Draft Zero: a screenwriting podcast

How can your characters' worldview dramatise your theme?

In this episode, Stu and Chas tackle one of the more esoteric topics in screenwriting (and writing in general): theme! To help us tackle this …

How do tactics make your characters and scenes more dynamic?

In this episode, Stu and Chas turn their gaze to the "tactics" that characters use in scenes to get what they want. Tactics are how the ch…

How can writers make use of their time when hitting LA?

In another backmatter-only episode, Stu & Chas zig-zag through a range of topics. We talk about Chas' experience(s) hitting both Los Angeles an…

How can exposition twist your story in new directions?

In the second part of Draft Zero's two-part episode on "Exposition", Stu & Chas take an even deeper look at this notoriously challenging part of…

How can you successfully integrate exposition into your story?

In Draft Zero's first two part episode, Stu & Chas take an in-depth look at one of screenwriting's most common challenges: EXPOSITION. F…

How can writers wisely invest their time in projects?

In this "special", backmatter-only episode, Stu & Chas take inspiration from Terry Rossio's excellent article on TIME RISK and ice skate over a r…

How can films maintain audience interest without stakes or plot questions?

Continuing their focus on "character", Stuart and Chas take a close look at films that may be considered character-driven...…

How does the audience experience of a character's decision impact our feelings towards that character?

After a spectacular end to Season 6 of GAME OF THRONES, Chas and Stu were struck by the very dif…

How does splitting 'character functions' enhance theme?

We are often told that our 'protagonist' needs to be a active. That they need to be compelling. That they need to change. And - old faithful - …

How can you recreate the feeling of cinematic high-tension on the page?

Chas & Stu take a close look at sequences of high-tension - the ones that make you lean forward in fear, or jump backwards in t…

How does dialogue serve to reveal character?

Chas & Stu are joined once again by the renowned script developer and producer, Stephen Cleary. In the first part of our series on writing better dialogue…

What makes a script so compelling that it ends up with an Oscar nod?

This week, Stu and Chas return to their first ever episode by tackling two Oscar-nominated screenplays. But this time - instead of…

What can fight scenes - whether physical or verbal - teach us about structuring any scene?

In exploring how to write good fight scenes, Stu and Chas compare how writers structure memorable showdowns …

How do you keep contained movies engaging?

Contained Thrillers seem to be a genre that never goes out of fashion. But being contained is not just limited to thrillers. It's a way of telling stories o…

Can screenplay competitions be worth it?

After being repeatedly asked by listeners for thoughts on screenplay competitions, Stu and Chas go full back matter for this special episode. They tackle the …

How does a screenwriter collaborate with a director on an existing property? In this halloween special, Chas (sans Stu) is joined by a very special guest... Aaron Sterns the co-writer of WOLF CREEK 2…

How do screenwriters get away with using coincidences in their stories?

Remember that time in THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS when Bruce suddenly - magically - returned to Gotham, and you were like "WTF?!"  …

Are your story rules in your pilot strong enough to play out over the life of your show?

Stu and Chas move away from the world of features and dive into the Pilot Episodes of some (New) Golden Age …

Are you a filmmaker but not sure how to start your career?

Draft Zero was invited to moderate a panel as part of the 2015 St Kilda Film Festival. In our very first live episode, we are joined by TV W…

How can studying RomCom clichés teach us to subvert them?

With Stu busy working on Hollywood blockbusters, Chas is joined by Alli Parker (script department on Aussie TV series and former co-ordinator…