Many beloved films have come from adaptations throughout the years. This is more common in Hollywood than you may think. Some think of using adaptations for screenplays as fodder for the “lazy writer” who couldn’t come up with an idea of his or her own. Contrary to this belief, adaptations have been prevalent among Hollywood [...]
Recent Articles
Monday Morning Editor’s Picks: Story Inspiration
Every writer needs inspiration. I’m known for getting mine as a voyeur at my Panera office. However it is you get inspired, there are tools that can help you organize your ideas and keep them at your fingertips for easy reference. 1. Inspiration Software: Inspiration makes it easy to create webs, idea maps, mind maps, concept [...]
The Scoggins Report: May 2013 Spec Market Scorecard
The Scoggins Report by Jason Scoggins & Cindy Kaplan May 20, 2013 May 2013 Spec Market Scorecard Consider the following remarkable stats: There has been 24% less new material on the market so far this year than last (100 specs in 2013 vs 132 in 2012), yet there have been 10% more spec sales (44 this year vs 40 [...]
Film Reviews From a Writer’s POV: ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’
What you’re about to read is a look at the newly released film, Star Trek Into Darkness, specifically looking at it from the view of a screenwriter. As such, the following review is SPOILER HEAVY. You may want to turn back now. Do not read on if you haven’t seen the film yet, and prefer [...]
Screenwriting Product Review: Contour Story Development Software
We live in a extraordinary age where most people in the world can gain access to knowledge and information easily. You no longer have to necessarily take classes, or go to night courses, to get training for many skills, including writing. Writing classes never hurt and I still recommend them, but much knowledge can be [...]
Behind the Lines with DR: What Makes Actors Movie Stars?
So it was upon catching Skyfall that I thought it the appropriate time to share this true Hollywood tale of lust. My best pal Robert and I treated some of our still-growing children to an opening day showing what MGM originally titled Bond #23. On the way home afterwards, we fell into the usual post-Bond movie stars discussion [...]
Business of Screenwriting: ‘Rocky’ The Perfect Movie
If you want to become a screenwriter you must study history. I mean the history of film. You need to watch all types of films which include the old and new, the good and bad. You need to see comedies, tragedies, dramas, kid flicks and chick flicks. This is the easiest homework you’ve ever been [...]
Balls of Steel: Spark Creativity by Changing Your Writing Routine
Location, location, location. It’s important in real estate, in a script’s budget and also in sparking creativity for a writer’s mind. But for me, location isn’t the only thing – it’s the combination of location, people, and inspiration that puts words on the page. Location Finding the best location to write is just as important [...]
Alt Script: Zach Braff & Amanda Palmer – Is Crowdfunding Growing Up?
I pledged $10 to Zach Braff’s kickstarter campaign this week. I pledged money to his film, despite the fact that lots of independent filmmakers and screenwriters have been moaning about him using his celebrity status to crowd-fund his film, Wish I Was Here. Personally, I think their complaints are misguided and there is a lot we [...]
