News · 3 min
Structuring the Facts
Turning real events into a working screen drama is a hell of a challenge. Whether it be a historical movie, biography or docu-drama, the smart screenwriter…
The Journal
Vol. 17 · 1,240 entries
25 August 2026
News · 2 min
Diagnosis: Obsession
Occasionally I receive requests to read a first draft and even a first draft by a first time writer. I do indeed offer story consultancy but…
News · 6 min
Stop Reading Scripts
THE DA VINCI CODE came and went, PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST came and stayed and our own dear THE MORTAL COIL receives development…
News · 5 min
A Director’s Approach
Following my post on SYRIANA writer/director Stephen Gaghan, I came across an interesting discussion on the necessity of rigorous structuring vs. a more liberal, visual approach…
News · 8 min
NOT Story
Last year I attended Linda Aronson's PLOT CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP and was disappointed with her analysis of Michael Mann's THE INSIDER. Indirectly that disappointment would lead to…