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scr(i)pt Magazine - November/December 2003
November/December 2003 Issue
FEATURE:
Lives Writ Large: The Last Samurai
Interview by Bob Verini
With Best Picture Oscars awarded to the likes of Braveheart, Titanic and Gladiator this past decade, it is clear that the epic genre has returned with a vengeance. Veteran screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, Any Given Sunday) discusses his techniques used to tackle the eagerly awaited historical epic The Last Samurai, and also presents his advice to aspiring writers hoping to work in the genre.
CRAFT:
Independents: Pretty Scary Stuff°™Part Two
By William C. Martell
Blood and guts don't make for a great horror script anymore.
Screenwriter Bill Martell sheds light on what gets a horror script sold.
The Cruelty of Cold Mountain
By Rachel Wimberly
Rachel Wimberly sits down with writer-director Anthony Minghella
to discuss the grueling research that went into his adaptation
of the historical war drama Cold Mountain.
The Hill With It: Make Us Care About Your Protagonist°™Fast!
By John Hill
When tackling a spec script, writers must make readers care immediately about the story's main character. John Hill instructs aspiring scribes on
making their protagonists°Ø first impression a great one.
Sometimes a Banana is Just a Banana: Recognizing Theme
By Michael Giampa
Everything has a theme and screenplays are no exception. Michael Giampa explores theme as the foundation on which the elements of
story, plotting, character and dialogue all stand.
Pictures and the Exposition
By Robin Russin
As a writer, every line in your script should reveal something important and move the story forward. Follow this set of strategies to making your exposition work.
WRITERS ON WRITING:
In America
By Jim Sheridan
In America is a film gleaned from Oscar-winner Jim Sheridan's own experience. The writer-director offers his guidance on creating autobiographical characters, finding theme and writing on the border between real life and drama.
The Writing of Mystic River
By Brian Helgeland
Whether you're a writer attempting an adaptation or struggling with your own spec script, veteran scribe Brian Helgeland provides his valuable insight into the crucial task of finding the starting point for your story.
A Man Named Radio
By Mike Rich
Screenwriter Mike Rich details the risks and rewards he experienced
while penning his heartwarming script based on the
true story of James Robert "Radio" Kennedy.
Finding the Zeitgeist
By Frank Hannah
Frank Hannah offers five simple rules for tapping
into the collective consciousness of storytelling.
DEVELOPMENT:
Spec Sale Spotlight: Kevin Walsh
By Rita Cook
Boston native Kevin Walsh has been writing his whole life, but just recently tasted the sweet success of a script sale. Learn what Walsh's good fortune has taught him about the industry.
Who You Know: Vulcan Productions
By John Scott Lewinski
Vulcan Productions is a rare breed in today's world of film: a company that is devoted exclusively to producing films of unique vision and artistic quality.
Mastering the Master's
By Ray Morton
Columnist Ray Morton takes an in-depth look at the master's programs of the country's five most prominent film schools and what each one has to offer aspiring scribes.
Script to Screen: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
By David S. Cohen
Screenwriter John Collee discusses the task of adapting the sprawling novel Master and Commander for the big screen. He explores the reasons why the film strays far afield from the book, the methods he used to reveal character and his struggle to find the perfect closure for Captain Aubrey's adventure.
The Small Screen: An Interview With Jonathan Littman
By Rich Whiteside
Jonathan Littman, president of Jerry Bruckheimer Television, reveals the
challenges of juggling six shows on air at once, including TV's number-one hit: CSI.
10 Simple Rules to Surviving the Pitch
By Robert Gosnell
There are many unspoken rules to pitching. Learn them before your next
meeting and you'll be sure to have the executive's undivided attention.
Meet the Reader: Conventional Cliches°™Part One
By Ray Morton
Ray Morton examines the conventions and cliches of major movie genres and advises writers on which concepts they should include in their script and which they should avoid.
Editor's Note
Letters to the Editor
Contests
Sales Force
Festival Watch
Ask Dr. Format
Merlin's Musings
Script to Screen
Hot Sheet
Press Releases
Festivals
Internet Guide
Classifieds
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