Jeff Kitchen
@jeffkitchen.bsky.social
http://script.kitchen
Training writers in the craft of the dramatist--Broadway to Hollywood
Script doctor
Students nominated for multiple Emmys & Oscars, including Best Picture & Best Adapted Screenplay
Author of Writing a Great Movie / The Hero's Dilemma
Training writers in the craft of the dramatist--Broadway to Hollywood
Script doctor
Students nominated for multiple Emmys & Oscars, including Best Picture & Best Adapted Screenplay
Author of Writing a Great Movie / The Hero's Dilemma
Once you get the structure right, all the rest is details. This is how you construct a plot. Get the basic structure right, then gradually and systematically layer in detail as it becomes necessary. To learn the craft of the dramatist, check out my advanced writing program at script.kitchen
July 6, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Once you get the structure right, all the rest is details. This is how you construct a plot. Get the basic structure right, then gradually and systematically layer in detail as it becomes necessary. To learn the craft of the dramatist, check out my advanced writing program at script.kitchen
DILEMMA FOR CAMERON CROWE'S ALMOST FAMOUS
Cameron Crowe said the kid reporter's dilemma is what the whole movie is about. That's exactly what I teach--how to build an entire story around one good strong dilemma. I devote an entire chapter to Almost Famous in my book The Hero's Dilemma bit.ly/4gQwxn7
Cameron Crowe said the kid reporter's dilemma is what the whole movie is about. That's exactly what I teach--how to build an entire story around one good strong dilemma. I devote an entire chapter to Almost Famous in my book The Hero's Dilemma bit.ly/4gQwxn7
July 2, 2025 at 6:58 PM
DILEMMA FOR CAMERON CROWE'S ALMOST FAMOUS
Cameron Crowe said the kid reporter's dilemma is what the whole movie is about. That's exactly what I teach--how to build an entire story around one good strong dilemma. I devote an entire chapter to Almost Famous in my book The Hero's Dilemma bit.ly/4gQwxn7
Cameron Crowe said the kid reporter's dilemma is what the whole movie is about. That's exactly what I teach--how to build an entire story around one good strong dilemma. I devote an entire chapter to Almost Famous in my book The Hero's Dilemma bit.ly/4gQwxn7
EXPLORE YOUR STORY MATERIAL BEFORE LEAPING INTO IT
A great story idea can be loaded with potential, so feel out its hidden recesses before you plot it. It can take real work to open up & develop the most dynamic options, so think deeply before you commit its final form. Train with me script.kitchen
A great story idea can be loaded with potential, so feel out its hidden recesses before you plot it. It can take real work to open up & develop the most dynamic options, so think deeply before you commit its final form. Train with me script.kitchen
February 20, 2025 at 7:47 AM
EXPLORE YOUR STORY MATERIAL BEFORE LEAPING INTO IT
A great story idea can be loaded with potential, so feel out its hidden recesses before you plot it. It can take real work to open up & develop the most dynamic options, so think deeply before you commit its final form. Train with me script.kitchen
A great story idea can be loaded with potential, so feel out its hidden recesses before you plot it. It can take real work to open up & develop the most dynamic options, so think deeply before you commit its final form. Train with me script.kitchen
THINK DEEPLY ABOUT YOUR STORY BEFORE YOU BUILD IT
The rich possibilities inherent in your unformed story begin to coalesce as you assemble its DNA. The raw elements & how you weave them constitute much of the story, so pay careful attention to them as you get started. Train with me at script.kitchen
The rich possibilities inherent in your unformed story begin to coalesce as you assemble its DNA. The raw elements & how you weave them constitute much of the story, so pay careful attention to them as you get started. Train with me at script.kitchen
February 11, 2025 at 6:22 AM
THINK DEEPLY ABOUT YOUR STORY BEFORE YOU BUILD IT
The rich possibilities inherent in your unformed story begin to coalesce as you assemble its DNA. The raw elements & how you weave them constitute much of the story, so pay careful attention to them as you get started. Train with me at script.kitchen
The rich possibilities inherent in your unformed story begin to coalesce as you assemble its DNA. The raw elements & how you weave them constitute much of the story, so pay careful attention to them as you get started. Train with me at script.kitchen
“From within the swarm of gimmicky screenwriting seminars & trendy new how-to’s, it is Jeff Kitchen’s approach, relying heavily on the classic principles of dramatic structure & logic, that emerges as truly innovative.” Erin Quigley – Producer/Development Executive, 23 Red Productions script.kitchen
February 1, 2025 at 1:57 AM
“From within the swarm of gimmicky screenwriting seminars & trendy new how-to’s, it is Jeff Kitchen’s approach, relying heavily on the classic principles of dramatic structure & logic, that emerges as truly innovative.” Erin Quigley – Producer/Development Executive, 23 Red Productions script.kitchen
CRAFTING A GREAT ENDING FOR A STORY
A great ending wraps up the power of a story into a complete, often satisfying and energizing conclusion. It should impact the audience and affect them deeply, staying with them, possibly forever. It completes a magic spell. Train with me at script.kitchen
A great ending wraps up the power of a story into a complete, often satisfying and energizing conclusion. It should impact the audience and affect them deeply, staying with them, possibly forever. It completes a magic spell. Train with me at script.kitchen
January 30, 2025 at 7:09 AM
CRAFTING A GREAT ENDING FOR A STORY
A great ending wraps up the power of a story into a complete, often satisfying and energizing conclusion. It should impact the audience and affect them deeply, staying with them, possibly forever. It completes a magic spell. Train with me at script.kitchen
A great ending wraps up the power of a story into a complete, often satisfying and energizing conclusion. It should impact the audience and affect them deeply, staying with them, possibly forever. It completes a magic spell. Train with me at script.kitchen
PEOPLE SEEK MEANING AND CLOSURE
A great ending in a movie needs substance & real closure, which fills a deep need in people. Audiences hunger for transformation, & a great movie delivers it powerfully & well. The final effect is the principle effect, so work to make your ending great. script.kitchen
A great ending in a movie needs substance & real closure, which fills a deep need in people. Audiences hunger for transformation, & a great movie delivers it powerfully & well. The final effect is the principle effect, so work to make your ending great. script.kitchen
January 28, 2025 at 11:10 PM
PEOPLE SEEK MEANING AND CLOSURE
A great ending in a movie needs substance & real closure, which fills a deep need in people. Audiences hunger for transformation, & a great movie delivers it powerfully & well. The final effect is the principle effect, so work to make your ending great. script.kitchen
A great ending in a movie needs substance & real closure, which fills a deep need in people. Audiences hunger for transformation, & a great movie delivers it powerfully & well. The final effect is the principle effect, so work to make your ending great. script.kitchen
One of my best friends in the world, Neil Peart, gone five years now. He’s on to further adventures.
January 8, 2025 at 10:47 AM
One of my best friends in the world, Neil Peart, gone five years now. He’s on to further adventures.
DECISION & ACTION IN THE FACE OF CRISIS IS THE STORY'S TURNING POINT
A crisis brings out the best in someone or the worst. When the Dilemma comes to its breaking point, the Crisis, it demands an immediate Decision & Action. The whole story turns on this major shift. Train with me at script.kitchen
A crisis brings out the best in someone or the worst. When the Dilemma comes to its breaking point, the Crisis, it demands an immediate Decision & Action. The whole story turns on this major shift. Train with me at script.kitchen
January 7, 2025 at 8:22 PM
DECISION & ACTION IN THE FACE OF CRISIS IS THE STORY'S TURNING POINT
A crisis brings out the best in someone or the worst. When the Dilemma comes to its breaking point, the Crisis, it demands an immediate Decision & Action. The whole story turns on this major shift. Train with me at script.kitchen
A crisis brings out the best in someone or the worst. When the Dilemma comes to its breaking point, the Crisis, it demands an immediate Decision & Action. The whole story turns on this major shift. Train with me at script.kitchen
TIGHT CAUSE & EFFECT IS CRITICAL IN SCRIPTWRITING
Getting at the steps that drive your story keeps it from meandering & prevents the Unnecessary from bogging things down. It makes it more actable & keeps the audience on the edg of their seats wondering what happens next. Train with me script.kitchen
Getting at the steps that drive your story keeps it from meandering & prevents the Unnecessary from bogging things down. It makes it more actable & keeps the audience on the edg of their seats wondering what happens next. Train with me script.kitchen
January 7, 2025 at 4:47 AM
TIGHT CAUSE & EFFECT IS CRITICAL IN SCRIPTWRITING
Getting at the steps that drive your story keeps it from meandering & prevents the Unnecessary from bogging things down. It makes it more actable & keeps the audience on the edg of their seats wondering what happens next. Train with me script.kitchen
Getting at the steps that drive your story keeps it from meandering & prevents the Unnecessary from bogging things down. It makes it more actable & keeps the audience on the edg of their seats wondering what happens next. Train with me script.kitchen
YOU'VE GOT TO BE A GREAT STORYTELLER
Writing scripts is so much about getting the structure right to make every part of the story work dramatically. But applying all these structural techniques to improve the story don't work if the story itself is lame. Become a good judge of story. script.kitchen
Writing scripts is so much about getting the structure right to make every part of the story work dramatically. But applying all these structural techniques to improve the story don't work if the story itself is lame. Become a good judge of story. script.kitchen
January 6, 2025 at 11:52 PM
YOU'VE GOT TO BE A GREAT STORYTELLER
Writing scripts is so much about getting the structure right to make every part of the story work dramatically. But applying all these structural techniques to improve the story don't work if the story itself is lame. Become a good judge of story. script.kitchen
Writing scripts is so much about getting the structure right to make every part of the story work dramatically. But applying all these structural techniques to improve the story don't work if the story itself is lame. Become a good judge of story. script.kitchen
LEARN TO HOLD OPTIONS OPEN AS YOU DEVELOP A STORY
The ability to tentatively explore options & stay fluid as you develop a story gives you much more freedom than crystallizing ideas right away. Play around with floating options as your story gels, staying fluid as long as possible. script.kitchen
The ability to tentatively explore options & stay fluid as you develop a story gives you much more freedom than crystallizing ideas right away. Play around with floating options as your story gels, staying fluid as long as possible. script.kitchen
January 6, 2025 at 9:11 AM
LEARN TO HOLD OPTIONS OPEN AS YOU DEVELOP A STORY
The ability to tentatively explore options & stay fluid as you develop a story gives you much more freedom than crystallizing ideas right away. Play around with floating options as your story gels, staying fluid as long as possible. script.kitchen
The ability to tentatively explore options & stay fluid as you develop a story gives you much more freedom than crystallizing ideas right away. Play around with floating options as your story gels, staying fluid as long as possible. script.kitchen
THE 36 DRAMATIC SITUATIONS HELP SEE WHAT'S ACTIVE IN YOUR SCRIPT, AND WHAT COULD BE
One complete spectrum of story elements gives you a dynamic array of possibilities to play with & build with. They're catalysts designed to shake loose new possibilities & to clarify what you've got. script.kitchen
One complete spectrum of story elements gives you a dynamic array of possibilities to play with & build with. They're catalysts designed to shake loose new possibilities & to clarify what you've got. script.kitchen
January 5, 2025 at 2:55 AM
THE 36 DRAMATIC SITUATIONS HELP SEE WHAT'S ACTIVE IN YOUR SCRIPT, AND WHAT COULD BE
One complete spectrum of story elements gives you a dynamic array of possibilities to play with & build with. They're catalysts designed to shake loose new possibilities & to clarify what you've got. script.kitchen
One complete spectrum of story elements gives you a dynamic array of possibilities to play with & build with. They're catalysts designed to shake loose new possibilities & to clarify what you've got. script.kitchen
RIGOROUSLY EXCLUDE THE UNNECESSARY FROM EVERY MOLECULE OF YOUR WRITING
Like running a clean room in a microchip factory, you must keep out the Unnecessary from every aspect of developing, constructing, & writing your script. Dramatic writing is the most stripped-down literary format. script.kitchen
Like running a clean room in a microchip factory, you must keep out the Unnecessary from every aspect of developing, constructing, & writing your script. Dramatic writing is the most stripped-down literary format. script.kitchen
January 4, 2025 at 7:48 AM
RIGOROUSLY EXCLUDE THE UNNECESSARY FROM EVERY MOLECULE OF YOUR WRITING
Like running a clean room in a microchip factory, you must keep out the Unnecessary from every aspect of developing, constructing, & writing your script. Dramatic writing is the most stripped-down literary format. script.kitchen
Like running a clean room in a microchip factory, you must keep out the Unnecessary from every aspect of developing, constructing, & writing your script. Dramatic writing is the most stripped-down literary format. script.kitchen
THE CRAFT OF THE DRAMATIST
The technique & principles of turning good stories into a great scripts. It must be performed by actors & keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It's the most elusive of all the literary disciplines & is notoriously hard to get right. Train with me script.kitchen
The technique & principles of turning good stories into a great scripts. It must be performed by actors & keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It's the most elusive of all the literary disciplines & is notoriously hard to get right. Train with me script.kitchen
January 4, 2025 at 7:00 AM
THE CRAFT OF THE DRAMATIST
The technique & principles of turning good stories into a great scripts. It must be performed by actors & keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It's the most elusive of all the literary disciplines & is notoriously hard to get right. Train with me script.kitchen
The technique & principles of turning good stories into a great scripts. It must be performed by actors & keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It's the most elusive of all the literary disciplines & is notoriously hard to get right. Train with me script.kitchen
THE WAY IN WHICH THE PROTAGONIST RESOLVES THE DILEMMA EXPRESSES THE THEME OF THE STORY
It's not WHAT the protagonist does to resolve her dilemma, but the WAY IN WHICH she does it. This provides a clear sense of the theme that's emerging organically through the story's complete action. script.kitchen
It's not WHAT the protagonist does to resolve her dilemma, but the WAY IN WHICH she does it. This provides a clear sense of the theme that's emerging organically through the story's complete action. script.kitchen
January 3, 2025 at 9:27 AM
THE WAY IN WHICH THE PROTAGONIST RESOLVES THE DILEMMA EXPRESSES THE THEME OF THE STORY
It's not WHAT the protagonist does to resolve her dilemma, but the WAY IN WHICH she does it. This provides a clear sense of the theme that's emerging organically through the story's complete action. script.kitchen
It's not WHAT the protagonist does to resolve her dilemma, but the WAY IN WHICH she does it. This provides a clear sense of the theme that's emerging organically through the story's complete action. script.kitchen
TO EVALUATE A SCRIPT, FIRST SEE HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL
When you finish reading a script, don’t just jump into the mental chatter of trying to figure it out. Sit with it. See how it makes you feel. Don’t rush it. There’s no right answer. You’ll feel its weak spots. Then figure it out script.kitchen
When you finish reading a script, don’t just jump into the mental chatter of trying to figure it out. Sit with it. See how it makes you feel. Don’t rush it. There’s no right answer. You’ll feel its weak spots. Then figure it out script.kitchen
January 3, 2025 at 9:10 AM
TO EVALUATE A SCRIPT, FIRST SEE HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL
When you finish reading a script, don’t just jump into the mental chatter of trying to figure it out. Sit with it. See how it makes you feel. Don’t rush it. There’s no right answer. You’ll feel its weak spots. Then figure it out script.kitchen
When you finish reading a script, don’t just jump into the mental chatter of trying to figure it out. Sit with it. See how it makes you feel. Don’t rush it. There’s no right answer. You’ll feel its weak spots. Then figure it out script.kitchen
READING SCRIPTS IS AN ACQUIRED SKILL
It can be tricky to read a script because you have to learn all the characters & visualize everything, & the descriptions can be minimal. A great trick for beginners is to read the script for a movie you know well. It makes the read easy & fun. script.kitchen
It can be tricky to read a script because you have to learn all the characters & visualize everything, & the descriptions can be minimal. A great trick for beginners is to read the script for a movie you know well. It makes the read easy & fun. script.kitchen
January 1, 2025 at 10:26 PM
READING SCRIPTS IS AN ACQUIRED SKILL
It can be tricky to read a script because you have to learn all the characters & visualize everything, & the descriptions can be minimal. A great trick for beginners is to read the script for a movie you know well. It makes the read easy & fun. script.kitchen
It can be tricky to read a script because you have to learn all the characters & visualize everything, & the descriptions can be minimal. A great trick for beginners is to read the script for a movie you know well. It makes the read easy & fun. script.kitchen
CRYSTALLIZE THE ESSENCE OF YOUR STORY BEFORE YOU CONSTRUCT IT
Then construct your overall story & dramatize it. Then construct & dramatize each act. Then construct & dramatize each sequence. Then construct & dramatize your first scene, & write it, building each scene this way. script.kitchen
Then construct your overall story & dramatize it. Then construct & dramatize each act. Then construct & dramatize each sequence. Then construct & dramatize your first scene, & write it, building each scene this way. script.kitchen
December 31, 2024 at 6:31 AM
CRYSTALLIZE THE ESSENCE OF YOUR STORY BEFORE YOU CONSTRUCT IT
Then construct your overall story & dramatize it. Then construct & dramatize each act. Then construct & dramatize each sequence. Then construct & dramatize your first scene, & write it, building each scene this way. script.kitchen
Then construct your overall story & dramatize it. Then construct & dramatize each act. Then construct & dramatize each sequence. Then construct & dramatize your first scene, & write it, building each scene this way. script.kitchen
KNOW-HOW IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM MERE INFORMATION
The craft of the dramatist requires deep mastery of multiple skills and principles, and requires heavy training and experience. Train with me in my two-year apprenticeship at script.kitchen
The craft of the dramatist requires deep mastery of multiple skills and principles, and requires heavy training and experience. Train with me in my two-year apprenticeship at script.kitchen
December 31, 2024 at 5:09 AM
KNOW-HOW IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM MERE INFORMATION
The craft of the dramatist requires deep mastery of multiple skills and principles, and requires heavy training and experience. Train with me in my two-year apprenticeship at script.kitchen
The craft of the dramatist requires deep mastery of multiple skills and principles, and requires heavy training and experience. Train with me in my two-year apprenticeship at script.kitchen
KNOW THE OBJECTIVE OF YOUR PLOT & MAKE EVERYTHING SERVE IT
December 31, 2024 at 5:00 AM
KNOW THE OBJECTIVE OF YOUR PLOT & MAKE EVERYTHING SERVE IT
CHECK OUT THE LINEUP OF TALENT FOR BEST ACTOR OSCAR IN 1983
Winner. Ben Kingsley. Gandhi
Dustin Hoffman. Tootsie
Jack Lemmon. Missing
Paul Newman. The Verdict
Peter O'Toole. My Favorite Year
Winner. Ben Kingsley. Gandhi
Dustin Hoffman. Tootsie
Jack Lemmon. Missing
Paul Newman. The Verdict
Peter O'Toole. My Favorite Year
December 31, 2024 at 4:55 AM
CHECK OUT THE LINEUP OF TALENT FOR BEST ACTOR OSCAR IN 1983
Winner. Ben Kingsley. Gandhi
Dustin Hoffman. Tootsie
Jack Lemmon. Missing
Paul Newman. The Verdict
Peter O'Toole. My Favorite Year
Winner. Ben Kingsley. Gandhi
Dustin Hoffman. Tootsie
Jack Lemmon. Missing
Paul Newman. The Verdict
Peter O'Toole. My Favorite Year
ONE TEST FOR A TITLE IS IF IT LOOKS GOOD ON A BUS
It may sound strange, but it's one way to measure how good a title is, since movies & plays are often advertised on a bus. I often discover good titles in the turn of a phrase as I write. It has a certain something. Train with me script.kitchen
It may sound strange, but it's one way to measure how good a title is, since movies & plays are often advertised on a bus. I often discover good titles in the turn of a phrase as I write. It has a certain something. Train with me script.kitchen
December 30, 2024 at 5:45 AM
ONE TEST FOR A TITLE IS IF IT LOOKS GOOD ON A BUS
It may sound strange, but it's one way to measure how good a title is, since movies & plays are often advertised on a bus. I often discover good titles in the turn of a phrase as I write. It has a certain something. Train with me script.kitchen
It may sound strange, but it's one way to measure how good a title is, since movies & plays are often advertised on a bus. I often discover good titles in the turn of a phrase as I write. It has a certain something. Train with me script.kitchen
ALWAYS READ A SCRIPT IN ONE SITTING
Read a script in one sitting in order to in order to properly evaluate it. A movie, TV show, or play was written to be watched in one go, and to judge a script you need the same experience. Then sit with it afterwards to see how it makes you feel. script.kitchen
Read a script in one sitting in order to in order to properly evaluate it. A movie, TV show, or play was written to be watched in one go, and to judge a script you need the same experience. Then sit with it afterwards to see how it makes you feel. script.kitchen
December 30, 2024 at 3:17 AM
ALWAYS READ A SCRIPT IN ONE SITTING
Read a script in one sitting in order to in order to properly evaluate it. A movie, TV show, or play was written to be watched in one go, and to judge a script you need the same experience. Then sit with it afterwards to see how it makes you feel. script.kitchen
Read a script in one sitting in order to in order to properly evaluate it. A movie, TV show, or play was written to be watched in one go, and to judge a script you need the same experience. Then sit with it afterwards to see how it makes you feel. script.kitchen