Video

Video: Brian McDonald (with Warren Etheredge)

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Just when I had given up all hope on finding fresh, insightful videos on screenwriting and storytelling,

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Video: Blockbuster Writers

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Rarely will you see so much blockbuster power in one room. The topics of discussion: difficult directors, competing against each other, “insane” product placement and selling out. The tentpole scribes were brought together by The Hollywood Reporter.

With thanks to Louise Lee Mei and Adrian Kok.

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Video: Wes Craven

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If Alfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense, many will agree Wes Craven is the master of horror. His films reach audiences well beyond the geek niche and after fifteen years in the Scream franchise, number four is about to hit the theaters.

Personally I have always been fascinated with the debate whether or not horror has an adverse impact on the audience. In this clip, Craven explains that he is actually helping people.

And no matter how mediocre the films might sometimes get, I still think I believe him.

With thanks to Adrian Kok.

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Video: William Goldman

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Last week Jack Brislee made reference to William Goldman breaking the rules.
Today we have the legend himself talking about the result of his rules smashing: $400,000, or a record fee for a single screenplay. That was forty-two years ago.

Goldman famously said “Nobody Knows Anything” and although there is some truth in this, it is not immediately the most helpful advice to any budding screenwriters. He succeeded in breaking the rules but every day a large proportion of failures can be explained because of exactly that.

Ultimately it is your call. See what you do with it.

 

With thanks to Louise Lee Mei and Adrian Kok.

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Video: Richard Walter

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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.

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.

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