Script Tips... In Action

Creating Memorable Dialogue

Written by Patrick Kirkland Wednesday, February 08, 2012, 12:19 PM

It's the end of the second act. Your Hero's so close to getting the girl, defeating the baddy, and becoming an all-around superstar. And in just the right moment, he pulls his weapon, turns to the villain and says…

What, exactly?

This is exactly the moment you want to come up with some piece of memorable dialogue. Some line that people will be quoting for years to come.

"You've gotta ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky?"

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

"I coulda been a contender! I coulda been somebody!"

"You talkin' to me?"

"I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Smells like… victory."

You know what I'm talking about. Simply reading these lines gives you happiness. Hearing them changes your life. A great line is magic to a film. It can take a good movie and push it to the heights of film history. But how the hell do you write them?

Read more: Creating Memorable Dialogue

Breaking the Story: Five Helpful Steps

Written by Patrick Kirkland Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 1:26 PM

When you’re staring at page 42 and your eyes start to crust over, you may wish you spent a little more time breaking your story in prep. Sometimes, though, it's just way too tempting to jump right in, and we just can't wait. You hear about scripts that were written over a weekend, or entire films made from improv. And yes, some of them are good, but those tend to be one out of a thousand.

Before you type Fade In, you should prepare by using the following five helpful steps to break the story. It makes your first draft at least bearable.

Read more: Breaking the Story: Five Helpful Steps

Rejection Reality: Welcome to the Club

Written by Patrick Kirkland Sunday, January 15, 2012, 2:09 PM

Dear WRITER:

We appreciate your interest in working with our studio. As I’m sure you understand, making a film requires a lot of time, money, and, most of all, passion for the project. While we applaud your efforts in writing TAMING OF THE SHREW, TOO, we are going to pass. We wish you luck in your future endeavors.

Sincerely, 

The Gate Key Holder

Read more: Rejection Reality: Welcome to the Club

The Good of Bad Writing

Written by Patrick Kirkland Thursday, December 08, 2011, 12:00 AM

"…At least Lindbergh had the stars to guide him. I didn't even know how to change the typewriter ribbon. Nevertheless, I pushed on."

- Neil Simon, Rewrites: A Memoir

I make it a habit to write every single day. When I have ideas, the writing flows and I feel productive. When I don't, I would rather have my fingernails pulled out. Still, I fill them up, and after a few days separation, I'll read them.

And they are really. REALLY. Bad.

Pages that I'd never let a soul read. Pages I'd rather burn, and hope that no one finds the ashes. Pages that in no way will get my script sold.

Or will they?

Read more: The Good of Bad Writing

Organic Character Choices: Michael Clayton

Written by Patrick Kirkland Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 12:08 PM

EXT. THE FIELD - DAWN

MICHAEL getting out of the car. Standing there.

THREE HORSES poised at the crest of the pasture. Hanging there in the fog like ghosts.

MICHAEL jumping the fence. Walking slowly into the field. Behind him, the MERCEDES with the engine running.

THE HORSES aware of him now. Watching him come.

On MICHAEL’S FACE as he walks. And later on we’ll understand all the forces roiling inside him, but for the moment, the simplest thing to say is that this is a man who needs more than anything to see one pure, natural thing, and by some miracle has found his way to this place. The wet grass and cold air and no coat none of it makes any difference to him right now  he’s a pilgrim stumbling into the cathedral.

And he stops. Just standing there. Empty. Open. Lost.

Nothing but the field and the fog and the woods beyond.

THE HORSES staring at him.

MICHAEL staring back. And just like that...

THE MERCEDES EXPLODES!

Michael Clayton (2007), Pages 15-16.

Read more: Organic Character Choices: Michael Clayton