Writing

Script to Screen: “No Country For Old Men”

The coin toss scene from No Country For Old Men (2007), screenplay by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, one of the most riveting moments in the movie.

Setup: A vicious killer Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) escapes from the law and stops for gas.

The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell’s Vision of the Hero’s Path

All throughout mankinds history, in the greatest tales and myths we have every created, a common framework for storytelling can be found; and that is the hero’s journey. If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend that…

Reader Question: Could you explain how writing credits work?

A deep dive into the mysteries of screenwriting credits.

From Courtney:

While you’re shooting around the topic could you shed a little light on credits? From what I…

Reader Question: How to indicate a ‘jump cut’ in a screenplay?

A jump cut is a transition to suggest a time ellipsis, a jump in time, hence the term.

A question from pliny the elder:

Simple formatting question: I have an overall scene…

Reader Question: How do I handle characters speaking in a foreign language?

Indicate the foreign language, but use English instead.

A question from Matt:

I am crafting a story, and the outline is pretty solid. I have fleshed…

Script To Screen: “Se7en”

The final moments of the climactic scene in the movie Se7en (1995), written by Andrew Kevin Walker, one of the most powerful cinematic moments in the last two decades.

Setup: Detectives Mills (Brad Pitt) and Somerset (Morgan Freeman) have been led to a remote location by serial…

Reader Question: How to approach writing a story with multiple main characters?

Exploring three keys to writing multilinear screenplays.

The Business of Screenwriting: Hip pocket representation

The gray area between being signed by an agent… and kinda signed.

The Business of Screenwriting: It’s not just about the script

Yes, you should focus on your spec script, but there’s much more to learn.

How They Write A Script: Diablo Cody

If there’s a modern day ‘talisman’ for anybody who dreams of breaking into Hollywood as a…