Writing & Filmmaking (Archives)

How to Sell Your Story (Script, Book, Stage Play or Podcast) to "Hollywood"

Creative ways to sell or option your screenplay, book or story for film or television development.

Adaptation Notes: Turning a Book Into a Movie (or a Screenplay Into a Novel)

How to acquire the rights to develop a script from a book, an example of a book-to-screen process, and screenplay-to-novel tips.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 2007 crime/western film.

The Gentlemen (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 2019 action/crime comedy film.

Black Hawk Down (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 2001 action/war film.

The Gauntlet (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 1977 crime/action film The Gauntlet.

3:10 to Yuma (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 2007 western 3:10 to Yuma.

Die Hard (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 1988 crime/action movie.

Outlander: Episode 1 - Sassenach (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the historical, action, romance, time-travel television show.

Con Air (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 1997 action/crime comedy film.

Backdraft (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 1991 action and mystery movie.

Let Him Go (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 2020 modern western crime/drama film.

Gallipoli (Story Structure for Writers)

A breakdown of the story structure of the 1981 war/coming-of-age film Gallipoli.

The Proposition (Story Structure for Writers)

Breakdown of the story structure of the 2005 western film.

Resources: Literary Managers for Screenwriters

A select list of managers who represent script writers.

Resources: Pitch Platforms for Writers (to Sell Your Story for Film or Television Development)

A selection of pitch platforms for writers.

How to Register the Copyright for Your Script or Screenplay

Step-by-step instructions to register your screenplay copyright to protect your content.

How to Register the Copyright for Your Book or Manuscript

Step-by-step instructions to register your book copyright to protect your content.

Resources: Film Festivals & Markets

A selection of established film festivals and markets.

Resources: Networking & Educational Opportunities for Screenwriters

A selection of resources for screenwriters.

Screenwriting Guide 4: Key Story Elements

Crafting compelling scenes, how to "show" (not "tell"), incorporating dramatic conflict, conveying emotion, effective subplots, foreshadowing, setups & payoffs, and flashbacks & montages.

Screenwriting Guide 3: Character Development

This guide covers how to develop your protagonist's character arc, create a backstory, outline character motivations & ensure a strong goal, and craft a key relationship and supporting characters.

Screenwriting Guide 2: Act II, Act III & Rewrites

This guide covers how to navigate Act II & Act III, the importance of the midpoint, common problems & how to fix them, crafting a satisfying ending and successful rewrites.

Screenwriting Guide 1: Starting Your Script

How to Select an Idea, The 3-Act Structure, Your Script Outline, Scene Cards as a Mapping Tool, Genre Expectations, Plot, Character & Theme, Writing the First 10 Pages, Mistakes to Avoid, Forma...

Writing True Stories: A Brief Guide on Crafting Narrative Nonfiction

This guide covers using viewpoint, framing the story, when to use scenes, and how to capture a sense of place in your narrative nonfiction.