Story is about eternal, universal forms, not formulas.

When you do enough research, the story almost writes itself. Lines of development spring loose and you'll have choices galore.

Night after night, through years of performing and directing, I've stood in awe of the audience, of its capacity for response. As if by magic, masks fall away, faces become vulnerable, receptive. Filmgoers do not defend their emotions, rather they open to the storyteller in ways even their lovers never know, welcoming laughter, tears, terror, rage, compassion, passion, love, hate--the ritual often exhausts them.

To get the truth, you want to get your own heart to pound while you write.

In comedy laughter settles all arguments.

There is no screenplay-writing recipe that guarantees your cake will rise.

The principle of Creative Limitations calls for freedom within a circle of obstacles and restricted boundaries. Talent is like a muscle: without something to push against, it atrophies. So we deliberately put obstacles in our path - barriers that will inspire us. We disciple ourselves as to what to do, while we're boundless as to how to do it.