Get Mean!

So I read a lot of projects-to-be. These are scripts, outlines, treatments, etc, etc, etc. These are sometimes based on pre-existing stories, sometimes not. Sometimes these are written by pros, sometimes not. But if I had to say what the #1 failing of these documents is, over my career? Meanness. Read more…

Answer me this…

What do these famous movie lines have in common? Titanic: I’m king of the world Dazed and Confused: Alright, alright, alright The Shining: Here’s Johnny! Jaws: You’re gonna need a bigger boat Warriors: Warriors, come out and play! A Few Good Men: You can’t handle the truth! Goodfellas: I’m funny Read more…

True Story…

True stories. Truth really is stranger than fiction. A great true story is often the best story of all, but also the hardest to craft. Craft? Yeah, craft. True stories, life stories, autobiographical stories need MORE crafting than fiction. Why? Because it is an extremely rare thing for a person Read more…

Engage!

There’s a screenwriting book called “Save The Cat.” It’s called that because the author, a screenwriter, talks about how every script should have a “save the cat” moment, where the audience learns that their protagonist is a good guy or gal. Now that’s not bad advice, but it is a Read more…

Why Story?

Today’s Deep Story moment. Why story? Why does it matter so damn much? Sure, there are many studies showing that storytelling skyrockets engagement, facilitates learning in nearly every kind of learner, and generally is the key to deep communication and persuasion. But still, why? Okay, so bear with me for Read more…