One unsolicited word of advice, that works for me: when you watch a movie or a tv show, try to do it with script in hand, as if you were trying to follow a score.

I'm better at this triumvirate than script reading, but I like your advice Pliny, combining my strength with my weakness.

Pliny, thanks for noting that as that is something I strongly recommend. Not all the time, of course, but every so often. It's a terrific learning experience to see how what gets written is translated onto the screen (very much like our Script To Screen series), but also what gets cut out. Then to think why did they make those changes? That can really help you to get into the mindset of a filmmaker. And a nice merging of reading scripts and watching movies.

Damn, I've seen about 225 of the top 250 movies... but a majority of them in my Netflix Instant queue (I'm still with them) so I'm constantly increasing my numbers. And Scott, another great series. Yesterday's post was amazing and can't wait to read the rest.

Thanks, David. I know the 'tough love' approach is not everyone's cup of tea when it comes to screenwriting. So much easier to think we can learn some 'secret system' or work some 'proven paradigm,' then that's it, we'll knock out a million dollar spec script, and off we go, all nice and easy. You go that route, you may get damn lucky and sell a spec. But you are putting yourself behind the eight ball when it comes to creating a sustainable screenwriting career. To set yourself up for that, you need to be willing and able to work at it, hence -- Read scripts, watch movies, write pages...

There are also some DVDs with scripts on them that allow you to watch and read. Like the Monty Python & The Holy Grail Collector's Edition Boxed Set and Memento the Widescreen Two-Disc Limited Edition.

[...] How To Succeed At Screenwriting… By Really Trying, Part 2: Watch Movies (gointothestory.blcklst.com) [...]

Ok, conversation is bit old, but still I want to post it here. I read “Lego Movie”, and found there beautiful thought that had lost itself in the waves of creation. A DILETTANTE BORROWS. A TRUE ARTIST STEALS.