Entries by StoryMapsDan

VIDEO Interview with Graham Yost… Justified, The Pacific, Band of Brothers, Speed, Broken Arrow

I sometimes cover openings in Hollywood.  I caught up with Graham Yost at the premiere of his TV drama series Justified which airs on the Fox’s FX Network and stars Timothy Olyphant and is based on original characters by Elmore Leonard. Graham Yost is the series creator/Executive Producer of Justified and a veteran writer/director in […]

M. Night Shyamalan: Method To The Madness

Originally published in Script Magazine Online in 2005 in a slightly shorter form here. Below is the full article… M. Night Shyamalan is the modern master of the high-concept thriller. He is also a mad scientist.  A tinkerer. With each new film, he’s gone back into his lab and concocted some new experiment in suspense […]

Don’t suck…Suck in the Reader!

I worked for years as a professional Story Analyst, or “Reader” for major movie companies in New York City, reading and evaluating incoming screenplays and books for executives and producers who developed films like Chicago, Scream, The Game, The Faculty, Volcano, Beloved, Ulee’s Gold, and Chocolat.  Their production slates ran the gamut of genres and […]

“The Art Of Pitching” Panel In Los Angeles

I attended this panel on October 29, 2008 sponsored by the NYU Tisch “Writers’ Lab West” alumni group.  The panel offered a valuable range of opinion from members of different sectors of the business, all people who have heard many pitches… Sean C. Covel, Independent Producer (Napoleon Dynamite, Beneath) Maradith Frenkel, Creative Executive, Universal Pictures […]

Pitching a Screenplay by a Pro

Northrop Davis has sold three movie pitches to major film studios in Los Angeles. I am proud to have him join us for a guest column on pitching a screenplay… 10 PITCHING TIPS FROM A PRO! First thing, why a pitch? We all know it’s very hard to sell one.  But it’s also terrifically difficult […]

Screenplay Help

Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]

Screenplay Mentor

Do you want a screenplay analysis from a Script Doctor with major movie studio credentials? Are you looking for a screenplay coach to give you the best script consultation you can get and to mentor you through the process of how to write screenplays? I am a screenplay teacher and script doctor with over 14 […]

Don’t Give Up

It starts with this: put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down to write, remind yourself why it isn’t in the middle of the room.  Life isn’t a support-system for art. It’s the other way around. Stephen King: On Writing Some time ago I was watching video of a live performance […]

Screenplay Teacher

Do you want a screenplay analysis from a Script Doctor with major movie studio credentials? Are you looking for a screenplay coach to give you the best script consultation you can get and to mentor you through the process of how to write screenplays? I am a screenplay teacher and script doctor with over 14 […]

Learn How To Write A Screenplay

Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]

Inktip Member Discounts!

“If you are looking for someone who combines expert analysis with incredible credentials and experience, put Daniel Calvisi in your script analyst black book.” -Script Magazine. Dear Screenwriters, I have been an Inktip member and one of their Inktip-approved consultants for years and I recommend it to every screenwriter I meet, coach or collaborate with. […]

How To Write A Movie Script

Would you like to learn how to write a screenplay from a professional screenwriter and Script Doctor who has worked for major movie studios and is based in Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world? I can give you the TOOLS — the professional screenwriting how to — to write a great […]

Script Doctor

Do you want a screenplay analysis from a Script Doctor with major movie studio credentials? Are you looking for a screenplay coach to give you the best script consultation you can get and to mentor you through the process of how to write screenplays? I am a screenplay teacher and script doctor with over 14 […]