Author Archives: heidihornbacher

About heidihornbacher

A graduate of UCLA’s screenwriting program, Heidi has written numerous features, treatments, and TV pilots for various independent producers. She’s judged for the Slamdance Film Festival screenwriting contest and co-founded the Slamdance Script Clinic. She and her husband founded PageCraft Writing in 2008 offering script coaching and writing retreats in LA and Italy. Her clients have gone on to find representation, win contests, and become working writers. Heidi has written, directed, and produced numerous commercials, music videos, and electronic press kits for various artists. She’s currently making a documentary film about British artist Paul Whitehead.

The Value of Community

Posted on April 19, 2017

This weekend I spent a day ensconced in a fabulous Malibu ranch surrounded by fellow writers. Everyone pitched ideas and gave input on one others’ projects, whether they were fleshed-out series or feature scripts or just an inkling of a … Continue reading →

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She Persists

Posted on April 8, 2017

I’m so flattered and honored by this article from Rewire on my script coaching, video production, and how I got here.

Posted in film making, Michelangelo Screenwriting, PageCraft, PageCraft Writing, Screenwriting, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Integrity Times Creativity: Simple Rules for Show Biz Success

Posted on October 19, 2016

I’ve talked previously about the importance of surrounding yourself with a solid team that you trust. Recently, this point was driven home to me like never before. Perhaps I’m a dork, but it seems self-evident to me that operating with … Continue reading →

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Reading Is Sexy

Posted on October 13, 2016

I was very proud to be a returning judge for this year’s Slamdance Screenplay Competition, one of several prestigious competitions I judge for. If you don’t know, Slamdance was set up in response to what filmmakers saw as the over-commercialization … Continue reading →

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Common Script Mistakes: The Lucky 13

Posted on July 7, 2016

I recently guest lectured a class for Slamdance and Roadmap Writers on pitch polishing. We talked about common format mistakes I see as a contest reader, and looked at how story structure and character motivations feed into a log line … Continue reading →

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Common Script Mistakes: Parentheticals–Let’s Kill the Wrylies

Posted on June 25, 2016

As a contest judge and script coach, I see all kinds of poor formatting, strange style choices, and grammar errors galore. If I can help you to avoid some of these surprisingly common pitfalls, my judging job will be easier, … Continue reading →

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Stuck in your script? Have a breakdown – Tips from a script coach

Posted on February 8, 2016

We’ve all been there. You start off with an idea that you know has legs. There are captivating characters, fun twists, and maybe an original set piece (no one has driven a Lamborghini onto a helicopter yet!) or deep emotional … Continue reading →

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