Story & Structure · 3 min
Plot => Character (Rituals => Tribe)
Character or plot. Which comes first? Some say character prevails, others say it's a chicken and egg thing. But ... how do you define a character?…
The Journal
Vol. 17 · 1,240 entries
25 August 2026
Quote of the day
Take what’s useful, argue with the rest.
Vol. 17
Post Series · 5 min
Can’t get ME out of my mind.
Theorists have grappled with the idea for decades, directors have had hissy fits… WAAPA directing student Ngaire O’Leary reflects on the filmmaker’s challenge of using a…
Post Series · 4 min
Never, ever leave your vehicle.
How would you like it to be commissioned to write a low budget feature film? Even without any produced feature credits? In our series of guest…
Post Series · 6 min
Script Development – Step by Step
In our series about screenwriting software, the people behind some of the leading titles contribute to this blog. Our guest this week is Dan Bronzite, CEO…
Uncategorized · 5 min
Cut the Second Draft Paste
Here's the next contribution in our series of guest posts. Screenwriter John Pace has the solution to a fresh, immeasurably better 2nd draft. There will be…
Script Perfection · 1 min
Who get their first films/scripts made?
It's not those with the best movie idea. It's not the ones with the greatest script either, nor those with the most writing experience. The ones…
Uncategorized · 5 min
Is screenwriting for me? (2)
Our series of guest posts is opening up to the readers, so it is now your turn. In his contribution to The Story Department, aspiring screenwriter…
News · 1 min
The best eggs come after Easter
Stop press! Here is the next best thing to hit the blogosphere after the release of the Raiders Story Conference. Jason Kottke was tipped off on…
Post Series · 5 min
Is screenwriting for me? (1)
Our guest post series has opened to the readers, so it is your turn. Aspiring screenwriter Terrence ponders over a question that has bugged all of…
Stuff · 16 min
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…
News · 1 min
The Story Department in Top 50
Very proud to find out that this little blog has made it into the Top 50 Australian blogs on writing. We're currently at a humble 49th…
Pitching & Selling · 1 min
They’ve already won
At a recent networking event, I met two filmmakers, 14 and 16 years old. When I asked them in what capacity they were there, they said:…
Post Series · 4 min
Technology and Screenwriting 2.0
In our series about screenwriting software, the people behind some of the leading titles contribute to this blog. Our guest this week is Eric McDonald, CEO…
Post Series · 6 min
Structure: Juno
At the time of release, much of the attention surrounding JUNO went to the screenwriter rather than the script. Now the dust around Diablo Cody has…