Crafting a Compelling Character Desire
What does your character think they’ll feel after they get their revenge, secure the promotion at work, save the world from the evil wizard, or get their happily ever after?
Writing in Shapes and Colors
My first step was learning how the professionals broke the rules. If they can do it, I can do it, right?
Q&A: Formatting Series - Can I Use Artwork in My Script?
Perhaps the scope of the project is so compelling, it might feel like a disservice not to attempt concept art. But … a script is not a mood board.
Never Think You're Bigger Than the Gods
If Martin Scorsese doesn’t act bigger than the gods, no one should.
The Emmy for Best Comedy Goes to ... "Succession"
To paraphrase Logan Roy, we are not serious people.
Do You Read the Whole Thing?
Every single script I recommended my bosses read officially had my stamp of approval on it. And how bad do you think it would make me look if I wasted some of their precious time with a mediocre piece of material?
The Importance of Emotional Cause and Effect
... character decisions are rooted in their emotions. Those emotions, in turn, are rooted in the character’s core beliefs and their perspective on the world, in their backstory.
A Simple Guide to Writing the Dreaded Synopsis
It’s also important to not forget about the voice and tone of the story when creating your synopsis.
The Age of A.I.nlightenment: How the Artificial Intelligence Boom is Changing the Arts
If everything around AI feels unsettling and sketchy, that’s because the market hasn’t decided what exactly to do with it yet and businesses are taking wild swings.
The Challenges of Second Seasons, Sequels, and Finales
... one of the most worrisome fears for writers is that they could end up penning something that damages ‘the brand.’
Consultants, Contests, and Coverage—Oh My! Sorting Out the Professional Script Reader Landscape
Sounds like you need a reader, friend! But just a quick glance at all the options out there makes it pretty obvious that what a “reader” does is much less clear.
Don't Overlook Your Understory
A screenplay isn’t some mystical thing with a bazillion components. It’s something most writers can master, if you break it down to its simplest, most basic elements ...
How a Great Script Paints a Whole Picture
Such brevity is all but demanded in scripts today, all the better to help readers breeze through the script, right?
The Next Great Sports Movie?
These days, anyone with a cell phone and a TikTok account can be a celebrity, so maybe our adoration of movie stars, recording artists, and athletes are going to suffer when fame seems so accessible.
Conflict: The Lifeblood of Your Story
Make no mistake, narratives are very much like a car. They need to be constructed in a specific way in order for them to go anywhere.
