My sister recently introduced me to the genius that is @WorstMuse. This friendly muse is full of unhelpful advice that will keep you on your toes, force you to laugh at almost every movie you've seen lately, and laugh at the unfortunate cliches in your own writing. Inspire yourself to break the mold and dig a... Continue Reading →
Video: How to Do Visual Comedy
Tony Zhou put together this great video on how to add visual comedy to your film. Tony talks from the perspective of the director, but many of the things he talks about can be written directly onto the pages of the script (the bit about transitions in particular). Warning: this video will make you lose... Continue Reading →
Ask LA Screenwriter: Choosing Great Character Names
We're starting a new column here at LA Screenwriter. I was reading that great Dear Abby article yesterday, and I got to thinking that a lot of screenwriters would probably benefit from an open advice column. So if you have a question about structure or formatting or your gay neighbors -- I'm open to any... Continue Reading →
Jack Kerouac’s 30 Points to Write and Live By
Maria Popova of my favorite site, Brain Pickings, has shared a list that Jack Kerouac once wrote entitled Belief and technique for Modern Prose. Here is the full list (the emphasis is my own): Scribbled secret notebooks, and wild typewritten pages, for yr own joy Submissive to everything, open, listening Try never get drunk outside... Continue Reading →
Politics, Love, & Screenwriting: A Conversation with Steve Faber
Steve is the scribe behind Wedding Crashers and the recent hit, We're the Millers.
Practical Advice for Finding an Agent or Manager
On Friday, I attended a panel called Breaking In: Finding Representation. The panel featured two up and coming writers, Justin Marks and John Swetnam, and their representation.
Six Second Screenwriting Lessons from Brian Koppelman
Tired of reading the same advice in screenwriting books? You're in luck: Brian Koppelman is here to help.
Video: How Great Screenwriters Prepare to Write
BAFTA has shared a wonderful short video in which half a dozen screenwriters discuss how they prepare to write.
Terry Rossio on Finding a Uniquely Compelling Screenplay Concept
Having that perfect concept is the first key to writing a script that people will actually want to buy. But how do you find your concept?
(500) Days Scribe Scott Neustadter on the Script You Can’t Not Write
In our interview, Scott discusses the challenges of turning a true story into a cinematic experience, how he and Michael sold their first script, and his search for the story he "can't not write."