THE SCRIBBLERS TOOLBOX

Welcome to my ever-expanding collection of screen scribbling tips, tools, observations, and topical ephemera for fellow creative types to peruse, use, disseminate, or disregard. My blog is also free on Substack! Subscribe to receive my fave weekly posts sent directly to your inbox.

Nobody talks like that!
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Nobody talks like that!

Let's sharpen our scribbling skills and explore the four aspects that separate awesome dialogue from the not-so-awesome.

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Can AI facilitate “Deep Work”?
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Can AI facilitate “Deep Work”?

AI can be an incredibly powerful tool, but it's still a tool. The real power lies in the human capacity for deep work, creative thinking, and strategic decision-making, all complemented by AI.

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Scribblers &  “Deep Work”
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Scribblers & “Deep Work”

In his book “Deep Work,” author Cal Newport proposes theories and strategies critical for being productive scribblers.

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Caper Crew
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Caper Crew

Are you ready to dive into the captivating world of heists, schemes, and thrilling adventures? A world that serves as the perfect playground for a team of enigmatic and highly skilled individuals, the Caper Crew.

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Scene Surfing
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Scene Surfing

Transitions are an essential element of every scribbler's toolbox, serving as a critical bridge between the scenes of your screenplay.

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Procedural vs. Serial: What’s the Difference?
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Procedural vs. Serial: What’s the Difference?

Two distinct formats that have emerged in the television landscape are procedural and serialized dramatic series. Understanding the differences between these approaches is crucial for writers seeking to create compelling narratives that engage viewers.

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Spooky Scribbles
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Spooky Scribbles

By crafting scene descriptions that are rich in detail, sensory imagery, and evocative language, scribblers can transport readers to a world of nightmares.

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It’s not a typo, it’s Wabi Sabi.
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

It’s not a typo, it’s Wabi Sabi.

In a world dominated by technology and automation, perfection may seem inevitable. Yet there is a profound value in the imperfect, the fleeting, and the human. This is the essence of Wabi Sabi.

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Gun on the table or under it?
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Gun on the table or under it?

Anticipation is the thread that weaves tension and emotion into the story, while surprise is the electric jolt, roller-coaster drop, and unexpected detour that catapults the story into uncharted territory.

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Zen vibes of Japanese Ma.
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Zen vibes of Japanese Ma.

As technology advances, it is essential not to forget the storytelling power of Ma, a Japanese concept that emphasizes the importance of pause, interval, and emptiness in time and space.

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Master your craft, not your tool.
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Master your craft, not your tool.

The technology of filmmaking can aid us in achieving visual spectacles and streamlining certain processes, but it is our storytelling prowess that truly captivates and moves audiences.

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Animated Scribbling
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Animated Scribbling

When writing for animation versus live-action, there are key differences and factors to keep top of mind.

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Safe spaces where scribblers “Let it suck.”
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Safe spaces where scribblers “Let it suck.”

When screenwriters feel safe to express their ideas and perspectives, they are more likely to take risks, challenge conventions, and bring fresh perspectives to the storytelling process. This leads to the creation of diverse, authentic, and resonant narratives that captivate audiences.

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Unleashing Operational Theme
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Unleashing Operational Theme

Coined by acclaimed television writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach, Operational Theme serves as a guiding principle that fuels the narrative and creates long-lasting, engaging TV stories.

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The League of Heroic Scribblers
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

The League of Heroic Scribblers

Whether it's the camaraderie of a D&D party or the collaboration of a team of television writers, the synergy of creative minds coming together can result in storytelling magic.

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Theme fuels everything!
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Theme fuels everything!

“Television is about creating characters driven by internal forces that, melded to the right situation, can fuel every action, every line, every scene, and every plot for hundreds of successful episodes.” Javier Grillo Marxuach

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“Tick Tock, John Matrix!”
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

“Tick Tock, John Matrix!”

Whether it's a bomb ticking down, a looming deadline, or the time-sensitive quest of Commando Arnie to save his daughter from kidnappers, putting a clock on critical story elements can raise the stakes and drive your narrative.

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The Wandering Scribe
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

The Wandering Scribe

The act of walking has been recognized as a catalyst for fresh ideas and renewed imagination.

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Embrace your inner Zag!
Jesse Alexander Jesse Alexander

Embrace your inner Zag!

By embracing innovation and daring to be different, you can create something that captures the imagination and leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

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