Go Into The Story

Interview (Part 5): Filipe Coutinho

My interview with 2023 Black List writer for his script Patsy.

Script To Screen: “Chinatown”

The memorable ending of the classic 1974 movie Chinatown, written by Robert Towne.

Page One: “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane” (2006)

Written by Jacob Forman

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 5

This is the 15th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 4): Filipe Coutinho

My interview with 2023 Black List writer for his script Patsy.

Writing Tip: Three-Act Structure as Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis

How we can apply this theory of dialectics to the story-crafting process.

Page One: “All Is True” (2018)

Written by Ben Elton

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 4

This is the 15th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 3): Filipe Coutinho

My interview with 2023 Black List writer for his script Patsy.

Screenwriting 101: John August

“I counted it up once. I think I have written 45 full screenplays. Of those, maybe 15 have been shot, in some form. That’s a pretty good…

Page One: “Alien vs. Predator” (2004)

Screenplay by Paul W.S. Anderson, screen story by Paul W.S. Anderson and Dan O’Bannon & Ronald Shusett, “Predator” characters by Jim Thomas…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 3

This is the 15th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Spec Script Deal: “The Bet”

Warner Bros. Pictures acquires dark comedy thriller spec script “The Bet” written by Javier Gullón. Via Deadline:

Interview (Part 2): Filipe Coutinho

My interview with 2023 Black List writer for his script Patsy.

Page One: “The Aviator” (2004)

Written by John Logan

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 2

This is the 15th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work…

Spec Script Deal: “How to Save a Marriage”

Sony Pictures Entertainment acquires spec script “How to Save a Marriage” written by Ross Evans. Via Deadline:

Interview (Part 1): Filipe Coutinho

My interview with 2023 Black List writer for his script Patsy.

Page One: “The Avengers” (2012)

Screenplay by Joss Whedon, story by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 1

This is the 15th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work…

Theme = Meaning

This one-week online class (begins April 8) focuses on theme: what it is, how it functions, and how to use themes to enrich your stories.

On Writing

“It doesn’t matter what time of day you work, but you have to work every day because creation, like life, is always slipping away from you…

Page One: “Audrey Rose” (1977)

Written by Frank De Felitta

2024 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 31

Zero Draft Thirty: Day 30.

Spec Script Deal: “Drop”

Universal Pictures acquires thriller spec script “Drop” written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach. Via Deadline: