February 2011 - Page 2 of 5 - The Story Department

Not on the screen? Not on the page!

February 21, 2011 by Jack Brislee

If it’s not on the screen, it can’t be on the page. While most screenwriting books allude to this rule, Michael Hague probably best expresses it: “Nothing goes on the page that doesn’t go on the screen. Screenplays are made up of action, description, and dialogue.” by Jack Brislee “That’s all. Nothing can be included that … Read more

Best o/t Web Feb 20

February 20, 2011 by Adrian Kok

Story & Structure :: Script review: Chinatown Script Perfection :: Screenwriting Tips: Invisible structure | Family :: 13 cheesiest lines from RomComs :: Receiving notes Pitching & Selling :: Marketing yourself :: The calling card script :: What not to do when writing a pilot Best of the Rest :: The economics of Star Wars :: Q&A with David O. Russell :: Animated feature competition :: What … Read more

Subtext: Secrets and Lies (2)

February 18, 2011 by Mike Jones

Arm each character with a secret to keep and a lie to tell – secrets and lies that have value and possibility for damage – and then throw events at the characters that force the secrets and lies out into the open… At the heart of all great screen drama are Big Secrets and Bold … Read more

The Judges: Week 6

February 17, 2011 by Karel FG Segers

In 2011, each week 10 judges will review two short synopses from films that are currently in development. The objective is to all (that includes us judges) learn from the exercise. Please comment on our comments! photo credit: swanksalot If you have an opinion on any of these synopses or the feedback from the judges, … Read more

Video: Richard Walter

February 16, 2011 by Karel FG Segers

During a recent talk on outlining I gave for the AWG, the first audience question was about selling .
When you teach screenwriting, some questions keep coming back.
Like the one on why movies need to make money.

Watch this excerpt from an excellent talk by Richard Walter and see how the lady in green takes her time asking a question. Walter’s patience runs out and he jumps in, then the lady shows her annoyance by throwing her hands in the air. Despite Walter’s slight attitude, I’m with him on this one.

Whose side are you on?

Do check out the full program on Fora.tv.

With thanks to Louise Lee Mei and Adrian Kok.

Karel FG Segers

Karel Segers wrote his first produced screenplay at age 17. Today he is a story analyst with experience in acquisition, development and production. He has trained students worldwide, and worked with half a dozen Academy Award nominees. Karel speaks more European languages than you have fingers on your left hand, which he is still trying to find a use for in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. The languages, not the fingers.

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During a recent talk on outlining I gave for the AWG, the first audience question was about selling . When you teach screenwriting, some questions keep coming back. Like the one on why movies need to make money.

During a recent talk on outlining I gave for the AWG, the first audience question was about selling .
When you teach screenwriting, some questions keep coming back.
Like the one on why movies need to make money.