Interview Series

I've often heard A-list screenwriters say they always believed they would make it to the top.  And the audience doesn't question them.  We believe them -- because they are at the top. But consider this:  If they always believed they would make it to the top, that means they held that belief while they were

We've heard this line from producers many times:  "Every writer is one script away from a career."   It is inspiring to see success in your future. But what does it mean when producers say that? Two choices: The script you are working on right now could be the one that starts your career. OR Making

You've heard it before: "It's not what you know, it's who you know."  The movie business is all about relationships.  But this isn't about being a schmoozer.  It is about creating relationships with a purpose. Relationships With a Purpose Think about your current relationships.  Aren't they built around something? Of course, you have some friends

Want to know a secret?  Your script can make the career of your agent, your manager, or the producer who options it.  Seriously. I know that's the opposite of what we normally think, but they need us as bad as we need them...if we bring in truly amazing screenplays. It works like this:  Small producers

People in this business are inundated with requests, pitches, and demands on their time.  Like anyone who is short on time, they prioritize.  Items that are truly urgent or important come first.  As they find time, they work on other things that are valuable to them.  Anything that is not valuable gets cancelled or put

Without a doubt, branding is a controversial topic for writers.  On one hand, you want to be free to write whatever you choose.  On the other hand, you want to be known for your unique voice. There is nothing wrong with either perspective.  But since this philosophy is about breaking into the movie business, I

In the beginning, there was you and your idea.  The idea evolved into a screenplay.  You took your baby to the market, and it was snapped up by a big production company.  What followed was a whirlwind of activity, and then you were invited to the premier of your movie! But it seems like something

Recently, during the Q & A part of a producer panel, a writer in the audience asked an important question: "How can a new writer succeed when all you get are closed doors?" One of the producers on the panel gave her philosophy: "There are 1000 doors to Hollywood, and at any given time, 20

In this industry, you often hear about "lucky breaks."  Many of the most successful writers, producers, and actors credit part of their success to a few lucky moments. But let's be clear.  The vast majority of those people absolutely deserve their luck because they created it...and so will you. Having said that, there's the other

When I listen to the reasons producers turn down scripts, the word "cliche" often shows up.  But right after insisting they don't want cliches, the same producers will say they love "universal" stories. How can both be true? You could think of stories, characters, situations, and dialogue in these terms: Familiar Familiar, yet different Different,