From the category archives:

Screenwriting Resources

Script Doctor Eric’s screenplay contest

March 11, 2010

I don’t usually recommend script competitions since most don’t offer much value. However, today I’m recommending one. Script Doctor Eric is having a competition and he’s agreed to read all the entries himself. He’s charging $35 for entry, however I highly recommend you pay an extra $15 ($50 total) and get entered [...]

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The Black List

December 11, 2009

“The Black List” is an annual list of the most popular unproduced screenplays as voted on by Hollywood insiders. If you haven’t heard about it /film did a good write up and listed the screenplays for 2008 here: http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/12/10/the-2008-black-list-the-hottest-unproduced-screenplays-of-2008/
The people who put The Black List together have set up an official website which can [...]

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Free screenwriting conference call with Steve Kaplan

November 6, 2009

Someone forwarded me this bit of information about a free screenwriting conference call that’s taking place this Sunday (November 8th 2009). Since it’s free it seems like there’s not a lot of downside to it. If you’re a comedy writer check it out.

Hollywood By Phone and YourScreenplayMentor.com present
“THE TOP TEN THINGS TO KNOW [...]

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Top 10 worst cliche lines of dialogue

October 26, 2009

A friend sent me this link:
http://www.screenwriterguy.com/2006/11/25/screenwriterguys-top-10-worst-cliche-lines-of-dialogue/
It’s a good list of cliche lines of dialogue. Have a look at it. And avoid them at all costs in your own writing.

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Easy way to filter Craigslist posts for screenwriters

October 23, 2009

I’ve written a few posts on submitting your query letter and screenplay to ads on sites like Craig’s List. I recommend it. I’ve optioned and sold scripts to exactly these types of ads.
Screenwriter and reader Jim Burtoft created a Yahoo Pipe to filter the Craig’s List pages that you would want to look [...]

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Ehren Kruger interview

October 5, 2009

I read an interview with Ehren Kruger the screenwriter of Arlington Road, The Ring, Scream 3, The Skeleton Key, and The Brothers Grimm. In building on my post from last week about how to pick an idea to write into a full screenplay I found this bit from the interview fascinating:

JRM: What [...]

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The 11 Laws of Great Storytelling

September 11, 2009

I read this post over at the Writer’s Store and thought it was worth re-publishing. While it’s not necessarily anything new or novel it’s a great summation of screenwriting tips. While a lot of the information was stuff I knew, it’s great to read a short piece like this as a good refresher. [...]

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Marketing considerations for screenwriters

September 4, 2009

I’ve been trying to think through some of the marketing considerations before I actually commit to turning an idea into a full script. I found this article over at Go Into The Story about a movie where it appears the writers (and subsequently the producers) failed to think through their marketing plan and are [...]

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Selling Your Screenplay is now on Facebook

July 29, 2009

I created a Facebook page to support SellingYourScreenplay.com. Mainly right now I’m just piping in my blog posts so you can read them through your Wall stream (if you join the page). Perhaps it will be a good place to do other things, too, like use the forum and discuss all sorts of [...]

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Distinctions of TV Pilot Writing – A Free Seminar

July 21, 2009

I went to a seminar with Jeffry Gordon a few years ago and he’s analyzed screenwriting about as much as you can and has lots of wisdom to share.
He runs the Writer’s Boot Camp which is a pretty high end package. I’m guessing he’ll pitch his service at the end of the seminar. [...]

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