Adapting the Truth: Aaron Sorkin on Charlie Wilson’s War
by Aaron Ginsburg
In a crowded field of war films, who knew that one of the few rooted in fact would be the most entertaining? Sorkin discusses his plan of attack when adapting Charlie Wilson’s War. Despite his assertion that he’s not “politically sophisticated,” Sorkin, with films to his credit like A Few Good Men -- not to mention seven years at the helm of TV’s The West Wing -- has become one of the industry’s premier political writers.
Why I Strike: A Working-Class Writer Puts His Livelihood on the Line
by Aaron Mendelsohn
Despite rumors to the contrary, not all Hollywood screenwriters are high rollers. In fact, the majority of working writers are what we might call working-class. Mendelsohn explains why the strike of 2007 was important for him as a representative of that majority.
Writers on Writing: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly & Love in the Time of Cholera
by Ronald Harwood
The Academy Award®-winning writer of high-profile adaptations (such as 2002’s The Pianist and 2004’s Being Julia) tackles two more beloved books. Harwood reveals some of the tricks of a master adapter.
Win, Place & Showbiz: Handicapping the Writing Awards for 2007
by Bob Verini with additional reporting by Ray Morton
Once again it’s time to examine the standout scripts of 2007, assess their awardability, and speak with the scribes who turned them out. When Oscar® nominations are announced, these films are already on the short list. Which will be the fab five in each category?
Tips From the Pros
by Bob Verini & Ray Morton
Script asks the pros: How do you go about outlining (or not outlining) your script?
Program Review: USC School of Cinema-TV
by Liz Rall
In the second installment of Script’s program-review series, USC’s Writing Program proves to be the best in providing contacts.
Script to Screen: Atonement
by David S. Cohen
With Atonement, Christopher Hampton shows how much to tamper with a good book -- and how much not to.
Writers on Writing: The Bucket List
by Justin Zackham
In Justin Zackham’s in-depth interview with JUSTIN ZACKHAM, Zackham describes the personal journey that led to The Bucket List. And so does ZACKHAM.
The Small Screen: The Wire
by Debra Eckerling
Frequently identified as “the best show on television,” that other HBO show about organized crime -- The Wire -- gets ready for its fifth and final season.
Scene Fix: Felix the Flyer by Jenna Milly
Sports-writing pros Peter Iliff and Mike Rich workshop one novice’s climactic scene, and show you how to raise the stakes in your story.
Robert Osborne Talks Oscar
by Bob Verini
An Oscar season Q&A with the Academy’s historian and the distinguished host of Turner Classic Movies lends insight into the selection of best screenplay winners, past and present.
New Media: Afterworld by Robert Gustafson & Alec McNayr
The Web is host to an untold number of alternate universes with the explosion of New Media. The author of one -- Brent Friedman -- discusses his: Afterworld.
Independents: Testing 1, 2, 3 ... by William Martell
When a film flops, studios typically point the finger at an “unmarketable” movie. Find out how to “market test” your spec before you pitch.
Screenwriting Legend: Richard Maibaum
by Ray Morton
The seminal 007 screenwriter racked up more than a dozen Bond credits, making him the father of the modern action movie.
How Saleable is Your Screenplay?
by Robert Piluso
Atlantic Pictures’ Pat Sturgeon and Darren Goldberg offer a few tips for getting your spec sold in the low-budget market.
