Mid-April isn’t most studios’ first choice for bringing out a tentpole. But Universal may start a trend if it hits a home run with Oblivion, directed by Joseph Kosinski from his own comic book adventure. An intriguing mystery wrapped inside a stylish postapocalyptic scifi thriller, Oblivion offers Tom Cruise his best action role in years – [...]
One of my consulting clients – a very nice fellow who is just getting started on his very first script – asked me to outline the process of writing a screenplay for him. I was originally just going to jot down a few brief notes, but as I got into it, I found myself developing [...]
If you have a question you would like to Just Effing Ask Julie Gray, please submit your question HERE. Bribes of cookies, flattery or pictures of cute kitties will definitely move you up in the queue. Hi Julie: I am discombobulated, frustrated, and confused – – Welcome to my world. Oh wait – you haven’t [...]
Question: What are the industry standard do’s and don’ts of screenwriting? As a producer, script consultant, and former VP Development for production companies at Sony, Universal and Disney — I have read thousands of scripts over the years and have had to make the distinction between those that exhibit a high quality of writing and [...]
Practicing savvy techniques can help ensure you’re taken seriously by the film industry—even before you’re a working professional. INT. BIG-TIME PRODUCTION COMPANY — DAY It’s 9:30 on Monday morning, and the place is hectic. Phones are ringing, executives are discussing scripts they read over the weekend, and everyone’s buzzing about the latest box-office figures. Seated [...]
This week’s Screenwriter Website of the Week is Xander Bennett’s Screenwriting Tips, You Hack on The Black List site. Xander posts a new screenwriting tip each day. The beauty is, it takes just seconds to read. Everyone has time for that kind of speed learning. Bookmark it. Learn something new every day, and follow Xander [...]
Question: What is the proper use of parentheticals? They are to be enclosed in parenthesis, non-capitalized and used very sparingly and pertain only to the character speaking. Their right margin is 3 inches in from the right side and their left margin is 3 inches from the left side of the paper. Keep them short and sweet, no [...]
