The Oscars are finally here! Well, at the end of the week, anyway. On Thursday, I’ll be handicapping the original and adapted screenplay categories. That’ll be sure to ruffle some feathers as I’ll probably spend the whole time writing how if Spotlight wins, it means nobody in the Academy understands screenwriting. But in the meantime, […]

No amateur script today so I thought I’d discuss yesterday’s article about opening scenes, as well as post the winner of the scene contest! But first, I want to comment on a few of the things commenters noted. “Flash-forward opening scenes are a cliche.” – I believe the commenter was trying to say that crazy […]

Pass me the whip! I give this note to writers all the time in consultations, because very few amateurs know how important it is. YOUR OPENING SCENE HAS TO BE AWESOME. The opening scene is the scene readers use to decide a) if they’re going to like you as a writer, b) if your writing […]

Genre: Comedy-Horror Logline: In a city where dangerous monsters emerge from underground every night, a monster-fighting patrol team is tasked with finding and killing them before they can kill the city’s citizens. About: Ben Wheatley is coming and he’s coming hard. One of the most buzzed about upcoming films that doesn’t have “Star” or “Bat” […]

Genre: TV Pilot – Drama Logline: The show follows a troubled couple involved in the disturbing depths of the Los Angeles psychic community. About: Last night Hulu debuted their Stephen King adaptation, 11-22-63, and if you think it was just another Hulu original, think again. When you get a Stephen King book produced by JJ […]