Month: April 2010

Write the Shots (2)

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So let’s talk about writing the shots. I once had a brief conversation about this topic in e-mail with Jennifer van Sijll, a screenwriting professor, consultant, former professional reader for Universal, and author of Cinematic Storytelling. (what preceded) She wrote, “I think a writer should avoid anything that takes readers out of the read. As soon as … Read more

Best o/t Web 11 Apr 10

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:: Keep it clear, clarity in your script.
:: First half, second act, all development.
:: Considering evil: crafting your villain’s motivations.
:: The climate of selling your spec script.
:: The ins and outs of Final Draft 8.
:: Filmfellas define themselves in terms of filmmaking.
:: What a romance. Interview with Nicholas Sparks.
:: Don’t confess, Chess. Character and dialogue in suspense stories.
:: Avoid surface humor, making jokes with your character in mind.
:: Taking notes, keeping cool. Advice for a beginning screenwriter.

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The Road to Representation

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Nine years ago I discovered I wanted to be a screenwriter. A few weeks ago I became one. That’s not true. I’ve been one for nine years, but a few weeks ago somebody else finally gave me an opportunity. Can you appreciate how weird that is? You spend nine years aiming at one goal and … Read more

Write the Shots! (1)

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Okay, let’s just clear the air of so much bad thinking about action lines. I don’t know how or why this happened, but a lot of newbies seem to think that a scene is comprised of two or three things only. . 1) a Master Scene Heading (such as INT. MYSTERY MAN’S KITCHEN – NIGHT) … Read more

Best o/t Web 4 Apr 10

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:: The art and effect of the extra-long take.
:: Two-in-one: how to show the same actor plays multiple parts.
:: Raising the stakes in story, how to make it happen.
:: The benefits of becoming a script reader.
:: The big up and coming films of 2010.
:: Generating story ideas, the process in one idea.
:: Words with screenwriter-director Shane Salerno.
:: Finding the story within you.
:: The ins and outs of nonprofit film financing.
:: Money matters, a look at film content distribution and the future.
:: Tricky tricky treatment writing.
:: Delving into act two: the elements.

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