Spotlight: The Burden of Truth
Josh Singer discusses his commitment to truth and authenticity, the power of the newsroom, and the challenge of condensing life stories into a two-hour film.
By Carla Iacovetti. From a news story that broke in Boston, to a major motion picture that was just nominated for six Academy Award nominations (best picture, best director, best screenplay, best supporting actor, best supporting actress and best film editing), Spotlight is a very interesting film, because there is not one hero, but several […]
Calculating Emotions: Elements of Screenwriting and Human Behavior
Author and professor of psychology Dr. William Indick reveals how to connect an audience to story.
By Carla Iacovetti. There is nothing like a film that jolts your emotions. Whether you are moved to tears, or nearly fallout on the floor laughing, when your reactions to a story are vivid, you will remember the story long after you’ve digested the popcorn and moved on with life; it is indelible. But lasting […]
Creating Believable Characters
Carla Iacovetti explores the importance of good characterization, and discusses the issue with award-winning scriptwriter Glenn Benest.
By Carla Iacovetti. “Structure is very important to a story, but you’re really missing the boat if you think structure is the only reason that a movie works. The big difference is character. The heart of the movie is how deeply you (the writer) and the audience connect emotionally with the protagonist.” — Glenn M. […]
To Flashback or Not to Flashback, That is the Question
David Trottier on The Use of Flashbacks.
By Carla Iacovetti. “About 95% of the flashbacks in unsold scripts don’t work. In first-time scripts, usually a flashback is used as a crutch; a cheap way to introduce exposition.” – David Trottier. David Trottier has sold or optioned ten screenplays (three produced). As an award-winning teacher and in-demand script consultant, David has helped hundreds of […]
David Ball on Breaking Down the Action
Using backwards and forward writing to craft a cohesive screenplay
“An event is anything that happens. When one event causes or permits another event, the two events together comprise an action. Actions are a [screenplay’s] primary building blocks.”—David Ball by Carla Iacovetti In order to comprehend how a screenplay works, you need to have a keen understanding of action and be more than familiar […]
Professional journalist, awarded poet, screenwriter and screenwriting instructor from Santa Barbara, California. 
