Category Archives: Uncategorized

Guidelines for a New Year

I’ve spent the last year learning hard lessons and getting my creative house in order. 2021 was a slow and painful but hopeful process of taking steps to honor myself and my work, to exit negative situations, and to learn … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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 , , , , , , , | 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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Value of Community

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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

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

Posted in Common Mistakes, Screenwriting, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

In Production

For the first time in our short production company’s life, we’ve been working on larger projects that are under someone else’s auspices. It’s both thrilling and frustrating. We’ve shot some of the best footage we’ve ever done with incredible sets, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Work/Play

The saying goes something like: find what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. It’s been an incredible summer of love then. Since June my various creative partners and I have: Wrapped, edited and released our … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment