THE HOT GIRLFRIEND PRIZE She waits, over there, until it is time for her to be awarded to the protagonist in recognition for his achievements. JUST THE WORLD’S BEST EVER MOMWIFE She cares so much. She gets concerned. She just wants to help. She has never needed a drink in her entire life. MISS READY,…
Read moreSPELL CHECK CAN’T HELP YOU
Double check these when you proof your spec. They pop up all the time. Loose/Lose Peek/Peak Chord/Cord Rein/Reign Bare/Bear Brake/Break
Read moreTHE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
My husband and I watched The Place Beyond the Pines on VOD yesterday after we came back from the US Open. When it broke into the third act for the third time, he said, “I think this movie is going into a fifth set.” That about covers it.
Read moreNEW MOST OVERUSED SPEC OPENING
EXT. THICK WOODS – NIGHT (or DAY, either one) PANTING. Feet RUNNING and STUMBLING. A GIRL (18-24) races for her life from an UNSEEN PURSUER. She DIES. With a SCREAM. And then we switch to somewhere else and meet the protagonist doing something mundane. If you have written this, you are NOT ALONE. Word to…
Read more30 PAGES OF SETUP
Diversity Will Not Hurt Your Script
REALLY QUIPPY DIALOGUE
WHY FLASH FORWARD IS A PROBLEM
The most convincing argument I can make against starting your spec with the backstory and then jumping forward in time is this: Casablanca doesn’t open in Paris. Start in the now and set up your now problem. Use the backstory to escalate in your second act. It will elevate your game like crazy.
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