You are browsing the archive for Screenwriting.

How do you make a documentary about Ken Burns?

Posted on May 23, 2012 in Filmmaking 360, Story | No Comments

Making a short documentary about the iconic documentary filmmaker is a tall order in itself. Sarah Klein and Tom Mason sit down with the Atlantic to discuss how they approached the form and how they found b-roll for lofty ideas such as “1+1=3″.

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2 Techniques for Writing the Masterpiece Genre

Posted on May 8, 2012 in Story | 1 Comment

John Truby discusses the Masterpiece Genre. Learn two key techniques to master this Genre as well several questions and point to keep in mind while writing.

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Screenwriting “Rules” Don’t Matter

Posted on May 8, 2012 in Screenplay Format | No Comments

We’ve all seen it… a script that sells violates every rule we’ve seen about screenwriting. BlueCatScreenplay answers a viewer’s question and brings it all back home.

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10 Secrets to Creating Unforgettable Supporting Characters

Posted on May 8, 2012 in General Screenwriting, Story | No Comments

Everybody wants to play the lead, but being the supporting character has its perks too.

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Writing for Hollywood without living there

Posted on May 3, 2012 in General Screenwriting | No Comments

Bradley Jackson is the writer behind “The Man Who Could Not Cry” a wonderful film that has piqued the interest of some people Hollywoodside. But the Austin based writer isn’t ready to uproot just yet…

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An Interview with Hitchcock’s Writer: John Michael Hayes

Posted on May 3, 2012 in General Screenwriting, Interviews | No Comments

John Micahel Hayes penned many great Hitchcock films including Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, The Trouble with Harry and The Man Who Knew Too Much. Here is an interview with Hayes done in the 1960s.

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How to Write the Myth Genre

Posted on May 2, 2012 in Story | No Comments

Myths are the oldest and most popular story genre – From Gilgamesh to the Odyssey, Star Wars to Batman, myths are the foundation to our favorite stories of all time. John Truby breaks down how to approach the myth genre.

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The Essence of Comedy Writing

Posted on April 26, 2012 in Filmmaking 360, General Screenwriting, Structure | 1 Comment

What is at the heart of comedic writing? What makes a joke work? Why are some jokes not as funny the second time around? Read the article, I’m not going to explain it in this description!

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Andrew Stanton: The Clues to a Great Story

Posted on April 23, 2012 in Story | No Comments

Filmmaker Andrew Stanton (“Toy Story,” “WALL-E”) shares what he knows about storytelling — starting at the end and working back to the beginning.

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Community’s 8 point Story Structure

Posted on April 23, 2012 in Story, Structure | No Comments

Dan Harmon drives himself crazy writing the scripts for Community. As the series creator, he’s been hard at work studying story and looking for a common structure. Brian Raftery reports on Dan Harmon’s story philosophy and spends some time with this interesting individual.

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Michael Bay’s Rejected “The Dark Knight” Script

Posted on April 11, 2012 in General Screenwriting, Outtakes | 3 Comments

“We pan to a beautiful woman: platinum blonde with a huge rack. She is the hottest woman in the world, but she wears glasses because she is also the smartest woman in the world.” Who wouldn’t want to see this get made?

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C. S. Lewis Advice to Young Writers

Posted on April 10, 2012 in General Screenwriting | No Comments

In his life, C.S. Lewis received thousands of letters from children who were eager for more knowledge of his bestselling Narnia books and their author. Lewis always replied with understanding and respect. Below is an example where he offered 5 writing tips to his young fan.

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Polone: Who Really Determines the Fates of Aspiring Screenwriters?

Posted on April 6, 2012 in General Screenwriting, Selling Your Script | No Comments

Gavin Polone, producer of Zombieland, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the Gilmore Girls, talks about who really controls the future of aspiring screenwriters.

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6 Steps to a Perfect Catchphrase

Posted on April 4, 2012 in General Screenwriting | No Comments

What makes a memorable catchphrase? Science went hard to work to find the answers.

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Don’t work for Free

Posted on April 4, 2012 in Filmmaking 360, General Screenwriting | No Comments

Daedalus Howell tackles the sensitive subject of compensation when it comes certain creative endeavors with a simple motto: Don’t Work for Free.

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