I start every session with my private students by asking them – What movie did you see this week?
Even though we are writing screenplays, we are really writing movies and it’s important to watch movies during your process.
Last week, one of my private students had the opportunity to screen each of the short films nominated for an Oscar this year. She had a breakthrough.
She said:
“I finally understand what you’ve been saying for all these classes: The story must be told in pictures, with the dialogue making what is general, specific.”
Brava to her and to every other writer who’s able to make this connection.