5 Tips for Writing Better Characters

We don’t know Noam Kroll’s work – sorry, Noam! – but we sure like the way he writes about working. We’re extra glad that he’s only giving 5 tips here cuz any more and our brains would most likely burst:

by Noam Kroll

characterization
Click the cool pic to see where it’s from!

Writing a screenplay is a balancing act, and while all the components need to work together in harmony, the one component that can really make or break the script (in my opinion) is the character. In other words, you could have the most beautifully written story arc, and perfect structure to your script, but if your lead character is dull and flat then everything else falls to pieces. Conversely though, you may have story that needs work and the general pacing may be off, but if your lead character is compelling, your audience will remain engaged in the film regardless of some of the flaws it may have. In ideal world, you want to find that balance I mentioned above, where all of the components are working together harmoniously, and one sure way to start out in the right direction is to first focus on writing layered characters with meaning and purpose.

Here are my top 5 tips for writing stronger characters into your screenplay: read article

Why Disney Thinks It’s OK for AGENTS OF SHIELD’s Ratings to Drop

We love it when business types – writers, publications, website, whatever – analyze the thinking behind showbiz decisions. These guys always look at everything in terms of its financial bottom line – How much will it cost? How much will it make? – instead of art or creativity. And as a result, they’re thinking just the way studio chiefs think…which means they’re always just about right.

How wonderful!

How sad… read article

Herbie J Pilato: Classic TV & Self-Esteem

classic-tv-shows

by Herbie J Pilato

“We celebrate the integrity of classic television.”

That’s the motto of The Classic TV Preservation Society (CTVPS), a nonprofit organization that offers TV & Self-Esteem Seminars to schools, colleges, community, senior and business centers or organizations.

The mission? read article

Ken Levine on what spec sitcom you should write

Cuz he knows.

Down to his tippy toes.

Huzzah for Ken Levine! read article

Overthinking SLEEPY HOLLOW

sleepy-hollow-partners

We won’t mince words. On the list of things we hate in this world, right below stuff like war, famine, and NSA spying comes the writing of the comedy team of Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

What? They aren’t supposed to be funny? Oh gee. Sorry, boys and girls, but absolutely nothing they’ve ever written has made the proverbial lick of sense to the TVWriter™ minions. Our brains just aren’t capable of making the same connections Kurtzman’s and Orci’s do…and, honestly, we’re glad. read article