Recent Comments
Matt Conlin on Character Is Plot Character Is Plot |… on Wrong Reasons Integrity Times Crea… on The I in Team Nanou Matteson on Taking Notes heidihornbacher on Taking Notes
Author Archives: heidihornbacher
Scene Transitions: A Secret Weapon for Story Momentum
You may already know the fundamental ways of increasing momentum and tension in your script: get into scenes late and get out early; craft scenes around your protagonist’s pursuit of a goal; hold onto your central mystery as long as … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Scenes, Screenplay, Screenwriting, Script Coach, Scripts, Storytelling, Transitions, Writing
Leave a comment
Motif! Adding Depth To Your Script With Key Details
You’re feeling good about your latest script draft. You’ve crafted a strong story structure and compelling character arcs. But there’s something missing that you can’t put your finger on. A little je ne sais quoi. Threading in a motif–a recurring thematic … Continue reading
Perfume
When I first saw this film starring a breaking out Ben Wishaw, I was duly intoxicated. Perfume: The Story of A Murderer was adapted from the 1985 novel in 2006. As the years have passed, it’s remained in my memory … Continue reading
Posted in Film, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing
Tagged Ben Wishaw, Feminism, Film, Perfume
Leave a comment
Consistent Character
One thing I talk about with writers is the importance of doing background development work on your characters. This helps ensure they behave consistently throughout your story, run by the fears, hopes, and dreams that shaped them. As the story … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing
Tagged Character Development, Screenwriting, Writing
Leave a comment
Ford v Ferrari and Character Desperation
I have always been a car girl. In my childhood bedroom there was nary a Barbie or baby doll in sight, but I had a killer collection of Hot Wheels. As an adult, I consider the 1965 AC Shelby Cobra … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, film making, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing
Tagged Character Development, Notes, Plot, Scripts, Stakes, Writing
Leave a comment
Made In Italy – In Search of Stakes
“You haven’t seen Made in Italy?” one of our Orvieto alums gasped. I know. I’m a cliche. I love Italy to the point I married an Italian; I have my citizenship; and we run our annual screenwriting retreats there. I … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, Italy, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting
Tagged Italy, Liamnesson, MadeinItaly, Notes, Screenwriting, Scripts, Stakes, Writing
Leave a comment
Character Is Plot
I was recently sent a script by a friend. She was being offered the opportunity to direct it, but she knew something wasn’t quite working. I read it and the issue was immediately clear. The story was flat; the dialog … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, Common Mistakes, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing
Tagged Character Development, Coach Notes, Common Mistakes, Feedback, Notes, Plot, Scripts, Writing
1 Comment
Art Sale
When I was 6 or 7, I decided to hold an art sale. I loved coloring. I was good at it. Why not make some money at it? I sat down with crayons and paper and made a whole series … Continue reading
Posted in PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing
Tagged Creative, Creative Blocks, Inspiration, memories, Writing
Leave a comment
Secondary Characters
I’m working on a script right now, and I have been intently focused on nailing the protagonist and antagonist arcs to perfection. They are best friends who end up as enemies when a difficult coming-of-age event sets them on different … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing
Tagged Character Development, Coach Notes, Notes, Process, Screenwriting, Scripts, Writing
Leave a comment
Wrong Reasons
I was chatting with a fellow script coach about her new client. She was excited about his project; it was a really cool premise; and he seemed open to feedback—always important to ask even though it seems obvious. She was, … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, Contests, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Writing
Tagged Character Development, Coach Notes, Notes, Process, Screenwriting, Scripts, Writing
1 Comment
