Hi Reader, Let’s talk about experience. The dictionary definition is "practical contact with and observation of facts or events" - which is another way of saying "familiarity with something from learning about it or doing it". Now, everyone knows experience makes you better. But what does that actually mean for writers? How do you get experience as a writer? How do you get better? Here are the top three ways: Every time you write, you gain experience. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s bad....
4 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Be honest with me for a second — how many times have you said: “I’ve got a great idea for a movie… I just haven’t started writing it yet.” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Almost every new writer hits the same roadblocks before they even type “FADE IN.” I should know - it happened to me too! I was nervous to start writing, and when I tried, I quickly gave up. It all seemed beyond me! But I didn't give up. I'll be honest, I think I was just too stubborn to quit. So I read a ton of...
9 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this: “I started writing a screenplay… but I never finished it.” And I get it. I’ve been there myself. Before I knew what I was doing, I felt like I was stumbling in the dark - not really know what I was doing, where I was going, or how I was going to get there! And my work - or lack thereof - showed it. But as I studied screenplays and got more real-world experience in the film world, things got easier. I wasn't stumbling blind anymore,...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, What better way to spend Labor Day than by taking a break from the 9-5 grind… and finally pursuing something you’ve always wanted to try? If you’ve ever thought about writing a screenplay, now’s the perfect time. Because for a limited time only, I’m offering $100 off enrollment in Zero to Hero: Screenwriting for Beginners. Zero to Hero is a 12-week, live online program where I’ll guide you step by step through writing your very first screenplay. By the end, you’ll have: ✅ A...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Let me tell you a quick story. A few years ago, I was frustrated. I had over 100 writing awards to my name, but the doors to getting my scripts produced still weren’t opening. My confidence took a hit. Then one night, everything changed. A producer friend asked if I could write a short script involving a couple of hearses he had access to. That same night, I sat down and poured everything I knew into 12 pages. The next day, I handed it over and said: “Here’s our next movie.” That...
16 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Here it is - the details I promised you last week! I'm opening up my screenwriting process to a small group of beginners who are serious about writing their first screenplay. It's called Zero to Hero: The Beginner's Guide to Confident Screenwriting. Over the past 15 years, I've written award-winning screenplays. I've worked on film sets in every capacity you can imagine. I've seen firsthand what separates scripts worthy of getting made from scripts that collect dust. But...
23 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, I’ve been working on something new - and I'll be honest, I'm pretty excited about it! If you’ve ever wanted to write a screenplay but didn’t know where to start, this is for you. This September, I’m opening a small, live, online beginner screenwriting class.Only up to 10 students. Hands-on, interactive lessons. Step-by-step guidance to get you from “I’ve always wanted to write” to “I’m actually doing it!” Here’s what you can expect: Live weekly sessions you can join from anywhere...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Hope you're having a great day! So I came across a trailer for Hellboy: The Crooked Man, and as a fan of both the comics and the previous films, I had some thoughts. It's interesting that a film based on a well-known IP is being released without much fanfare, and seemingly on a much lower budget. The thinking in Hollywood seems to be, "We'll take a try it and see approach." I've seen comments online criticizing the trailer for its "fan film" look and the lack of a big name star in...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Hope you're having a productive week! Watching the Venom The Last Dance trailer the other day, I had some thoughts about sequels. Most films these days are based on existing intellectual property (IP), which means they tend to be sequels, remakes or reboots of existing films or stories. The way the studio execs see it is, "If it worked once, it can work again!" But is that true? From a storytelling perspective, it might be, IF: It tells a complete stand-alone story. It takes...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read