Q & A with Robert McKee

Robert McKee’s name is as synonymous with screenwriting as Tony Robbins’ name is for personal development. Educating scores of writers, filmmakers, actors and more since 1984, Mckee has cemented his legacy teaching storytelling both in person and through his tome “Story.” Here, McKee answers some questions, including the ever-present “Should you write what you know?”   Read More

Spice Up Your Supporting Characters

You thought of an interesting premise and made sure your protagonist completed the hero’s journey. But your script still reads dry. It tends to drag. On top of that, you might have ideas for who can play the lead role, but you haven’t been able to think of whom else to cast for the other roles. One thing you’ve neglected: your supporting characters.   Read More

Why Talented Writers Fail Part 3: Action Through Pain

Why do we let process get in the way of getting what we want? And on that note, what do we really want? The conclusion to our series on “Why Talented Writers Fail” goes into why we must re-evaluate what we want and how to get there. How does pain relate to our success? Last time, we looked at four roadblocks that obstruct writers from capitalizing on their talents.   Read More

Why Talented Writers Fail Part 2: Four Roadblocks

Why is it that some writers without much initial talent seem to develop very quickly? Or, how is it that writers who possess talent early on struggle to make progress? Last time, we looked at fixed vs. growth mindsets. Now, we’ll look at a variety of roadblocks that impede our progress. These roadblocks frustrate us, confuse us and deter us. But there is hope if we first recognize what they are.   Read More

Why Talented Writers Fail Part 1: Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Each week during piano lessons, my piano teacher must have been frustrated that I didn’t practice enough that week yet I had enough talent to "get by" and move on to the next piece. Why was she frustrated? Because she knew I relied on talent. I had the wrong mindset. Does this sound familiar to you or someone you know?   Read More

Getting a Producer to Read Your Script

Producers are always on the lookout for new scripts, I know I am. Not just any script, but one that I can live with for two or three years, because that's how long it will take to produce unless it is a short. I am telling you all this to help writers learn more about what producers are looking for.   Read More

See Your Script Through The Agent's Eyes

Once you have a well written, emotionally involving screenplay that has real commercial potential, getting your work read is essential to your success in Hollywood. But sometimes doing so can seem even more daunting than writing the script was.   Read More

TV Series Storytelling - Commercialism vs. Creativity

In the cut-and-thrust world of television drama series production, can creativity work hand in hand with commercialism or does one override the other?   Read More

Battle of the Paradigms

How many books on screenwriting have you read? The sheer number of works written on the craft of screenwriting can overwhelm writers. Each of the more well-known books is authored by screenwriting teachers who market their own models for structuring a story from FADE IN to FADE OUT. Dave Trottier, author of the long-established screenwriting guide The Screenwriter’s Bible, shares his thoughts on how to decide on the value of particular screenwriting books, and thus, their formulas, and whether all are necessary to learn.   Read More

InkTip Advice: More on Writing the Synopsis

When pitching a script by way of submission query, a synopsis can help a reader decide whether to read your script. This article is written by Jared Wynn, who oversees producer membership on InkTip. Jerrol recently asked me to write a synopsis for him, and instead of boring you with the actual conversation, I’ll entertain you with how I imagine it might have gone...   Read More