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How To Write a Screenplay

Learn how to write a screenplay through detailed analysis of feature films.

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  • How To Write A Screenplay

Back to the Future Podcast

July 28, 2013 By William Robert Rich 1 Comment

Back to the Future Screenwriting Podcast

Back to the Future was the highest grossing movie of 1985. It received three nominations at the 58th Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, and one win for Best Sound Editing. At the 39th British Academy Film Awards, it garnered five nominations, including Best Film and Best Screenplay. President Reagan quoted the film in his 1986 State of the Union address, and in 2007, it was preserved in the National Film Registry. A billion dollar enterprise was spun off it that includes two sequels, an animated series, a theme park ride, video games… in short, mind-numbing varieties of merchandise. An overwhelming consensus considers it family entertainment and an integral part of the plot deals with the threat of incest. [Read more…]

The Shawshank Redemption Podcast

March 10, 2013 By William Robert Rich Leave a Comment

Shawshank Redemption Screenplay Podcast

I don’t really have a favorite movie, but if I did, it would probably be The Shawshank Redemption. Dan and I took a long break from our podcast while finishing up our Nolan book. We chose to come back with one of the greatest films ever made. I hope you enjoy the discussion. [Read more…]

The Dark Knight Rises Podcast

July 22, 2012 By William Robert Rich 23 Comments

I anticipated the release of The Dark Knight Rises so much I found it impossible to wait four years without reading anything about it. That Dark Knight fix I craved… well, it diminished the impact of key revelations, most notably, Miranda Tate as Talia Al Ghul. As soon as Bruce Wayne handed her the keys to Wayne Enterprises, I knew she would use that against him. At the football stadium, where Bane reveals the bomb and the trigger-man as a random Gotham citizen, I thought, “and that’s how she’ll reveal herself.” And I was right. I guess I only have myself to blame. [Read more…]

The Dark Knight Podcast

July 2, 2012 By William Robert Rich Leave a Comment

The Dark Knight Screenplay Podcast

I’m enjoying the new podcast. We’re only two episodes in, and it’s safe to say Dan and I aren’t always on the same page. Hey, his Story Maps method works. It’s a great tool for breaking down structure, but there are many reasonable ways to look at one film. [Read more…]

Batman Begins Podcast

June 10, 2012 By William Robert Rich 2 Comments

I’ve been wanting to do a podcast for awhile, so I was happy when my good friend Dan Calvisi agreed to give it a shot. With our first podcast, we decided to break down Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. We both had watched the film and completed a scene list, but we weren’t set on the major beats or goals. This discussion is us breaking down the film. We stumble. We fall. We try our best to get back up when we do. I hope you guys enjoy it. [Read more…]

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