A still from the documentary / horror series "CURSED FILMS," a Shudder / RLJE Films release. Photo courtesy of Shudder / RLJE Films. by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Mitch Horowitz has long been known as a historian and voice for alternative spirituality. His interest in esoterica, mysticism, and the occult have brought him awards and high... Continue Reading →
Sun, Moon, and Stars: Using Astronomical Symbols in Your Story
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Many of the most impactful symbols in stories are ancient in origin. Using animals, plants, and trees to represent ideas, feelings, and seasons in the human experience is a practice that dates back to the earliest stories we have record of. There are perhaps no other elements used more often in these... Continue Reading →
Why Empire Strikes Back is Remembered - And Infinity War Will Be Forgotten
by Angela Bourassa (@angelabourassa1) (Minor spoilers ahead.) I finally got the chance to see Avengers: Infinity War on Mother’s Day – it was part of my gift from my husband. Go see a movie while I watch the baby. (If you’re a parent, you get what an amazing gift that is.) When I got home... Continue Reading →
3 Ways to Find Your Family of Stories
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Ask any story guru, and they will tell you that very few writers ever develop the skills to master multiple genres. In recent years, however, finding your storytelling niche has become trickier as the traditional genres such as drama, comedy, and horror are often combined into hybrids with other genres to create entirely new... Continue Reading →
BEN-HUR: From the Page to the Screen
A conversation with the director and cast of the film on practical effects, strong voices, and the power of forgiveness. by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) In 1960, Ben-Hur swept the Academy Awards, taking home Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture prizes, just to name a few. Adapting existing source material is challenging, regardless of any other... Continue Reading →
3 Ways to Encounter “The Other” in Your Story
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Some of the most impactful themes in film and television revolve around an encounter with “The Other.” Often representing something else than what is obvious on screen, “Others” are what we fear, what we are curious about, and what we long to understand. When “The Other” is the protagonist, our story often... Continue Reading →
Do Your Screenplays Ask the Big Questions?
by Fin Wheeler The world was rocked this week when America suffered its worst mass shooting in modern history. Worse still was the news that the Orlando shooting was only one of six mass shootings in the US that weekend. In the past 1,000 days, America has had 1,260 mass shootings in which four or... Continue Reading →
3 Greek Myths That Will Improve Your Writing
by John Bucher (@johnkbucher) Many writers realize later in life that they should have paid more attention in high school. One of the most significant subjects you might have slept through was Greek mythology. Knowing the classic tales that have undergirded Western culture is actually one of the most powerful tools a writer can have in... Continue Reading →