Go Into The Story

Reader Question: How to keep from getting stuck in Act Two?

The answer is almost always this: Spend more time in story prep learning about your characters!

Interview (Part 4): Sarah Jane Inwards (2017 Black List, Nicholl Winner)

My 6-part talk with the writer of the script “Jellyfish Summer”.

30 Days of Screenplays, Day 22: “Double Indemnity”

Why 30 screenplays in 30 days?

The Business of Screenwriting: Everything you wanted to know about specs [Part 3]

Part 3: Boom, Bust, and Back Again [1990–2013]

Daily Dialogue — February 22, 2018

“May I interject for a second? As a Burger Shack employee for the past three years, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that if you’re…

Screenwriter Oath

Guest post from screenwriter Tom Benedek (Cocoon).

Interview (Part 3): Sarah Jane Inwards (2017 Black List, Nicholl Winner)

My 6-part talk with the writer of the script “Jellyfish Summer”.

30 Days of Screenplays, Day 21: “When Harry Met Sally”

Why 30 screenplays in 30 days?

Script To Screen: “Dog Day Afternoon”

Perhaps the most memorable scene from the 1975 movie Dog Day Afternoon, screenplay by Frank Pierson.

Daily Dialogue — February 21, 2018

“Smile! You’re at Mr. Smiley’s.”

Reader Question: What to do when you feel out of touch with creative energy?

“Be sure not to overlook an obvious consideration: Do you have a strong emotional connection to the story you’re writing?”

Interview (Part 2): Sarah Jane Inwards (2017 Black List, Nicholl Winner)

My 6-part talk with the writer of the script “Jellyfish Summer”.

30 Days of Screenplays, Day 20: “Platoon”

Why 30 screenplays in 30 days?

Screenwriting 101: Geoff LaTulippe

“Here’s the most important thing I’ve learned about rewriting: my job is to decide what notes I think are worth taking to heart and which I…

Daily Dialogue — February 20, 2018

“We gonna rob you. Then you can order your lunch or whatever the fuck else.”

Interview (Part 1): Sarah Jane Inwards (2017 Black List, Nicholl Winner)

My 6-part talk with the writer of the script “Jellyfish Summer”.

Screenwriting News (February 12-February 18, 2018)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

30 Days of Screenplays, Day 19: “Broadcast News”

Why 30 screenplays in 30 days?

On Writing

“If you can quit, then quit. If you can’t quit, you’re a writer.”

Daily Dialogue — February 19, 2018

Bill Foster: Why am I calling you by your first names? I don’t even know you. I still call my boss “Mister”, and I’ve been working for him…

Go Into The Story Script Reading & Analysis: “I, Tonya”

The entire 6 part series delving into the critically acclaimed indie film.

30 Days of Screenplays, Day 18: “North by Northwest”

Why 30 screenplays in 30 days?

Spec Script Deal: “Hustle”

Universal Pictures acquires sports drama “Hustle” written by Taylor Materne. From Variety:

Video: 2018 DGA Feature Film Nominees

Guillermo del Toro, Greta Gerwig, Martin McDonagh, Christopher Nolan, and Jordan Peele in a nearly 3-hour discussion.

Daily Dialogue — February 18, 2018

It’s 2:32am, and Mike decides to call Nikki, a girl he met just a few hours ago. Nikki’s machine picks up