Story & Structure · 9 min

The Script Genius Of Die Hard

Die Hard. Some people say Jaws changed the way movies were made. Others say Star Wars. But it can be argued that Die Hard had just…

Script Perfection · 5 min

Write Your World

Screenwriters often forget how much power they have. The screenwriter is the first person to paint a clear picture of a finished film with the words…

Best of the Web · 1 min

Best o/t Web 12 Jun

Story & Structure :: Great moments in romantic comedy :: RomCom truisms Script Perfection :: Screenwriting Tips: Push through | Tell someone :: How to craft a damn good logline :: Visual…

Logline It! · 5 min

The Judges: Week 20

In 2011, each week 10 judges will review two short synopses from films that are currently in development.   The objective is to all (that includes…

Pitching & Selling · 6 min

Australian Film: Substance, Please.

Today I will suggest how our feature film stories could – at last! – start having substance as well. In my last essay I explained how…

Story & Structure · 5 min

Make Sure Your Movie Is A Road Movie

In my Hero's Journey classes I explain how in great movies, any form of movement is full of meaning.  Too many writers don't understand how to…

Logline It! · 4 min

The Judges: Week 19

In 2011, each week 10 judges will review two short synopses from films that are currently in development.   The objective is to all (that includes…

Best of the Web · 1 min

Best o/t Web 29 May

Story & Structure :: Why Bridesmaids is the best comedy since The Hangover :: Mockumentary style sitcoms: innovative or lazy writing? :: Real reason why A Clockwork Orange was…

Logline It! · 4 min

The Judges: Week 18

In 2011, each week 10 judges will review two short synopses from films that are currently in development. The objective is to all (that includes us…

Best of the Web · 1 min

Best o/t Web 22 May

Story & Structure :: Key story elements: Into the special world :: Great moments in romantic comedy :: Michael Mann retrospective: The Insider :: Women as violent characters in movies…

Logline It! · 5 min

The Judges: Week 17

In 2011, each week 10 judges will review two short synopses from films that are currently in development. The objective is to all (that includes us…

Logline It! · 4 min

The Judges: Week 16

In 2011, each week 10 judges will review two short synopses from films that are currently in development.   The objective is to all (that includes…

Pitching & Selling · 4 min

A Formula For Selling Your Script Before You Write It

I had prepared another travel update, then realized that you guys are probably craving another craft article. And given the fact that I will mention the…

Best of the Web · 1 min

Best o/t Web 8 May

Story & Structure :: Key story elements: Inciting incident Script Perfection :: Dialogue for children :: Why we're all capable of writing shitty screenplays :: Losing your babies :: Screenwriter:…

News · 5 min

Maligayang pagdating sa Pilipinas, Novelistas!

I haven't blogged in a while but now I feel I have to. My first international lecturing trip in 15 months, to a country I had…