Margaret Atwood Writing Tips, 'The Substance' VFX Breakdown, and Danny McBride's Idea Machine

🖌️ Screenwriting

5 Writing Tips From 'The Handmaid's Tale' Author Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale is in its final season, which, if you’re a fan of the show, is both devastating and kind of a relief, because one can only say, “Oh god, this dystopian show is starting to feel too real,” so many times. And that’s interesting, actually, because when Margaret Atwood wrote the book, she said, “Nothing went into it that had not happened in real life somewhere at some time.”

So, how did she do it? How does a writer of her caliber get to that level? Continue on to find out.

Continue Reading - 5 Writing Tips From 'The Handmaid's Tale' Author Margaret Atwood

✂️ Editing

Check Out This VFX Breakdown From 'The Substance'

Director Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance is truly a feast for the eyes—specifically the feast of disgusting, greasy prawns Dennis Quaid devours at the beginning of the movie. If you want to see how the film’s VFX were done, The French company la Compagnie Générale des Effets Visuels put a breakdown on YouTube that breaks down our favorite and, yeah, most repulsive, scenes.

Check it out below:

 Continue Reading - Check Out This VFX Breakdown From 'The Substance'

🎬 Directing

How Danny McBride Turns His Ideas Into TV Shows

It’s hard enough to come up with one good idea, let alone many good ideas…let alone many good ideas that become TV shows…let alone many good ideas that become good TV shows. So, how was Danny McBride able to pull it off with hits like Eastbound and Down and The Righteous Gemstones?

He chats with Theo Von on his podcast and shares his secret sauce. Check it out below:

 Continue Reading - How Danny McBride Turns His Ideas Into TV Shows

🎙️Podcast

Why Playing It Safe Will Ruin Your Movie: Blumhouse Hit Director Christopher Landon on 'Drop'

In this episode of the No Film School podcast, writer-director Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky) joins No Film School’s GG Hawkins to discuss his newest film Drop, as well as his evolution as a filmmaker, how he overcame early failures, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the meticulous craft behind building tension.

Continue on for this week’s podcast goodies!

 Continue Reading - Why Playing It Safe Will Ruin Your Movie: Blumhouse Hit Director Christopher Landon on 'Drop'

📚 Recommended Reads:

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• Morgan Freeman Thinks This Separates a Good Director from a Bad One
  I'd take directing advice from one of the greatest actors of all time any day. 

• Jennifer Kent Tells Us What Horror Filmmakers Need to Know Today
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• 'Nobody Wants This' Editor Maura Corey Explains Cutting For Comedic Timing
  There's always a balance in tone and visuals that brings a project together.

• Silent Battle Cry: How 'The Handmaid's Tale' Speaks Volumes Through Visuals
  When words fail visuals speak.

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