Happy Thanksgiving!
November 24, 2017
All work and no play makes Jack, Jane and their 4-act structured script no fun. So get your head out of your turkey, and take off the weekend! I know I am. See you all in December.
Category: Style
Random Thoughts on Main Characters
November 17, 2017
While we’re on the topic of characters, here are a few more random thoughts about movie characters for you to chew on: Everyone Loves a Hero Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They face all kinds of challenges. What all heroes have in common is that, for one reason or another, we admire … More Random Thoughts on Main Characters
5 More Tips for Creating Characters
November 10, 2017
In Act One, your reader meets your main character. They form an opinion of who that characters is. Watching your character make decisions, face obstacles and takes actions — no matter how small and seemingly insignificant — enables your reader to hone and refine that first impression. Then what…? How do you keep your reader … More 5 More Tips for Creating Characters
3 Steps to Introducing Characters
November 3, 2017
While plots most be original and compelling, characters are the key to every great movie. Your characters are the emotional core of your story. It is through them that your audience engages and experiences the world you have created. To write great characters you must know them and understand them. They must live in your … More 3 Steps to Introducing Characters
The Second Half of My Top Ten Movies for 2017 (So Far)
October 27, 2017
Continuing my countdown, here are the top five movies that I’ve seen so far this year. This is by no means a comprehensive survey. It’s merely a distillation of the movies I that I enjoyed the most. Maybe you have or will enjoy some of them as well. 5. Girls Trip This movie is a … More The Second Half of My Top Ten Movies for 2017 (So Far)
The First Half of My Top Ten Movies for 2017 (So Far)
October 20, 2017
Fall is upon us. As the leaves change and the days get shorter, before the holiday struggle for cinematic accolades begins, let’s take a moment to reflect on a totally subjective, anecdotal look at the movies that have merited discussion so far this year. Seen in multiplexes and art houses, on date nights and alone … More The First Half of My Top Ten Movies for 2017 (So Far)
Art of Dramatic Writing, Part 5: When You Write Your Script
October 6, 2017
Are You Ready to Write Your Script…? Egri offers a checklist for making sure you’ve put the necessary thought into your work before you start. If you’ve done the following 11 steps, your script will be ready to go! Formulate a premise. Choose the protagonist. Choose the antagonist. Create a unity of opposites. Choose the … More Art of Dramatic Writing, Part 5: When You Write Your Script
Art of Dramatic Writing, Part 3: Conflict and Unity
September 22, 2017
Now that we’ve discussed Egri’s take on the pivotal characters in a script, let’s look at how the protagonist and antagonist work in concert to create the dramatic structure that is your script. Orchestration There is a saying, “There is no action unless there is a need; and there is no need until there is … More Art of Dramatic Writing, Part 3: Conflict and Unity
Directing Through Punctuation, Part 4.
July 28, 2017
The end of punctuation: full stop. This will complete our examination of how to use punctuation to create vivid imagery in your narrative description and how to imply camera angles and pacing edits without revealing that’s what you are doing. If there’s anything I’ve missed, send me a note. I’ll be happy to answer your … More Directing Through Punctuation, Part 4.
Directing Through Punctuation, Part 3.
July 21, 2017
Backwards and forwards. As we continue our exploration of how to use punctuation in the narrative description of a screenplay, don’t forget the example we’re looking using. It’s from the first page of Shane Black’s 2005 directorial debut, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: The girl starts to SCREAM. SHRIEKING. Writhing in agony. Tears streaming. Harold stares … More Directing Through Punctuation, Part 3.
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