Tag Archives: Scripts

LUCA and the Missing Stakes

Posted on August 2, 2021 by heidihornbacher

As lovers of all things Italy, we naturally couldn’t wait to see the new Disney Pixar animated feature, Luca, set in a fictionalized version of Cinque Terre’s Riomaggiore on the Ligurian coast. The film is a sort of updated mash-up of The … Continue reading →

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The Central Line: Giri/Haji

Posted on February 8, 2021 by heidihornbacher

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 →

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Scene Transitions: A Secret Weapon for Story Momentum

Posted on November 19, 2020 by heidihornbacher

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 →

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Motif! Adding Depth To Your Script With Key Details

Posted on November 4, 2020 by heidihornbacher

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 →

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Ford v Ferrari and Character Desperation

Posted on August 24, 2020 by heidihornbacher

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 →

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Made In Italy – In Search of Stakes

Posted on August 17, 2020 by heidihornbacher

“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 →

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Character Is Plot

Posted on June 24, 2019 by heidihornbacher

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 →

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Secondary Characters

Posted on April 8, 2019 by heidihornbacher

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 →

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Wrong Reasons

Posted on March 25, 2019 by heidihornbacher

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 →

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Roma and the Passive Protagonist

Posted on March 16, 2019 by heidihornbacher

I’m pleased to turn this space over to my partner in PageCraft (and life), Carlo Cavagna:  We just saw Alfonso Cuarón’s brilliant ROMA, which has us thinking about passive protagonists. Every screenwriting resource (including us, we admit) will teach that … Continue reading →

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