It’s been said that screenwriting is both an art and a craft. Interestingly, you can show incredible proficiency at the craft and still fail to succeed on a professional level. Why is that? You might think I would answer that you have failed at the “art” portion. And to some degree that may be true. [...]
Recent Articles
Loglines: The First Essential Step to Defining and Elevating Your Story
Your script’s logline is its lifeblood. It’s how you’re going to get people to notice, understand, and love your story because it’s the first thing anyone is going to see or hear. And if your logline doesn’t give us the necessary information in an intriguing way, and highlight the best elements of your story, character [...]
Monday Morning Editor Picks: Breaking In with Adaptations, Loglines, & Unusual Contests
This weekend I was pondering the different ways you can break into the industry with writing samples, great loglines and a contest that is so unique it just might be what you need to get noticed. Here are my editor picks for products to help: 1. Learn how to obtain source material: Using Adaptations as the [...]
What You Must Know About Script Format
It was the most beautiful chocolate cake I had ever seen. The college professor laid it gently on the table. My salivary glands were already anticipating a most excellent sensory experience. “Would you like a piece?” she asked the class. Sitting on the front row, I was sure my chances were good. My hand shot up [...]
Balls of Steel: Debate and Tips for Outlining a Script
On a recent Scriptchat, Corey Mandell was our guest. When the subject of outlining came up, Corey chimed in that of the three specs he sold, one he outlined, the other two he didn’t. He believes writers should develop the critical conceptual and intuitive skills to be able to explore different writing approaches to see [...]
Sci Fi Circuit: The Purpose and Value of Science Fiction
Does sci fi serve a purpose beyond that of entertainment or escapism? Why do we write, read, and love sci fi? Arthur Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey) once said, “There’s no real objection to escapism, in the right places… We all want to escape occasionally. But science fiction is often very far from escapism, in [...]
Producer’s POV: Writing a TV Series (Without Whining)
In teaching Screenwriters University’s Writing a Spec Script for a TV series, it’s reminded me how much every writer just wants to write their own original material. And that they are purely writing these spec scripts just to get work or an agent or manager. Granted, it’s the best work in the world (if you [...]
Welcome to Writers On The Web!
Welcome to my new column, Writers On The Web! As the name suggests, I’ll be exploring how writers can further their careers and find a viable audience for their work by producing their own web content. I’ll be exploring the entire production process of a web series from conception through distribution, which, not unlike birthing [...]
Specs & The City: Sequences and ‘Toy Story’ Part 1
Every screenwriter knows about the basic three-act structure of the modern screenplay. It’s the love of our life, and the tormentor that keeps us up at night as we attempt to pour the story we desperately need to tell (you do feel a NEED to tell your story don’t you?) into this mold. Hell, I’ve [...]
Writers on the Verge: What Is Old SHOULD NOT Be New Again
Recently, a writer contacted me seeking some guidance. He sent a screenplay into the industry – all the major agencies, management and production companies in 2005, but despite some initial interest, could not get any real traction for the script. He felt so dejected, he had not written anything new since. Now, eight years later, [...]
