Jacques once said, “Talent doesn’t exist." Sorry, Mr Brel, I don’t agree. Every day I see the stark difference between those who work on their writing - screenplays, plays and/or novels - and who have talent, and those who work just as hard but don’t. Hard work alone does not create talent. Conversely, talent without learning, work, curiosity and openness of mind is nothing more than an unfulfilled promise, an untapped possibility. So why do I keep reading that talent is a my

We all know the first draft is only a starting point. Rewriting isn’t just inevitable, it’s essential. (That said, if the first draft is too flimsy, it’ll collapse under the weight of revisions, and all that’ll be left is a shapeless heap of bits and pieces. And no rewrite will ever save it.) Among the tools of rewriting: the scissors. We cut what sticks out, what weighs things down, what repeats or doesn’t belong ("kill your darlings"). We make space so the story can b

In fashion, the little black dress is a timeless classic, and a much trickier style exercise than it looks. When it’s done right, it feels simple but never simplistic. It holds together through subtle precision: the cut, the fabric, the finishing touches. Nothing sticks out. Everything falls perfectly into place. It feels obvious, unique, effortless, as if it had always existed. But for that to happen, every element must be in perfect balance. If one thing is even slightly of

These points of support serve everyone: the writer, the team (producers, director, DoP, editor, actors, production designer, etc.), and ultimately, the audience. Intention: the beating heart of the story This isn’t about the writer’s personal intention, but the story’s own intent. It’s the point of view, the driving force behind the narrative. Intention is essential: - for the writer, especially during rewrites, to sharpen and strengthen the story - for the team: producer, di

It is often believed that writing a screenplay follows a funnel-like process starting with a broad idea and gradually refining it into detai

We often hear that there are only 3, 6, 20, or 36 possible plots. In other words, all stories are merely variations on the same themes.

Most script editors are or were screenwriters. Not me. My background is in film editing, and this has profoundly shaped my approach to

Creating a world means making the unreal feel real. To achieve this, two key elements are crucial:

It’s Not About Writing a Perfect Script, but a honed one Because the perfect script does not exist. It cannot exist, as it is not an end