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10 Simple Rules for the Best Life Ever
When he first visited the asylum for the mentally disabled, Jean Vanier was overwhelmed by the filth and overcrowding.
It was inhuman. The year was 1964 and Vanier, a French-Canadian philosopher/theologian who had served in the Navy, was...
What Are We Really Selling?
Early in my career, I learned one of the shrewdest questions an entrepreneur can ask themselves, "What are we really selling?" For example: You are not selling grass seed. You are selling a greener lawn.You are not selling boilers....
First Impressions: The Length and Look of Your Pilot or Screenplay
It was a long day. I had just finished 9 client meetings back-to-back. I had a bunch of emails that I still needed to answer, and, just as importantly, a screenplay I needed to read that night for a meeting the next day. All, for the record, great...
Top Industry Reps’ Advice for Breaking into Screenwriting
The other day, as I was clicking through computer folders, I found something I forgot I had: A treasure trove of screenwriting career advice, on topics ranging from screenwriting career mistakes to the importance of living in Los Angeles, straight...
Screenwriting Craft: Creating a Proactive Protagonist
I sometimes joke that if someone were sitting next to me regularly during my client meetings at the Akasha Cafe in Culver City, they’d think I have one note in particular that I REALLY like to give. And that note, said in many different ways,...
The 5 Traits of Successful Writers
Writers want success, but how do you define it? Is it writing enough to pay your bills? Is it writing to find an audience, regardless if you make enough money or not? Maybe you want to be famous or win an Emmy or Oscar. Any writer would probably...
Why Screenwriters Should Write With A Producer’s Cap On
Screenwriters need to think strategically about what they’re writing and why they’re writing it. Are you writing for yourself, a screenwriting contest, or are you looking to position your work in the marketplace? Charles Borg spoke with...
Good Will To All
The other day, a student challenged me with this statement and question: “Conventional wisdom suggests that there must be a clear goal and an antagonist, but I don't buy it. I've seen many movies where there appears to be neither a...
Web Series: Development, Revenues and Contracts
QUESTION FOR FILMTVLAW.COM:About how much money can a web series make? I need a contract with my production partner, something simple to split up the show 50/50, but I’m not sure how money gets paid for a web series. Can you help us sort this...
How To Turn Your Logline Into A Pitch
Many writers struggle with coming up with that perfect logline for their project - let alone writing one, and then it's time to take that and turn it into a pitch. Well, it can all become pretty intimidating rather quickly! Luckily for you, our...
Tracking Your Screenplay Submissions: From Contests to Execs
With the deadlines for The Nicholl, AFF and the TV network fellowships happening pretty much NOW, this seems like as good a time as any to do some much-needed housekeeping and get your submission tracking in order. With that in mind…For many...
What Do Typos in Your Screenplay Say About You?
Script readers or people who read screenplays professionally are quite often screenwriters themselves. They are looking for reasons to shuttle your screenplay into the pass pile. Excessive typos are a common reason for them to do so. So why do...
Take Your Screenwriting Power Back
When it comes to who wields the most power in Hollywood, it seems screenwriters fall near the bottom rung. Let’s be honest: we’re beholden to the gatekeepers, whether they’re script analysts, producers, or studio execs, who will...
How to Write a Logline Producers Won’t Pass On [with Logline Examples]
Before a screenplay is crafted by underpaid writers, it starts as a logline. At any stage of a production, a logline is a tool used to sell your idea.
Since movie loglines are so short, it’s easy to write out twenty in under twenty...
ISA Names Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2019
Each year, the International Screenwriters’ Association puts out its elite list of screenwriters to watch and 2019 is packed with twenty-five diverse talents who have gone above and beyond to grow, improve, and get noticed, smashing their...
Breaking into Screenwriting is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
“I broke in sooooo fast!!!”… Said no writer anywhere ever.Seriously. I mean… in the 90’s, maybe? Back then, it seemed like writers were emerging from complete obscurity to sell a screenplay seemingly overnight (only...
Here’s What We Found Out About Ageism In Hollywood
Ageism. It’s a thing! But what does it really mean? Is it simply a matter of screenwriters reaching an expiry date on their fortieth birthday, or is there more to it than that? Creative Screenwriting Magazine spoke with veteran agent...
There Will Always Be A Market For A Script We Can’t Put Down
“There Will Always Be A Market For A Script We Can’t Put Down” Says Seth Renshaw
Seth Renshaw worked in PR, media sales and then with CAA’s Marketing department before transitioning to film and television with David...
Don’t Ruin a Good Read! Screenwriting Mistakes to Avoid
While I don’t fashion myself a script or story consultant (because, let’s face it, there are already enough of those – including a few really great ones – out there), the simple reality is that at this point in my career, I...
The DO’S and DONT'S of Taking Notes
The other day, I had a call with a new coaching client, who had sent me his original screenplay prior to his initial session with me. The script had some good things going for it, but me being me, I had thoughts, some conceptual, some technical. The...
