As a long time Nicholl reader before I founded Finish Line, I'm sorry to see the change. We will be here, accepting scripts from whoever wants to enter. All you have to do is be a writer. Whether it's your first script or one that's been through a fellowship, etc. we welcome you.

Some thoughts on character while giving script notes:. Desire is your character’s conscious goal, the driving force in the story. Need, however, is more concealed, something your character may not even be aware of as the action begins. Need is connected to character weakness,.

Show, don't tell. Unless it's a brief detail that can be inserted into dialogue just for clarity. Make sure to use your time on the page as tightly as possible.

Spoke to an EVP at a major director led TV/film company yesterday. This is all TV tho - .Looking for:. Music oriented/country specifically .Blue sky procedurals. We are in the middle of the competition so enter or, if I am familiar with your work, DM me.

Got word that a producer I completely admire is interested in meeting on one of our writer's scripts. Bucket list! I'm not just here for your bucket lists but apparently mine as well!. Who is your bucket list producer for film or TV?.

To new writers, to all writers- don't worry about voice or style. Just be honest. Everyone's honesty is different and that's where your voice and style will come from.

We have 54 mentors this year - more than ever. These are top level decision makers. Companies you want to work with. It’s important when choosing what comp to enter, if you enter comps, to know the level at which they operate. There are others like us, most not. Meeting an.

Last night I had the greatest @instagram chat with one of our winners, who has become such a dear friend. We're making such amazing strides with his script; he's so talented. We chatted about The Materialists, Weapons, Beau is Alive. Three movies we had different opinIons on (We.

The more successful the villain, the more successful the picture. - Alfred Hitchcock

When this industry works, it's the most exciting, gratifying thing in the world. I urge writers to keep at it. Get your script in order to make people go out on a limb to help. They will when your work is that good. Yes, we will help you but stick with it regardless.

Yesterday I needed inspiration, so I hopped on @sundanceorg and along with 125 others around the world, dissected Mulholland Drive. Felt like I was back in film school. If you want to be more creative, meet people creating things. Online, in person, reach out & grow.

Only 12:45 PST here but interesting day. All the action has been positive on projects that I hadn't been thinking about. HBO hearing a pitch (wasn't expected to), CAA calling to say major actor is reading script today (we've been waiting) & script getting put directly into.

A recent email we received from a writer:. "My turn to give you a quick feedback on the script analysis you’ve made on my screenplay “Against XXXXX". I must tell you that this analysis was pertinent as none others I received on this screenplay, detailed more than I expected for.

Here’s why it’s important to build relationships AND have a few really excellent scripts READY. Speaking to head of TV at Berlanti about one of our winners. They have something similar to the one script I pitched but guess what, I know this writer’s work cause she’s entered our.

Happy to report news from former winner Muki Thangamani, who, along with having Aussie representation, has now signed with Fourth Wall. His new comedy feature is being packaged by CAA. His winning pilot, Flowerfield, was pitched on a limited basis due the producer's exclusive.

Just got back from coffee with an exec at Monkeypaw. Interestingly, all the material I'm sending him comes from our semi-finalist list! . You got to be in it to win it. @NetworkISA @Stage32 @FilmFreeway.

This industry is an industry of personalities and opinions. As Maya Angelou said, "The wisest thing I can do is be on my own side".

The devil is in the details. Or, as applied to the entertainment industry, it’s in the vision, strategy, the understanding who your audience is and the execution of your material.

A theme is what your story is truly about at its core. It is often the lesson or moral we are meant to take away from the story. Having a theme is really essential to feeling like all elements of a story come together and the reader/viewer feels emotionally satisfied.

It’s been two years and I still haven’t stopped thinking about @aftersun .

We've said “just write” before & see it on various pages all over social media. "JUST WRITE" does not mean you can 'just write' effectively without considerable practice. You have to learn the skill. You have to be willing to make the mistakes. You have to invest in your writing.