Sci-Fi Circut: Insights from ‘The Ark’

Sci-Fi Circut: Insights from ‘The Ark’

A new article over on Script Mag featuring insights from my interview with ‘The Ark’ co-showrunners Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner. Topics discussed:

  • the evolution of sci-fi as a genre
  • collaborating to create their new show, ‘The Ark’
  • the impacts of streaming
  • writing sci-fi 
  • the importance of great characters
  • visual effects
    and more!

[read the article on Script Mag]

Photo by Aleksandar Letic/Ark Tv Holdings, Inc/SYFY  

Sci-Fi Circuit: ‘Needle in a Timestack’

Sci-Fi Circuit: ‘Needle in a Timestack’

A new article over on Script Mag with my key takeaways after viewing time-travel romance Needle in a Timestack through the lens of what can be learned from both a storytelling and structural standpoint.

1. Begin with a compelling, personal, emotional opening
2. Study the art of efficient explainers
3. Explore big ideas in a personal context
4. Don’t let time travel questions unravel the story
5. Reckon with universal themes
6. What stories do we want to tell about women?
7. A different take on a villain

[read the article on Script Mag]

Image courtesy of LIONSGATE

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: ‘2067’

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: ‘2067’

A new article over on the Final Draft blog with five screenwriting takeaways from 2067 to draw on as you craft your own sci-fi scripts.

1. A compelling “what if” premise
2. A hook that keeps your audience wondering
3. Global and personal stakes tied together
4. A time travel explainer moment
5. An inevitable but surprising and satisfying conclusion

[read more on the Final Draft blog]

Image courtesy of RLJE Films

‘Breach’ Models Past Sci-Fi Horror Classics

‘Breach’ Models Past Sci-Fi Horror Classics

5 Screenwriting Takeaways

A new article over on the Final Draft blog with five takeaways sci-fi screenwriters can draw on in their own scripts from Breach, a sci-fi space thriller in the vein of the original Alien and The Thing — but with a twist.

1. Sci-fi is a flexible ‘reality’ genre
2. Ordinary characters in extraordinary circumstances come with a built-in character arc
3. A-list actors lend credibility to a film
4. Tie the global stakes to personal stakes 
5. Your title makes a promise to the audience 

[read more on the Final Draft blog]

Photo courtesy of Saban Films