As a teacher, the most valuable thing I have to offer any student is real world knowledge. In the world of screenwriting gurus it’s quite a more dangerous place than you’d imagine, insisting that the guy giving you notes has actually, you know, written a fucking movie. Lots and lots of pretenders out there with […]
Kickstarter Essentials- Part 1
May 17, 2014
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Readers of Script Gods know that I’m a recent convert to the Church of D.I.Y. Micro-budget as THE WAY. If you needed more evidence of this trend as gone mainstream, you have only to look at the recent Joss Wheedon release of his micro-budget In Your Eyes. Whedon’s film premiered at Tribeca film fest. Then, […]
Synopsis Workshop- Part 1
May 9, 2014
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Think about Family Guy, and the character of Buzz Killington. Dude walks into a rockin’ party, opens his mouth, and the air goes out of the room. That’s what I’m about to do when I bring up today’s subject of –hit it, Buzz!—Writing The Killer Synopsis! Let’s define our terms. Synopsis is not a treatment. […]
Three Paths To Glory
April 18, 2014
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Ah, to be the poet! On writing only those things that strike his fancy! Writing what resonates with him, period. If they get it they get it, if not, fuck ’em! Screenwriters don’t get that luxury. As Mamet told us long ago, “screenwriting is a collaborative business. Bend over.” Seems to me a sign of […]
We talked previously about collaboration and the art of creative disagreement. That means finding collaborative partners who will not be yesmen, who will challenge you, and push the project to a new level. I’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful collaborative relationships, both in theater and film. I started in theater writing plays for my […]
