Trying to find the one line of dialogue re screenplays/plays

Some thoughts on dialogue:

If you talk about something, the energy dissipates. 

If you don’t talk, it gets funneled into action, powers anger.  The bad example is Clint Eastwood or Keanu Reeves out for revenge. The anger is funneled into a gun.

If you hold back what you really want to say, and then finally say it — it has power.  The bad example is “What I was trying to say is I love you.” And usually that would be preceded by the opposite sentiment or action.

So when I think of movie moments that move me, it’s always the unexpected articulation of an emotion, because it’s never been articulated before and/or only the opposite has been articulated. 

So one is not talking means you maintain energy/forward movement. 

And not saying what you really want to say similarly powers the movie and gives you the potential for surprise or reversal.

A version of this is the "you can have a speech or say what you really mean only at the act breaks" rule. The better version is you say only ONE LINE rather than a speech at the act breaks.  

Anyway, my goal is always to find the line that will turn the scene in a new direction.

My goal is to find the line that will RELEASE the emotion that has been pent up for the entire movie or act.

So sometimes it’s no talking up to that line

Sometimes it’s a lot of talking but the OPPOSITE of what you really want to say up to that line.

Try it and see

Because I love you. . . 

Because I miss him. . . 

I guess I don’t love you anymore.  

Because I killed him. . . 

You helped her? You weren’t supposed to help her! 

Because I am your father, Luke

#movies #dialogue #screenwriting #playwriting #drama

We're Hiring Re Screenwriter/Playwright Faculty

Northwestern Department of Radio-TV-Film and NU's MFA Program in Writing for the Screen+Stage (which I co-direct) is hiring. Please pass onto exceptional playwright/screenwriters.

TENURE-TRACK PROFESSOR (OPEN RANK) 

IN PLAYWRITING / SCREENWRITING 

Northwestern University's Department of Radio/Television/Film is seeking a tenure track professor (open rank) of dramatic writing (playwriting, screenwriting, and/or television writing) to teach as part of our interdisciplinary MFA in Writing for the Screen + Stage and as part of our undergraduate RTVF dramatic writing curriculum. We expect candidates to have completed a substantial body of work that is both innovative and nationally recognized, as demonstrated by continuing commissions, productions, screenings, reviews, grants, and awards. We are particularly interested in writers whose work represents underrepresented voices through dramatic/comedic narratives, especially Asian, Latino/Latina and/or African American voices. We welcome candidates who work across different media and/or cross disciplines, and who are committed to integrating theory and practice. We have strong ties to the Department of Theatre and the Department of Performance Studies. 

An MFA or doctorate is required, with at least one year of teaching experience. Appointment begins September 1, 2020. Salary and rank commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, teaching evaluations, at least one full-length play/screenplay/teleplay, and three letters of recommendation. 

Northwestern University’s Department of Radio/Television/Film explores the history, theory, and production of media—from cinema to broadcast television to alternative media to emerging technologies. The department offers undergraduate degrees in Radio/Television/Film, and dual degree programs in Communication, Engineering, and Music (BFA and BA); graduate degrees in Writing for the Screen and Stage (MFA), Documentary Media (MFA), and in Screen Cultures (Ph.D). It features 43 full-time faculty, 275 undergraduate majors, and 60+ graduate students. It is located on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus in greater Chicago. Northwestern University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

Apply here:

https://facultyrecruiting.northwestern.edu/apply/NzIw

Cassandra Accepted to Nightmares Film Festival

The short thriller I wrote/directed/sound designed/scored, Cassandra, was just accepted to Nightmares Film Festival, its first festival acceptance. 

Named one of MovieMaker Magazines 30 Bloody Best Genre Fests in the World - 2019

"The Cannes of horror" (iHorror)

"The best horror film festival on the planet" (The Film Coterie)

"The most dangerous and challenging programming at any fest" (Morbidly Beautiful)

Please tell your friends in Columbus to come check us out.

Press:  https://www.columbusunderground.com/nightmares-film-festival-inks-first-look-deal-hm1?fbclid=IwAR2hsN7oBDiEgMcsgTdBUKx9mILZ5WUSRhWnHRWbWHBeAezfnGTrHXbVPSw

#BetterHorror #NFF19 #ComePlayWithUs

Congrats to Debra Tolchinsky interview on WGN

Congrats to Debra Tolchinsky, interviewed concerning her film, Contaminated Memories. Proud spouse! (And was an honor to score this film).

https://wgnradio.com/2019/08/27/partners-in-crime-kelly-pope-and-bill-kresse-discuss-contaminated-memories-homeland-security-and-the-abraham-bolden-story

#truecrime #wrongfulconviction #eyewitnesstestimony #tmof #documentary #WGN

Congrats to Chico Mattoso

My student and creator of the HBO Latin America show, Joint Venture, on HBO Go and HBO NOW.  Proud prof.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/HBO-Latin-Americas-PICO-DE-NEBLINA-JOINT-VENTURE-to-Premiere-on-August-9-20190807