Video · 1 min
[Video]: Sustaining the Habit
'Information consumes attention, hence a wealth of information causes a poverty of attention.' Do you ever sit down to write, but instead find yourself browsing news…
The Journal
Vol. 17 · 1,240 entries
26 August 2026
Quote of the day
Take what’s useful, argue with the rest.
Vol. 17
Story & Structure · 8 min
Writing the High ROI Screenplay (Part 11)
This week we continue with part eleven in a twelve part series of JT Velikovsky's doctoral thesis: “Understanding And Exploring The Relationship Between: Creativity; Theories Of…
Best of the Web · 1 min
Best of the Web 24 Nov
Story & Structure :: Improve Plot and Character Fast :: Building Original Stories :: “What is the Conflict in the Scene?” :: Screenplay Review - 47…
Story & Structure · 10 min
In Memoriam: Sydney Field (3)
Over the past decades, screenwriting education has developed into a multi-million dollar industry with rock-star size individuals such as Robert McKee and the late Blake Snyder.…
News · 11 min
In Memoriam: Syd Field (2) [Screenwriting Guru #1]
Over the past decades, screenwriting education has developed into a multi-million dollar industry. Teachers such as Robert McKee and the late Blake Snyder reach rockstar status. It…
Video · 1 min
[Video]: Karel on A Girl And A Gun
The Story Department's very own Karel Segers features on filmmaking webseries A Girl And A Gun with filmmaker Phil Moore to talk culture, script and the…
Uncategorized · 1 min
[Video]: Screenwriting Guru Syd Field on Hanging the Midpoint
The grandfather of screenwriting tutors and author Syd Field died earlier this week. We remember him with this short video in which he tells us what…
Story & Structure · 7 min
In Memoriam: Syd Field (1935-2013)
Over the past decades, screenwriting education has developed into a multi-million dollar industry with rockstar size gurus such as Robert McKee and the late Blake Snyder.…
Story & Structure · 4 min
5 Big Things To Sweat About
I’m sure you’ve all heard this inspiring set of rules before: 1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. 2. It’s all small stuff. The truth of the…
Best of the Web · 1 min
Best of the Web 17 Nov
Story & Structure :: Great Scene: “The Silence of the Lambs” :: The FUNdamentals of Screenwriting – SETTING :: 5 Tips for Writing Better Characters into…
Logline It! · 2 min
Logline it! – The Blood List 2013 – Week 1
Writing loglines is an essential skill for screenwriters, from early development through to the pitch. In this section, we review the loglines and short synopses of…
Video · 1 min
[Video]: Breaking into TV
Frank advice from Josh Leib (The Simpsons, The Daily Show): 'If there's anything else you can do, and still be happy, do that instead.' Hone your…
Best of the Web · 1 min
Best of the Web 10 Nov
Story & Structure :: Screenwriting Website of the Week: Screenwriter Writing :: Subtext :: Screenplay Review - The Giver :: Script to Novel - 5 Steps…
Video · 1 min
[Video]: How Screenwriters Make A Living
Screenwriting teacher John Truby talks bluntly about pitch slams, and how the film industry has changed in the last five years. Development funding, he cautions, is…
Best of the Web · 1 min
Best of the Web 3 Nov
Story & Structure :: “How To Write An Awesome Movie, According To Some Of Hollywood’s Best Writers” :: The Writer Speaks: William Goldman :: The 25…