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Hemingway's 3-Step Writing Exercise, Michael Mann Directing Tips, & 'The Studio' Visual Philosophy

Author

Ryan Koo
April 21, 2025

Hemingway's 3-Step Writing Exercise, Michael Mann Directing Tips, & 'The Studio' Visual Philosophy

Hey Filmmakers,

Welcome back! Ready to get your week started with insightful tips on screenwriting, directing, and editing?

First up—who better to learn about the writing process than one of the greatest writers to have ever lived? We break down Hemingway’s 3-step exercise that he used to crack ideas.

Also, learn 10 lessons on directing from iconic director Michael Mann and how to create a cinematographic philosophy like The Studio.

Let’s get to it!

🖌️ Screenwriting

'Midnight in Paris' Credit: Sony

Screenwriting is always going to be a challenge. Where do you start? And once you start, how do you know if your ideas are any good? According to Ernest Hemingway, it all begins with putting your ideas through a specific 3-step litmus test.

What are the three steps? Read on to find out.

🗞️ Quick Reads for Screenwriting

• George R.R. Martin's Advice on How to Make It as a Writer - The Game of Thrones genius has a lot to say about honing your craft.

• What Stand-Up Comedy Can Teach You About Storytelling - There are a ton of valuable storytelling lessons stand-up comedy can teach you.

🎥 Cinematography

'The Studio' Credit: Apple

How do you capture the truly frantic and manic nature of studio filmmaking in-camera? Well, a great place to get inspiration is Apple TV+’s hit series The Studio. We dive into the cinematography in the show and explore how oners and long-shots are used to not only capture the frenzy that happens off-camera in Hollywood but also to communicate the themes of the series.

Check it out below:

🗞️ Quick Reads for Editing

• Reminder: Protect Your Gear! $26K ARRI Alexa Mini Stolen on London Shoot - This story of an ARRI Alexa Mini being brazenly stolen off the set of a music video shoot in London is a great reminder to safeguard your gear.

🎬 Directing

'Heat' Credit: Warner Bros.

There's something about a Michael Mann movie that makes you just want to swim in the images. They're so vibrant, so singular, they take you into worlds and then never let you go. You feel immersed.

In this article, we go over some of the big lessons on writing and directing you can learn from watching Michael Mann movies.

🗞️ Quick Reads for Directing

• ‘American Psycho’ Director Mary Harron Is Still Baffled by People Idolizing Patrick Bateman - Some of these Wall Street bros need to look a little closer at this classic horror movie.

• Check Out This Behind the Scenes Featurette for the New 'Superman' Movie - Dive deep into James Gunn's efforts to bring the Man of Steel to the screen.

📚 Recommended Reads:

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See you next time with more filmmaking goodness! 🎬