Up in the Air has become the critical smash of the season. Following an enthusiastic reception at a number of film fests earlier this year, the movie -- which stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a “career transition counselor” who spends the majority of his life happily living on airplanes as he travels around the country firing people -- has opened to extremely strong reviews, very solid returns ($1.2 million on 15 screens), and honors in early awards contests. Script recently spoke with screenwriters Sheldon Turner and Jason Reitman (who also directed) and asked them how they brought Walter Kirn’s 2001 novel to the screen. Continue reading ...
Jeffrey Berman's The Write Environment DVD series features (thus far) interviews with Joss Whedon, Damon Lindelof, Tim Kring, Phil Rosenthal, Sam Simon, and Doug Ellin. Berman questions from the writer perspective, eliciting valuable insight and advice on the craft from the pros. In the following clip, Simon discusses mature comedy and his favorite episode of The Simpsons.
For the rest of Simon's interview, or clips from other interviewees, visit TheWriteEnvironment.com. DVDs are also available through Amazon.com.
In the November/December issue of Script, all four Sherlock Holmes scribes discuss their role in shaping the perennial detective for a modern audience. Though each of the men is undoubtedly proud of his unique contribution, all agree the film was characterized by writers, actors, director and crew working in league. Listen as Lionel Wigram, Michael Robert Johnson, Simon Kinberg, and Tony Peckham talk about the process on the project. [24:25]
Roland Emmerich: Character and Tone in Disaster Movies
Roland Emmerich's 2012 set the box-office on fire this weekend, with thrill-seekers popping Junior Mints as the world burned. Here, Emmerich discusses the importance of tone and character in a decimation flick.
Jen Grisanti, founder of Jen Grisanti Consultancy, is a veteran of television, having learned the ropes under the tutelage of uber-producer Aaron Spelling. After several years shaping some of television's stand-out shows, Grisanti decided to share her knowledge with aspiring writers. Though her seminars and website are chock-full of great info, Grisanti has also collected an impressive catalogue of TV-centric podcast interviews. Showrunners, executive producers, head writers, and writer-creators of shows like Castle, Grey's Anatomy, United States of Tara, and Lie to Me are all present to discuss the ins and outs of their projects. Click here and start listening!
While talent and industry-savvy are two of the most essential qualities in a screenwriter, aspirants also require plenty of resourcefulness. Screenwriter Michael Elliot turned his resourcefulness into a spec sale, in seven days no less. As Elliot's fourth feature -- Just Wright, starring Queen Latifah and Common -- wraps up production, Elliot discusses strategy for the screenwriter and his website, Writers Little Black Book. [15:40]
E-ARTICLES 
Up in the Air has become the critical smash of the season. Following an enthusiastic reception at a number of film fests earlier this year, the movie -- which stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a “career transition counselor” who spends the majority of his life happily living on airplanes as he travels around the country firing people -- has opened to extremely strong reviews, very solid returns ($1.2 million on 15 screens), and honors in early awards contests. Script recently spoke with screenwriters Sheldon Turner and Jason Reitman (who also directed) and asked them how they brought Walter Kirn’s 2001 novel to the screen. 
In the November/December issue of Script, all four Sherlock Holmes scribes discuss their role in shaping the perennial detective for a modern audience. Though each of the men is undoubtedly proud of his unique contribution, all agree the film was characterized by writers, actors, director and crew working in league. Listen as Lionel Wigram, Michael Robert Johnson, Simon Kinberg, and Tony Peckham talk about the process on the project. [24:25]
Jen Grisanti, founder of Jen Grisanti Consultancy, is a veteran of television, having learned the ropes under the tutelage of uber-producer Aaron Spelling. After several years shaping some of television's stand-out shows, Grisanti decided to share her knowledge with aspiring writers. Though her seminars and website are chock-full of great info, Grisanti has also collected an impressive catalogue of TV-centric podcast interviews. Showrunners, executive producers, head writers, and writer-creators of shows like Castle, Grey's Anatomy, United States of Tara, and Lie to Me are all present to discuss the ins and outs of their projects. 