No Passive Protagonist!

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Jack Brislee shatters some of the screenwriting principles the gurus so passionately advocate. First he introduces us to the rule, then explains how it has been successfully broken (or bent). The Rule: No Passive Protagonists! Most screenwriting books regard a passive protagonist as a major error.  Audiences want to see a hero who instigates action, … Read more

Cinematic Storytelling (7)

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Here’s a scene taken from the completely visual screenplay written by a longtime friend, Bob Thielke. This writer found himself so inspired by Jennifer van Sijll’s book Cinematic Storytelling that he wrote for himself a nearly dialogue-free screenplay. The result is a creative exercise, just to practice the art of telling a story through visuals. The … Read more

Best o/t Web 14 Nov

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:: Did Harry Potter really steal all these story ideas? :: Hitchcock’s storyboards from 13 classic films :: An upbeat noir? :: What’s next for Edgar Wright’s “Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy” :: 21 strategies for breaking in and advancing your screenwriting career :: Review: The Last Queen :: Everyone’s favourite Dutchman: the cult of Rutger Hauer :: 7 things writers need to … Read more

How To Write For An A-List Actor (2)

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A question I always like to ask people in the know is, “What kind of character should you write to give yourself the best chance to attract an A-List actor?” The reason I ask is because there’s no quicker way to get your script sold or produced than to attach a star. Part One Actor: … Read more