Screenwriting How-To Articles

Script contributor Sonya Alexander speaks with 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' screenwriter Julian Fellowes about writing time period centric pieces, his personal connection to history, his writing journey from novelist to now, and how becoming a writer-director has changed his perspective on writing.

The Black List is thrilled to announce that it has once again partnered with NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Rewrite the Future program, The Redford Center, and The CAA Foundation to launch a second iteration of the NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship.

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Keoni Waxman, Writer/Director of the Mystery/Thriller movie, 'The Ravine' (2021). Keoni Waxman adapted that screenplay from a book written by Robert Pascuzzi and Kelly Pascuzzi. He talks about the process of adapting that novel and how the authors were present on set for the movie adaptation.

Neil Landau shares some invaluable tips with Jenna Avery about the process of having your script requested, and what to be ready for in the room once you’re pitching. So today we’re answering the question, “What do I need for a TV pitch?”

'The Girl From Plainville' showrunners, creators, and writers Patrick Macmanus and Liz Hannah shares with Script what their initial connection to the core of the story was, finding the right balance between taking creative liberties and sticking to the facts, Liz's television directorial debut and much more.

Script contributor Rich Monetti speaks with filmmaker Nicola Rose about her creative filmmaking and puppeteer journey to filming her latest film, 'Goodbye, Petrushka'.

Script contributor Dr. Rosanne Welch celebrates the female screenwriters who came before us with this month's spotlight on prolific screenwriter and author Viña Delmar.

Robert Siegel and D.V. DeVincentis share their inherent creative attraction to true stories and characters, building out the show's writer's room, and making choices to humanize characters to make them multi-dimensional.

'Conversations with Friends' Director Lenny Abrahamson shares with Script the overall creative process behind adapting this specific book for television, working with the core creative team of executive producers, and carrying tone and character arcs consistently through the first season and more.

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Christopher Moore, Writer/Director of 'Children Of Sin' (2022). Christopher Moore has a lot to say about being resourceful as an indie filmmaker.

T. Murph who plays Clovis in Hulu's 'Woke' shares with Script his comedic journey to becoming an actor, his connection to Clovis and what he personally brings to his character's voice and overall journey, the collaborative and creative process with fellow castmates and the show's creative team, and so much more.

'The Wonder Years' creator and showrunner Saladin K. Patterson shares with Script about taking the creative reigns of the beloved IP, his approach to finding story, especially that of Dean's journey, putting his overall creative team together, and more.

‘Tokyo Vice’ showrunner J.T. Rogers and Cinematographer Diego García speak with Script and share their adventures shooting in Japan during lockdown, the decade-long development process, and their strong optimism for a season two.

Hulu's 'Candy' creators Robin Veith and Nick Antosca, share with Script their creative attraction and approach to this true-crime story, the creative decision to tell this story in non-linear form, and their tenacity of research and respect to the material and those living and dead.

Breakthrough TV screenwriting fellowship, The Disruptors, returns! Applications now open for the third year of the power-building program.

'The Twin' filmmakers Taneli Mustonen (director/co-writer) and Aleksi Hyvärinen (co-writer) share with Script their personal approach to the story and characters, tapping into their comedy chops, Nordic folklore and combined love and respect for the horror genre.

'Homesick' cinematographer Cory Fraiman-Lott shares with Script the visual collaborative process with writer-director Will Seefried and other key creative team members, how the visuals to lens choices service the story, and Cory's work ethos.

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Hamza Zaman, the Writer/Director/Actor of a Thriller, 'The Institute' (2022). Hamza Zaman talks about how they produced that movie during Covid-19. Other topics are how he pitches movie ideas to investors and writes scripts toward a certain budget range.

Script contributor Tom Stempel is looking at movies with, well, stars and actors, including 'The Outfit,' 'The Lost City,' 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' and 'CODA'.

There’s the legal, ethical practice and above board perspective of Hollywood. And then there’s the seedier side, the less than ethical, the notorious and unfortunately far too prevalent way business gets done behind certain closed doors. This second of a two part series of articles will peek under the carpet shedding light on some of these situations so we can all be prepared to recognize them and know when to put on the brakes, turn around and speed like hell away.

Michael McGowan shares with Script his adaptation process, overcoming self-doubt roadblocks, working with the actors in terms of character motivation and scene work to his personal writing routine.

Script contributor Sonya Alexander interviews writers of this Viking epic, Robert Eggers and Sjón about the importance and research of Norse mythology and Icelandic folklore, being story architects, and their collaborative process.

What do biscuits, butter and poetry have in common? You'll learn that, and so much more, when Sadie Dean and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman talk with poets/writers/filmmakers Jade Dee and Wilnona Marie.

In music, numbers rule everything. They articulate the mechanics behind hit songs written by people who can’t read a single note. And they describe a secret strategy to storytelling that’s worked for songwriters since we began humming the songs we wish we could forget. It’s a secret strategy that could make the difference between selling your story or watching it waste away in limbo.

When a movie never leaves the room, the production better have a strong enough story to compensate for the containment, and feature characters who can displace the lack of action through the sheer force of their performance. 'The Outfit' is one such movie.

What makes 'Under the Banner of Heaven' so compelling and different from other entries in the religious true crime genre is the way it can challenge the audiences’ perceptions of faith along with its leading detective.

Confused about contracts? Aggravated over agreements? Rebecca Norris Resnick walks you through keeping yourself protected when you sign a screenwriting contract, but you're pre-WGA and yet to be represented.

A lauded Advisory Committee and Blackmagic Collective Fellowship Award anchors initiative.

In one full day, you will learn how to develop fascinating characters, how to survive a rewrite, how to build tension with suspense and surprise, and more.

There’s the legal, ethical practice and above board perspective of Hollywood. And then there’s the seedier side, the less than ethical, the notorious and unfortunately far too prevalent way business gets done behind certain closed doors. This first of a two part series of articles will peek under the carpet shedding light on some of these situations so we can all be prepared to recognize them and know when to put on the brakes, turn around and speed like hell away.

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Ivan Sen, writer/director of 'Expired' (2022), a Sci-Fi Romance movie, starring Hugo Weaving and Ryan Kwanten.

Script contributor Jenna Avery addresses finding a question on how to find a showrunner. Jenna consults with three TV writers and instructors for their input on first developing an idea and then getting to the stage of finding a showrunner.

Danielle Turkov Wilson’s creative passion and specialist experience in political engagement provide the binding thread so vital to Think-Film Impact Production's vision and success. Danielle's desire is to see films used as visual policy briefs, propelling emotional, lasting narratives and social change.

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with film Director Tarik Saleh. He went from directing documentaries and the Lykke Li "I Follow Rivers" music video, to 'The Contractor' (2022), an Action/Thriller starring Chris Pine and Gillian Jacobs.

Learn how to flip your script in the upcoming webinar FLIP THE SCRIPT: How to Adapt Your Story to Sell with Jon James Miller on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 01:00 pm – 02:30 pm PDT, only at Script University.

'Chariot' writer-director Adam Sigal shares with Script his writing process, why he is a heavy outliner, thematic choices, and why he decided to become a director.

Filmmaker Brendan Muldowney shares with Script the story conception for his new feature horror film 'The Cellar,' how he utilizes sound design for optimal scares in both his writing and in post, and the importance of creating character hooks.

'Dual' writer-director Riley Stearns shares with Script his approach to character development, why he became a multi-hyphenate creative, and why he likes subverting expectations in his storytelling.

Jacques Audiard’s commitment to consistently immerse himself in new forms of structure and storytelling is commendable, but the film lacks an understanding of the text’s interlocking characters and storylines.

'Dear Mama' director Winter Dunn and screenwriter Charmaine Cleveland share with Script the collaboration and development process while participating in Film Independent Project Involve, their personal approach to the material, and the type of stories they're drawn to tell.

Frank Deese explores how the NAACP, only a few years old in 1915 and dealing mostly with local issues in the South, mobilized nationwide protests with other prominent leaders against theaters showing D.W. Griffith's blockbuster film 'The Birth of a Nation' turning it into an efficient and effective national organization.

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Wes Miller, Director/Producer of 'A Day To Die' (2022), one of the last movies featuring Bruce Willis, the cast also includes Frank Grillo, Kevin Dillon and Brooke Butler.

'Infinite Storm' actor/screenwriter Joshua Rollins shares with Script his personal relatability to Pam Bales' story, writing on spec, and his new journey as a screenwriter.

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Guy Goldstein, who is the founder of the WriterDuet software. They talk about the origin and development of that software, screenplay formatting, and their other software WriterSolo and ReadThrough.

Script contributor Sonya Alexander visits the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and speaks with Chief Artistic and Programming Officer Jacqueline Stewart.

'Move Me' filmmaker Kelsey Peterson shares with Script the importance of showing moments of unbridled ambition and moments of deep reflection, the unpredictability of documentary filmmaking, and what's next for her on her creative journey.

'Backstage' writer-director Ada Smyk shares with Script about her filmmaking influences, her personal connection to the subject matter, and what type of stories she likes to explore as a filmmaker.

Script contributor Tom Stempel deals with two disappointments 'Being the Ricardos' and 'The Gilded Age,' two OK pieces 'The Tender Bar' and 'Around the World in 80 Days' and one brilliant miniature 'On the Rocks'.

Neal McDonough speaks with Script about stepping back into Nick Boon's shoes, this time from a writer's perspective, creating films he's excited about with a nod to old-school filmmaking and storytelling from films like 'Rocky' and 'Unforgiven,' and what's next for him in his career as a screenwriter.