Q&A: Formatting Series—Multi-Functional Monologues
An expertly crafted monologue can absolutely be an asset in your narrative toolbox, you just need to know how to wield it.
The Orgasm Box: A New Universal Model for Storytelling
It’s time for a new model ... a model that truly captures the essence of every story; a model with guts and heart and sex appeal and bitchin’ VFX!
How to Write an Ensemble Movie Script
An ensemble movie and its script must recognize why such an ensemble is needed and what’s at stake in such a story.
Evolution of a Writing Style
While genre might have a small place in defining a writer’s voice, there are so many other aspects that add to it.
Q&A: Do Not Neglect the Use of SOUNDS
If the backdoor suddenly SQUEAKS open and our protagonist turns around, but no one is there …
The Agony and Ecstasy of Switching Genres
I had preconceived notions about the genre, most of which were rather unfair.
Skip the Vomit. Make a Plan.
It’s gonna take far more than a “polish” to hammer this pile of steaming vomit into any kind of recognizable shape.
Do Dark Times Call for Dark Stories
We can’t recognize escapism any more when hard truths are staring back at us every morning in the mirror.
Q&A: I Wrote a Screenplay ... Now What?
I’m excited for you, believe me, but hold up a second here and let’s have a little talk.
The Right Name
They’re the reasons Luke and Darth felt right ... So where do you find these potentially script-worthy names?
S.S. Rajamouli and the Epic Power of Fun
When was the last time you had fun—real fun—at the movies? Beginning-to-end, clapping at the screen, whooping along with the audience, goosebump-raising FUN.
When Endings Go Bad
Sticking the landing of a script is tricky. It can’t be too predictable, yet it needs to feel wholly appropriate, justifiable, and even inevitable in its way.
Making More of Metaphors
One has to hand it to a show like Severance as it’s not only chock full of metaphors about the dumbing down of America and the corruption of information sharing, but it's doing so on a platform run by those they are critiquing.
Friendship and an Accidental Obsession with Jane Austen
Without me even realizing, Emma Thompson had been guiding my ship the moment I put pen to paper. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher.
What You Should Know Before You "Write What You Know"
An excess of emotions can also mean that your ability to think clearly and logically about your script is impaired.