The 2-Act Structure [Because You Write The Rules]

In an earlier post I warned you about the 2-Act Structure. If none of the structural paradigms offered by the gurus work for you, why don’t you create your own? Here is mine. Every structure model is academic. There really are no rules. Instead, these systems are merely tools to allow us to communicate about … Read more

Best o/t Web 1 Apr

Story & Structure :: Three’s a Crowd: Multi-protagonist Stories :: 10 Secrets to Creating Unforgettable Supporting Characters :: Great Character: Arthur Edens (“Michael Clayton”) :: Screenplay Review – Norm The Movie :: Act Structure By Minute?  Script Perfection :: Screenwriting Tips: “Write What You Know” Doesn’t Mean… :: Breaking In: Are Screenwriters “Born This Way”? :: … Read more

Are You A Reader Of Screenplays Or A Watcher Of Movies?

Some respected screenwriting gurus claim that you should read and study as many screenplays as possible. It doesn’t matter if the film was a success or a flop: you learn either way. I agree. But more importantly, you should watch and analyze the movies. For years, I blindly followed this dogma, as it seemed to … Read more

Three or Four?

A properly structured screenplay must have three acts… Or four? I have said before that the model you use to improve your screenwriting is your own choice. At the end of the day it is all academic. Whatever works for you. The Dept Revisited – A rerun of the best of the Story Dept. A … Read more

We never have to make it!

The biggest movie out of Australia since AUSTRALIA is a simple tale of pen-friendship that can’t be seen in IMAX nor 3D. MARY & MAX comes in… Clayography. The feature length follow-up to the 2004 Academy Award Best Animated Short Film winner HARVEY KRUMPET, MARY & MAX opened Sundance earlier this year. M. Rodriguez spoke … Read more