Script Deal: Untitled Quinceañera Project

Sony Pictures Entertainment / Columbia Pictures acquires comedy Quinceañera Project spec script written by Emilia Serrano. Via Variety:

Daily Dialogue — June 17, 2018

Jonah Baldwin: If you get a new wife, I guess you’ll get to have sex with her, huh? Sam Baldwin: I certainly hope so. Jonah Baldwin: Will…

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 346th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Interview (Part 6): Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Heist

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,684 consecutive days and counting.

Spec Script Deal: “The Throwdown”

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions acquires comedy spec script “The Throwdown” written by Emilia Serrano. Via Variety:

Daily Dialogue — June 16, 2018

Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Antonelli: You know, it’s dangerous for you to be here in the frozen food section. Shaldeen: Why is that? Vincent ‘Vinnie’…

Interview (Part 5): Scott Derrickson

My interview with the co-writer and director of the hit Marvel movie Doctor Strange as well as horror movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and…

Screenwriting Lessons: “The Social Network” — Part 5: Handling Exposition

A five-part series exploring lessons we can glean from Aaron Sorkin’s script.

Spec Script Deal: “Charlie 3D”

Mandalay Pictures acquires science fiction drama “Charlie 3D” written by Scott Speer. Via Deadline:

Writing and the Creative Life: The act of writing provides health benefits

“From long-term health improvements to short-term benefits like sleeping better, it’s official: Writers are doing something right.”

Daily Dialogue — June 15, 2018

“They all look as though they died before they were dead.”