Author Archives: Shawn

Sketch Writing 101

Becoming a professional writer does not start with talent. It starts with the right mentality. There are several schools which will teach you Hard Skills of sketch writing, but none will teach you these Soft Skills (though some allude to … Continue reading

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Free Screenwriting Software

What is proper screenwriting format? How can I write a script and format it for free? What screenwriting software is free? The best answers to these questions are use Fountain Syntax, use Fountain syntax, and WriterDuet Celtx or other free … Continue reading

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Film Review: The Post, Dunkirk, Sorry to Bother, 500 Days of Summer

Shawn explains why he didn’t like 4 particular films (of more than 8 seen on a series of plane rides): The Post, Sorry to Bother You, 500 Days of Summer, and Dunkirk. Continue reading

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Crazy Rich Asians

A simple story with a strong theme that works by the end DESPITE poor acting, poor directing, and poor filmmakers, financially underfunded. If I had to rate it fresh or not, I’d say not. It’s a tried-and-true poor American immigrant … Continue reading

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Lawrence of Arabia

What makes a great film? Rewatch-ability? Density of content? Depth of journey? Depth of character? Spectacle? Music? Theme? Duration? Pace? Philosophy? Acting? Four days ago I watched Lawrence of Arabia as a 30 year old adult. I watched it with … Continue reading

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MasterClass – Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Spark Notes

From: https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/4zpcz2/i_took_aaron_sorkins_masterclass_heres_my_cliffs/ (emphasis added) HOW TO BE A WRITER Write. Be writing be writing be writing be writing. Everything after this helps, but won’t if you aren’t writing. WHAT IS DRAMA? “If you don’t have intention and obstacle, it’s ‘Journalism’ ” Drama … Continue reading

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Comics Sideline & Not Too Shabby #2

The improv at the end was the best part. https://ucbtheatre.com/performance/56252 Not Too Shabby (hosted by Holly Prazoff)

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Opinion: Character vs Premise Sketch

August 22, 2017 I prefer premise sketches over character sketches for a ton of reasons.   First let me define the two types of sketches so you know the difference: Character Sketch: Sketch where the comedy comes from a funny or … Continue reading

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Duenas Comedy Reminders (Performance)

Here’s a list of notes to keep in mind when acting as a comedy actor: If a straight man, your comedic gap is struggling to cope with the crazy character. As a character sketch, your comedy comes from staying in … Continue reading

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Screenwriting 101

You’re here because you don’t know anything about screenwriting and want to get started ASAP and look like a pro. That’s exactly what I wanted too, one place to learn everything. This is your portal into screenwriting, TV writing, and … Continue reading

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