The Contest Grind
For the emerging writer, especially those outside LA, contests most often get listed as the way to break-in. They don’t care about who you know… Read More »The Contest Grind
For the emerging writer, especially those outside LA, contests most often get listed as the way to break-in. They don’t care about who you know… Read More »The Contest Grind
Writers like reinventing the wheel. In fact, we’re encouraged to do it. “The same but different” is a phrase you’ll hear from executives. Or, rather… Read More »The Art of the Exposition Funnel
We’ve talked about writing to the cut before, but I wanted to dig in on one especially useful tool – the prelap. Prelaps get noted… Read More »Quick Tip: The Prelap
The Hunt, Damon Lindelof and Nick Cuse’s horror spec, brings The Most Dangerous Game into the modern era of partisanship and divisiveness. Liberal elites hunt… Read More »Terror Taught Me: The Hunt and Point of View
Following up on yesterday’s post about Objectives and Tactics, let’s look at a prime example: Training Day. Written by David Ayer and directed by Antoine… Read More »Steal This: Training Day and Tactics
Writers just starting out often end up with flat scenes. Characters stand around and state exposition or what they want. Then they get it, or… Read More »Quick Tips: Objectives & Tactics
How to make a compelling character? A protagonist who the audience will invest in and want to follow. Someone who can sustain narrative and interest… Read More »Steal This: Ozark and Expert Characters
For better or worse a film is often talked about in a condensed form. “It was fun” is a review you can expect from a… Read More »Terror Taught Me: That One Scene
Everybody has an angle. The unique thing that they bring to the table. Some combination of who you are, the stories you tell, and how… Read More »The Writer’s Brand
Getting feedback on your writing can be a painful and confusing process. You’ve spent your time and energy crafting a piece of art that you… Read More »Notes Under Notes: Building Callouses