In the outstanding film HIDDEN FIGURES, screenwriters Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi faced the formidable task of immediately introducing their three major characters, and making them unique and memorable. All… read more →
One of my all time favorite screenplays (and movies) is Aaron Sorkin’s script for A Few Good Men. So I was honored and excited when Film Courage let me add… read more →
All stories are built on a foundation of three basic components: character, desire, and conflict. A hero or protagonist desperately wants something, and must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve… read more →
To add depth to the hero of your screenplay, novel, speech or marketing tool – AND to explore that character’s arc or transformation – you must give that hero some… read more →
As Film Courage continues posting chunks of my interview with them, I want to supplement the videos with some added thoughts about my 6 Stage approach to structure. Stage 2… read more →
I’m sometimes challenged when I proclaim that the hero of a story must decide on his or her Outer Motivation during the New Situation, and that the pursuit of that… read more →
Q&A [The question below is one I’ve been hearing in one form or another my entire career – not just from screenwriters, but novelists, marketers, and public speakers – anyone… read more →
I recently received the question below, and since marketing television scripts is not really my area of expertise, I asked my friend, colleague and renowned screenwriting career coach Lee Jessup… read more →
My previous article, “Don’t Summarize!” had one of the strongest reactions of any I’ve done. I got lots of positive comments (thanks!), but also a number of questions and challenges regarding just… read more →
A common weakness among all storytellers – screenwriters and novelists as well as marketers and presenters – is the tendency to summarize. When you write or tell a story, you… read more →
