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Author Archives: heidihornbacher
The Central Line: Giri/Haji
One of my favorite concepts we discuss in our rewrite workshops is the central line. I challenge writers to find a line of dialog in their script that reveals who the protagonist is. Sometimes they are surprised to discover these … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, Film, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, television, Writing
Tagged Central Line, Giri/haji, netflix, Screenplay, Screenwriting, Scripts, television
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The Queen’s Gambit: The Narrative Power of a Strong Character Arc
As we sat engrossed by the last episode of the marvelous Netflix limited series, The Queen’s Gambit, it hit me that one of the (many) reasons it succeeds is the strong character arc of protagonist Beth. Sure, the solid source material, … Continue reading
Posted in Coach Notes, Film, film making, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing
Tagged Character arc, Screenplay, Screenwriting, story, The Queen's Gambit
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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