Michael Schilf




Michael is a Professor of Media Arts and English, teaching beginning and advanced collegiate screenwriting as well as mentoring writers and hosting workshops on The Formula, Michael Schilf brings his career as a professional screenwriter and over ten years of teaching experience to The Script Lab.

A lifelong film buff and movie lover, Schilf always knew he was going to write for film and television. He credits USC for teaching him first-rate fundamentals in the tools of the trade, but the highest honor goes to his wife for believing in him when no one else would.

Writing the Smart Short Film

Screenwriting Script Tips
In 1999, I won USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Peter Stark Producing Program’s “Short Film Special Project” by writing a 12 page short, with a director and producer attached, and it was the quality of my script that snagged a $20,000 grant and a Columbia TriStar relationship. Unfortunately, due to creative conflicts with the director, the project died. But the script was always fresh and original, and years later I decided to direct it myself. However, after we completed the 11-page budget report – a staggering $114,468 – it was impossible to deny my fatal mistake was…

Exposition: Five Rules

Screenwriting Dialogue
Exposition is necessary as an aid to the understanding of the facts from which the story action departs. It is not a part of the dramatic story but simply an explanation to the audience.
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