2017/06/28: “Anyone who says there is not a formulaic process in mainstream Hollywood movies (and movies in general) is kidding themselves.  We expect a certain story structure based on a thousand years of Western storytelling.  Deviate at your own risk!”

Dan Calvisi:  I would agree with that except that it’s not a formula, it’s a form.  A formula would dictate what you write.  A form is dictating how you structure it, at what point do you reveal things, at what point should the story keep moving forward and keep flowing rather than stop dead in its tracks or just have an 8-page dialogue scene?  So it’s not formula, it’s form.  And I constantly remind my clients about that and my students.  It’s really important to understand that.