On this episode, I talk about a handful of my favorite screenwriters and how their dialogue is unprecedented when it comes to the essential tools of putting together a great script. I also talk about what I consider when putting together a scene that is going to be dialogue-heavy, while keeping in mind to avoid the trap of a "talking heads" scene.

Update: At the initial time of the recording of this episode, the Oscar nominees had not been announced. Since then I can say that Quentin Tarantino's latest film "Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood" did receive a Best Original Screenplay nominee. The film received 10 nominations total and Tarantino himself has three nominations for this film, bringing his career total to five. (He has won two.) 

The Oscars air on Feb. 9th, 2020. 

A more in-depth look at what I discussed back in Episode 2 about setting. Setting, in my opinion, can be just as important in your script or story as your main characters and other elements of story. In this episode, I explain why by using some classic examples from film and television as well as one of my own scripts ("Lapse") that won Best Screenplay in the 2018 LA Crime & Horror Festival. 

This is the last episode of 2019. I look forward to recording more episodes and some new additional things in 2020! 

On this episode, I talk about how screenwriters adapt screenplays that are derived from other works such as novels, short stories, short films, news articles, and more. I talk about the decision-making process that goes into what to include, take out, and add when it comes to writing an adaptation. I also talk about two examples of feature films that were adapted very well from a novel and short film, respectively, along with two amazing novels whose adaptation were (in my opinion) a failure. 

There are lots of great films that were adapted from other sources that I didn't get to mention in my episode, but please check them out.

"Awakenings" (1990)

"Forrest Gump" and "Shawshank Redemption" (1994)

"Doubt" (2008)

"Frost/Nixon" (2008)

"Slumdog Millionaire" (2008) 

I talk about dealing with Writer's Block and include my own suggestions and strategies as well as the suggestions from the winner of the 2019 Publishing Commentator of the Year, Jane Friedman. I also for the first time reference what I've said in previous episodes, so if you're new to the podcast, please refer back so that you have context. 

You can read Jane's article here. https://www.janefriedman.com/reasons-for-writers-block/

Finding your "voice"  can be one of the most complicated steps in establishing yourself as a writer. I break it down for you as best as I can by telling you what to keep in mind and how to identify & improve upon the steps of the evolutionary writing process.  

In this episode, I talk about the differences between a main character and a stock character. I also guide you into how to create a memorable character for your own script and use one of my own characters that I've created as an example. 

I talk a little bit about winning Best Screenplay at the 2018 Los Angeles Crime & Horror Festival along with the importance of setting in your story and how setting can essentially help dictate the entire premise of your story.

Welcome to Iyagikkun (the Korean word for "Storyteller.") This episode has more of a formal introduction of myself and the story of three teachers-amazingly all named Robert-that greatly impacted and influenced my genesis as a writer.

Originally recorded in 2017, this is my very first attempt at recording myself with the intent of creating a podcast series. 

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