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History of TV: 'Family Matters' Gave Us Wholesome Comedy...And Urkel

January 14, 2021

Family Matters will most likely go down in history for its breakout character Steve Urkel (played by Jaleel White), but it offered plenty more in terms of laughs and screenwriting takeaways for sitcom writers. As one of the longest running American s...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways from 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'

January 14, 2021

Rich colors and stellar dialogue spoken by amazing performers are just some of the factors that makes Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom well worth the watch the next time you turn on Netflix. Undoubtedly an awards contender this season, Ma Rainey’s Black Bott...

Should You Script Without a Deal?

January 13, 2021

As a writing hobbyist, you are doing the work; creating story premises, pitches, outlines and script drafts.

Video Game Film Adaptations: How They're Changing For the Better

January 12, 2021

Hollywood has a long-standing history of adapting any IP they can get their hands on in their quest to find a project with a built-in audience — in other words, a sure bet. Books, graphic novels, board games, real-life stories; all are fair game, and...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'Your Honor' Considers the Grey Areas of Morality

January 11, 2021

Your Honor is a crime drama with incredibly high stakes that can’t help but be reminiscent of Bryan Cranston’s turn as Walter White in Breaking Bad. This time around, Cranston plays another father-with-nothing-to-lose as prominent New Orleans judge M...

Looking Beyond Labels With Isabel Sandoval: Part 1

January 11, 2021

It’s no coincidence that writer-director Isabel Sandoval’s latest film Lingua Franca finds the most power in things left unsaid. It’s a delicate drama that touches on being an undocumented immigrant and a trans woman under the reign of Trump, and beg...

The Enneagram For Writers: Characters and Careers: Part I

January 8, 2021

Over the last few years, the Enneagram has begun to eclipse the Meyer’s Briggs as a popular, go-to personality test. While some debate the accuracy of such tests, much like the Meyer’s Briggs, the Enneagram can be a helpful tool for writers.

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'News of the World'

January 7, 2021

With long, strolling shots of the Old Texas landscape, News of the World was meant to be seen on the big screen and in any normal year, the Oscar® contender would have opened to a stronger box office draw than its current limited possibilities. The f...

History of TV: Breaking Down Murder Mystery Network Classic ‘Castle’

January 7, 2021

Castle was the epitome of network prime time television when it aired. Light and frothy murder that was easy on the eyes with a sexy cast who solved the case in 44 minutes or less, and offered a side of wit and romance. The ABC crime/comedy/drama hit...