Writing is an art that thrives on observation, empathy, and an understanding of how people behave when the world around them begins to fracture. In contemporary screenwriting, few writers capture emotional complexity and structural experimentation quite like Alice Birch. Birch has built a reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in modern film and television. Her work often explores identity, gender, power, and the fragile connections between people. She does this thr

As part of our ongoing effort to spotlight the voices shaping the future of film and television (you can see last year's Emerging Screenwriters here ), we’re excited to present our list of emerging screenwriters to watch in 2026. Each year brings a new wave of storytellers pushing creative boundaries, exploring fresh perspectives, and redefining genre storytelling across the industry. From award-winning filmmakers to rising writers gaining recognition through major fellowship

The number of modern filmmakers who silently transformed the emotional vocabulary of screenwriting is quite large, and Lulu Wang is one of the most unique voices of the past ten years. Wang is best known as the screenwriter of The Farewell (2019) , whose stories are intimate but broad, personal but culturally expansive. Her writing deals with family, identity, migration, language, and the silent negotiations between truth and love. What can writers learn about the way Lulu Wa

There are so many greats in the screenwriting world, and few have had the longevity as Mike White. Primarily known for The White Lotus , White bursted onto the scene with 2000’s Chuck & Buck and 2003’s School of Rock . What can we learn from Mike White as writers? Let’s take a look! Photo license: Canadian Film Centre Recurring Themes and Tone Tone-wise, his writing is often a tonal balancing act between satire, absurdity, drama, and sometimes horror or tragedy. It's not pur

Phyllis Nagy is an underrated writer in the screenwriting world and a personal favorite of mine. Nagy is best known for Carol (2015) , an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt, for which Nagy received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Nevertheless, what can we learn from Nagy as writers? Let’s dive into it! Photo license: Harald Krichel Common Themes Phyllis Nagy’s work reveals specific concerns and stylistic traits that recur acros

It’s easy to get sidetracked by screenwriting books, overanalyzing the rules, overthinking every scene, and end up paralyzed when you...

Alexander Payne is a top-five filmmaker for me and someone I argue doesn’t get enough love in the cinephile world. Election (1999) and...

Writing is an art form that demands attention to detail, patience, and, most importantly, an examination of greats from the past. That...

As part of our yearly tradition, we’re excited to highlight the most promising screenwriters shaping the future of film and television. The 2024 edition of our list can be accessed here , and now, as the weather gets warmer and summer flicks are around the corner, it's the perfect time to spotlight rising talents in screenwriting. While many promising writers are making their mark, here are ten standout names (plus a special mention) to watch as the top emerging screenwriters

In this day and age, who doesn’t know who George Lucas is? Few figures, if any, have had as big of an influence in the movie world,...

Few screenwriters have captivated me as much as Elaine May has. The iconic screenwriter rose to fame in the 1950s through her...

There’s plenty to learn as a writer, and while some may stay focused on their primary efforts, if Ben Hecht has one writing lesson, it’s...