by Manuel Marino | Movies, Writings
Photo by aplumb
The renowned writer/director Billy Wilder offered this piece of advice on screenwriting and filmmaking: “Grab ’em by the throat and never let go.”
This is what your first act, specifically, your initial 10 pages, should accomplish. The first act serves several purposes. It introduces your main characters, the setting, the time period, the theme, genre, and tone. This is the act where we meet both the protagonist and the antagonist.
In some films, we might not encounter the antagonist directly, but we are at least introduced to them, with hints of an ultimate revelation, as is often the case in mysteries. Even if we don’t see them yet, we are made acutely aware of their presence and the negative, often devastating, impact they will have on other characters in the story.
The first act also establishes the premise of the story: a saloon owner is surprised to see the woman he loves walk back into his life during World War II (Casablanca); a giant shark threatens a beach resort town at the beginning of the summer tourist season (Jaws); a young fighter pilot must rescue a kidnapped princess and destroy an evil empire (Star Wars).
Your first … ...Read the rest.
“Screenwriting for Authors – What Your First Act Must Do”
by Manuel Marino | Movies
Photo by ZeHawk
Being an actor is not an easy profession. I understand the challenges it entails, or else I would pursue it myself. As a director, I mostly stay behind the camera, but I try to imagine what it’s like to be an actor. I have great respect for those who put themselves in front of the camera and face all the vulnerabilities that come with it.
One of my least favorite things to hear from an actor is, “What is my motivation Drive by Daniel Pink - Book Evaluation - by Stacie Stacie Stacie People often don't understand what drives me at work. I can spend countless hours writing articles or working on my newsletter. I might also be active on Twitter, connecting with potential clients, business partners, and engaging with interesting people. I frequently attend in-person networking meetings and events. A common comment I… ?” When an actor asks me this, it feels like they haven’t done their research. Not only have they not read the script, but they haven’t given any thought beyond their own role. You can discover your motivation Drive by Daniel Pink - Book Evaluation - by Stacie Stacie Stacie People often don't understand what drives me at work. I can spend countless hours writing articles or working on my newsletter. I might also be active on Twitter, connecting with potential clients, business partners, and engaging with interesting people. I frequently attend in-person networking meetings and events. A common comment I… by studying the other characters in the script. Skilled and experienced actors know how to … ...Read the rest.
“A Directors Take On Actors”
Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
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