by Ashley Scott Meyers On this episode of the podcast screenwriter Rob Tobin talks about his new film, Get Married Or Die, and how he eventually found success in the business. You can listen to the audio portion of the podcast by clicking here or through iTunes by clicking here. You can also read a... Continue Reading →
Finding a Way into the Story of PATERNO
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Debora Cahn has written for some of the most beloved shows in the history of American television. Having written on The West Wing from 2002 to 2006, she followed with work on other juggernauts such as Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy. Continuing her work dealing with complex situational dramas, Cahn is currently writing on Homeland. Most recently, she... Continue Reading →
Using Animals Symbolically in Your Stories
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Some animals we love and invite into our homes as family. Other animals we revile and imagine as pure evil. The most ancient stories that humankind told often involved animals, as they offered kinship, antagonistic struggle, and sources of food in areas where plants and vegetables didn’t easily grow. Aside from the... Continue Reading →
Screenwriter/Consultant Steve Deering On How He Optioned His Screenplay
by Ashley Scott Meyers In this week's episode I talk with Steve Deering about is recent option through the SYS Select Database. Steve also offers up some great insight into common problems that screenwriters make, and offers up some potential solutions to the problems. You can listen to the audio portion of the podcast by... Continue Reading →
Screenwriter and BlueCat Founder Gordy Hoffman On His Short Film, Dog Bowl
by Ashley Scott Meyers In this week's episode of the podcast I talk with Gordy Hoffman about his short film, Dog Bowl, which he wrote and directed (now available on Amazon Prime). We talk about how he made the film as well as the writing challenges that he worked through while writing the screenplay. You... Continue Reading →
Stories Within Stories: READY PLAYER ONE and Beyond
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Have you ever wondered if they watched movies in the world of Star Wars? Or if the superheroes in the Marvel films were aware of DC’s Superman and Batman? Some of the most fun moments in Ready Player One were seeing characters ranging from Freddy Krueger to the Iron Giant co-exist in the same world,... Continue Reading →
Environmental Storytelling: Crafting Details that Immerse the Audience
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) “It’s the little things.” The saying has become so common and overused that it has nearly lost its meaning. However, the sentiment behind the phrase still rings true. The details that we use to flesh out our characters and the descriptions we craft to build our worlds can mean the difference between... Continue Reading →
Reality Bites: How to Save a Short Film Production That Falls Apart
by Lexy Anderson (@lexy__anderson) & Ben Murray (@benthemurray) We are a filmmaking duo based in London who regularly collaborate on short films. Our most recent film, "Reality Bites," is a mockumentary following the marriage of a young woman and a zombie, and the challenges they face in that relationship. We wanted to share the process... Continue Reading →
Writer/Director Reese Eveneshen On His Latest Sci-Fi Film, Defective
by Ashley Scott Meyers In this episode, I talk with Canadian writer, director, and producer Reese Eveneshen about his latest sci-fi thriller, Defective. In addition, we talk about how he got this start in the business while living up in Canada. You can listen to the audio portion of the podcast by clicking here or... Continue Reading →
Writing with “An Audience in Mind” v. “What an Audience Wants”
This article was originally published by LiveRead/LA. It is reprinted here with permission. by Tim Schildberger (@LiveReadLA) How is writing with an audience in mind different from writing what you think an audience wants? Some Hollywood Insiders will tell you the most efficient path to screenwriting success is to read the trades (Variety, Deadline, The... Continue Reading →