Technology and Screenwriting 2.0

In our series about screenwriting software, the people behind some of the leading titles contribute to this blog. Our guest this week is Eric McDonald, CEO of Zhura.com. While screenwriting is rarely credited as a driver of new technology, it certainly benefits from technical innovation.  Screenwriters have enjoyed continuous improvement in the tools that allow them … Read more

Structure: Juno

At the time of release, much of the attention surrounding JUNO went to the screenwriter rather than the script. Now the dust around Diablo Cody has settled, some voices have questioned the quality of the script. by Karel Segers I still believe it is a wonderful independent film, well-structured and beautifully written. Usually I am … Read more

From One to Many

In a series about screenwriting software, some of the main screenwriting software titles out there will contribute an article to The Story Department. We open the series with Mark Kennedy, CEO of Celtx. “Just a few days ago, we released version 2.0 of the Celtx software. A lot of people don’t quite get what Celtx … Read more

The Psychology of Scriptwriting (4)

THE EMPOWERMENT THEORY Machiavelli postulated that man’s quest is for power. He said that no-one is more miserable than a disempowered man. Ironically, he wrote his thesis as a book called THE PRINCE but when he presented it, hoping to impress his Medici rulers, to reap glory (and status), they hated it. And banished Machiavelli … Read more

The Psychology of Scriptwriting (3)

PART 3: THE ID THEORY In an average life, most people have a very constricted time. Rarely is a person satisfied with as much sex, food, money and fun as he/she desires. Mostly, society (and health issues) enforce humans to lead somewhat disgruntled lives. Because the alternative, if everyone did exactly what their hearts desired … Read more