Filmmaker Blog - Mario J. Novoa

How Dialogue Is Like Toilet Paper by William C. Martell Some interesting questions and answers about writing dialogue for your screenplay. I find it helpful to know the characters as much as possible so that the dialogue flows. A lot of work is done in character development and backstory so that I can achieve this process...but sometimes that doesn't work. Sometimes the process is much more fluid and it comes from the exchange between the characters and scene...and sometimes you don't need it because of subtext...in which case dialogue is pointless and useless. But then again, I love the way Quentin Tarantino uses mundane situations to heighten character exposition.

“Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.”  That was the mantra of my first producing teacher, David Garcia, at The Los Angeles Film School. Dan Cotreau, who is always preparing for anything and everything, has been hard at work for months, diligently creating budgets, schedules, shots and logistical plans for TRONA. As most of you know, making a movie is a collaborative medium and there are many people that have jumped in to help Dan prepare for TRONA. Beginning with the script, Dan and Kelly Cotreau have gone back and forth making sure we had a strong story, breaking down plot to find the center of motivation and purpose of TRONA. Dan and Ashley Parker Angel have discussed the particulars of each character to bring truth to their performances. This aspect of production is arduous but necessary in order for our audience to become invested in the journey of these characters.  On the logistical side of this production, Dan and I have spent hours discussing sho...