Go Into The Story

Facing the Blank Page

Reflections on the start of the writer’s journey.

Interview (Part 2): Kristen Gray-Rockmaker, 2017 Nicholl Winner

My 6-part talk with the writer of the script “Last Days of Winter”.

2018 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 20

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Screenwriting 101: Charlie Kaufman

“One of the biggest things about writing your first screenplay is that you actually finished a screenplay. It’s a very important milestone…

Daily Dialogue — March 20, 2018

Frank McLaury: I’ve got you now… you son of a bitch! Doc Holliday: [holds up arms] You’re a daisy if you do!

I was surprised to see Madonna is directing this project, however, if you look at the subject…

Re LeBouf project: It can’t just be about his name, the script has to seem to be a viable movie project.

Screenwriting News (March 12-March 18, 2018)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

Interview (Part 1): Kristen Gray-Rockmaker, 2017 Nicholl Winner

My 6-part talk with the writer of the script “Last Days of Winter”.

2018 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 19

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

On Writing

“I still encourage anyone who feels at all compelled to write to do so. I just try to warn people who hope to get published that…

Daily Dialogue — March 19, 2018

Harry: I supposed you’ve got a gun up there. Ray: Yeah. Harry: Well, what we gonna do? Can’t stand here all night. Denise: Why don’t you…

Reader Question: How should I handle an event where I will meet a Hollywood writer-producer?

Wherein I provide the single best piece of advice to a writer… ever.

Go Into The Story Interview: Chris Parrish

The story behind the family movie Thrill Ride with its writer-director.

2018 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 18

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Interview (Video): Dee Rees

A BAFTA presentation by co-writer/director of the Netflix movie “Mudbound”.

Daily Dialogue — March 18, 2018

PRESIDENT: I know that Ben said, “Keep it small and quiet.” And I don’t want to go against Ben’s wishes. (Military jet salute ROARS…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Standoff

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,593 consecutive days and counting.

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 333rd installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

2018 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 17

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Interview (Written): Charlie Kaufman

How long does it take Kaufman to write a script? “Two to three years.”

Daily Dialogue — March 17, 2018

“Donny was a good bowler, and a good man. He was…he was one of us. He was a man who loved the outdoors, and bowling, and as a surfer he…

Reader Question: How do I know if it’s too much or too little scene description?

Reader question via email from Anonymous:

Spec Script Deal: “Michael Zero”

Millennium Films acquires science fiction action spec script “Michael Zero” written by Adam Alleca. From Deadline:

2018 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 16

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Writing and the Creative Life: Is the key to creativity “unlearning”?

What if everything we have learned in our lives has actually diminished our creativity?