George Mackay as “Ned Kelly” in Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Films release. by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Justin Kurzel has made a career telling stories from the darker corners of life. From his debut feature The Snowtown Murders to Macbeth to Assassin’s Creed, his work has explored the human condition through... Continue Reading →
Depicting a True Prison Break in ESCAPE FROM PRETORIA
(L-R) Ian Hart as Denis Goldberg, Daniel Radcliffe as Tim Jenkin and Daniel Webber as Stephen Lee in the drama/thriller, “ESCAPE FROM PRETORIA,” a Momentum Pictures release. Photo Courtesy of Momentum Pictures. by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) In 1978, Tim Jenkin was sentenced to prison for twelve years for working on behalf of the African National Congress... Continue Reading →
WAITING FOR ANYA: Ben Cookson on Connecting with Living History
by Carrie Harris (@carrharr) In Waiting for Anya, a young shepherd boy and a widow help smuggle Jewish children across the border from southern France into Spain during WWII. The film is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo and stars Noah Schnapp (Stranger Things), Oscar-winner Anjelica Huston, and Jean Reno (LĂ©on: The Professional). LA... Continue Reading →
How to Get the Rights to Adapt Your Favorite Book, Song, or Anything Else: The Complete Guide
Our good friend Ken Aguado has put together a handy new guide for screenwriters who have their sights set on adaptation but have no idea how to actually go about acquiring the rights to their favorite IP. Based On: A Non-Lawyer’s Guide to Acquiring Film and Televisions Rights from Everywhere, is available on Smashwords for... Continue Reading →
Exploring THE GRIEF OF OTHERS with Writer/Director Patrick Wang
by Angela Bourassa (@angelabourassa1) Having your film make it to the big screen is a dream come true for any writer/director. Having three films show in theaters within a week of each other is a bit absurd, but it couldn’t happen to a nicer, more thoughtful and unique artist than Patrick Wang. I previously had... Continue Reading →
Screenwriter/Producer David Paterson On Adapting Novels Into Scripts
by Ashley Scott Meyers In this episode of the podcast I talk with screenwriter and producer David Paterson about adapting novels and plays into screenplays. His latest film, The Great Gilly Hopkins, is an adaptation of the novel by the same name. You can listen to the audio portion of the podcast by clicking here... Continue Reading →
Oscar Nominated Writer James Schamus Tells It Like It Is
An interview with the writer of the upcoming film, Indignation, on his writing process, screenplays that aren't over-written, and the violence of adapting great books. by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) James Schamus embodies what many desire to be in the world of film. He works with legendary directors. He’s been nominated for Academy Awards. He produces. He... Continue Reading →
Charlie Kaufman’s Take on Screenwriting
In this recent interview, Kaufman offers his perspective on screenwriting and the business of film.
Free Online Master Class: Charlie Kaufman
I know he's not exactly everyone's cup of tea, but I think Charlie Kaufman is an absolute genius. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation, Being John Malcovich -- all brilliant.
Using Voice-Over Effectively
This article from the Script Lab on the top ten films to utilize voice-over gives some great insight into how to approach voice-over in your own film.