A script or screenplay Logline states the story in one active sentence, focusing on the concept, main story engine, unique Protagonist and main conflict. Ideally in 25 words or less… A female FBI trainee must enlist the aid of a brilliant, imprisoned serial killer to catch another serial killer-at-large. A logline is NOT a tagline. […]
A unique premise easily understood in a single sentence. A high-concept screenplay often contains a “hook” that puts a twist on a classic situation or even another successful film. A concept that immediately sounds commercial that would attract big names and big box-office. E.g. “A superhero family” (The Incredibles), “A lawyer who can’t lie” (Liar, […]
Script Development is the process by which a written submission is developed into a final shooting script. The department in a studio that handles all written material: finding the material, evaluating it and recommending to buy it.
Combining two easily understood genres in a fresh mix. E.g., Science Fiction-Western, Horror-Comedy. The more unique your take the better, but you must be able to capture this mix CLEARLY in a logline so the reader understands your intended style, tone and the story. Just saying “Star Wars meets The Dark Knight” gives no specifics […]
Featuring examples from The Departed, Saving Private Ryan, Collateral, Munich, Lethal Weapon, As Good As It Gets, Forrest Gump, Casanova and The Chronicles of Narnia. [note: some of the screenplay excerpts on this page have not been properly formatted for this blog, yet. I’m working on it. -Dan] There are three main categories of skill […]
Buyer Beware, fine screenwriters: DON’T PAY FOR SCRIPT COVERAGE! I don’t offer script coverage as one of my consulting services; I prepare detailed story notes that identify narrative problems and offer specific suggestions on how to fix them. However, I wrote coverage on scripts and books for years as a professional movie studio Reader. So […]
Attention Screenwriters: Don’t pay for screenplay coverage! I don’t offer script coverage as one of my consulting services; I prepare detailed story notes that identify narrative problems and offer specific suggestions on how to fix them. However, I wrote coverage on scripts and books for years as a professional movie studio Reader. So I’m very […]
“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 for years and I recommend it to every screenwriter I meet, coach or collaborate with. I know several writers who have […]
The Dark Knight is an expert example of building an active story around Theme, one of the main dramatic elements in the “Basic Story Map.” Download the FULL STORY MAP FOR THE DARK NIGHT Here. In a movie, especially a superhero action thriller, there must be HIGH STAKES with SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. Life or death. Loyalty […]
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 […]
I don’t offer script coverage as one of my consulting services; I prepare detailed story notes that identify narrative problems and offer specific suggestions on how to fix them. However, I wrote coverage on scripts and books for years as a professional movie studio Reader. So I’m very familiar with it. You will find a […]
Great lines. Great performances. Great payoffs. Huge laughs. Crocodile tears. This is why we love to go to the movies. These scenes are what is best about the movies. The greatest siege battle ever put on film. My favorite scene about making music. A moment that I think about every time I go to the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I don’t offer screenplay coverage as one of my consulting services; I prepare detailed story notes that identify narrative problems and offer specific suggestions on how to fix them. However, I wrote coverage on screenplays and books for years as a professional movie studio Reader. So I’m very familiar with it. You will find a […]