The Story Department

Screenwriting Best of the Web

Here's my weekly selection from the blogosphere. Feel free to recommend anything or give your feedback in the Questions and Comments below. And don't forget you can subscribe to our posts so you don't miss any of this, ever. Hasbro's a film producer. What's this mean for original movie ideas? Follow your gut, ...

Hollywood’s Best Kept Secret

What is Hollywood’s Best Kept Screenwriting Secret? Answer: The Expanded Scene Breakdown. What is the Expanded Scene Breakdown? Read on to find out! Another step in the screenwriting process, you ask? The Expanded Scene Breakdown is a 20 to 40+ page point by point, step by step, scene by scene outline of the entire screenplay ...

The Untouchables – The Mid Point(s)

A movie's Mid Point usually fulfills a number of functions. In the Hero's Outer Journey, an event occurs that makes the Hero change the approach to pursuing the goal. On the inner level, the Hero shows a first commitment to change. Some people speak of the Point of No Return. Because every strong ...

Screenwriting Best of the Web 15/11/09

Here's our weekly selection from the blogosphere. Feel free to recommend anything or give your feedback in the Questions and Comments below. And don't forget you can subscribe to our posts so you don't miss any of this, ever. Where to download free scripts - and why you should. Roger Corman: The role ...

How to Write a Readable Script

What are the primary criteria that will ensure your script stands out from the rest? Steven Fernandez reveals some essential secrets to getting read. In my 4½ months in LA, one of the most important screenwriting lessons I learned is that there are simple principles to follow to ensure Hollywood screenplay readers ...

The Untouchables – Hiring the Mentor

Mentors appear to the heroes at the exact right time, usually in the second sequence, after the Inciting Incident has left the hero lost and confused. Reluctant to take up the challenge, the Hero continues to live in denial of the fact that the world has changed, that he/she needs to ...

Screenwriting Best of the Web 08/11/09

Here's our weekly selection from the blogosphere. Keep informed by following me on Twitter (bottom of left sidebar). And don't forget you can subscribe to our posts so you don't miss any of this, ever. Bill Martell celebrates 50 years of NORTH BY NORTH WEST Take some time out at film school with Mystery ...

Alien: Sex in deep space

With a prequel to the 1979 hit flick Alien directed by Ridley Scott in the works, Bryn Tilly re-opens the case on the original film and dissects what is brooding under its surface... “The people who made the first Alien were artists, Ridley Scott, Giger, the writers - they invented ...

Is it worth it?

Like pretty much every consultant, every now and then I'm asked: "Is this worth it?". On the surface, the question means: "Do you think this script will sell?" It's an easy question, which I can honestly answer in most cases. But I usually don't, because what really matters is the question's ...

Structure: The Untouchables

A structural overview of The Untouchables (David Mamet, 1986) David Mamet has never equaled the tremendous power of his eighties screenplays. The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Verdict, The Untouchables and even his own directorial debut House of Games, starring his then wife Lindsay Crouse. The Untouchables has always been my favorite. De ...