Go Into The Story

Mickey Fisher on Writing, Selling, and Producing a TV Pilot Spec Script — Part 2

7-part series on going from original TV pilot script to network series.

Screenwriting 101: Andrew Friedhof

“I think it’s an act of folly to write a screenplay as though you’re going into production tomorrow. The first thing you should aim for is…

Daily Dialogue — October 10, 2017

“You know, you want to be a part of it, patriotic, go out and get your licks in for the U.S. of A. And when you get over there, it’s a…

Life in Scenes

A guest post from screenwriter and educator Tom Benedek.

Go Into The Story Interview (Part 1): Jack Epps

My talk with the co-writer of Top Gun, Legal Eagles, The Secret of My Success.

Reader Question: What is the best way to make sure readers love my characters?

Characters are the major conduits for a reader into the story’s emotional life.

Mickey Fisher on Writing, Selling, and Producing a TV Pilot Spec Script — Part 1

7-part series on going from original TV pilot script to network series.

On Writing

“I heard a preacher say recently that hope is a revolutionary patience; let me add that so is being a writer. Hope begins in the dark, the…

Daily Dialogue — October 9, 2017

“I’m back.”

“The Miserable Adventures of Burt Squire Aboard the Horn High Yo”

A report from the latest Black List Live! stage reading in Los Angeles.

7 Hollywood Gatekeepers on What They Look for in a Script

Insights into how the people who say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ think when reading a script.

Screenwriting News (October 2-October 8, 2017)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

Great Scene: “Witness”

Oscar-winning project has been called a B-movie with an A-movie treatment.

Interview (Video): Sean Baker

Insight into the movie ‘The Florida Project’ from its writer-director.

Daily Dialogue — October 8, 2017

Gordon: If we’re going to play games, I’m going to need a cup of coffee.

Daily Dialogue theme next week: Homecoming

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,432 consecutive days and counting.

Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: Highlight Your Verbs

I featured this bit of wisdom from screenwriter Larry Ferguson before here, the key quote being:

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 311th installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Screenwriting Lessons from Michael Arndt

Story Beginnings, Endings, ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, ‘Toy Story 3’, and more.

Interview (Written): Michael Green

Co-writer of the movie Blade Runner 2049.

Daily Dialogue — October 7, 2017

John Correli: Were you ever engaged in any sadomasochistic activity? Catherine: Exactly what did you have in mind, Mr. Correli?

Reader Question: Do all Protagonists need a character arc?

A character’s ‘arc’ is a big buzzword in Hollywood development circles.

Screenwriting Lessons [Part 5]: Michael Arndt

A series featuring insights from the Toy Story 3 screenwriter.

Would studios return to the ‘Singles and Doubles’ approach to making movies?

Neil Turitz points to Screen Gems as an alternate to mega-budget blockbusters.

How They Write a Script: Billy Wilder

The prolific writer-director opens up about his storytelling process.