In a recent Writer’s Digest feature, journalist Estelle Erasmus interviewed Emmy-nominated screenwriter and NYUSPS CALA instructor Michael Zam about everything from his lifelong passion for film and television to working with writer Ryan Murphy on FX’s hit series Feud: Bette and Joan.
In addition to reflecting on his previous projects and hinting at a few upcoming ones—including a screenplay about Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier—Zam also gave some helpful advice for aspiring screenwriters. Among his tips, he emphasized the importance of purposeful, descriptive language, saying, “The key to being a good screenwriter is to write the action of the script and always use the most specific, active verb or visual you can use. For example, writing she walks doesn’t say as much as she saunters, skips or runs.”
Read the full interview: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/script-notes/writing-tv/michael-zam-discusses-becoming-screenwriter-using-strong-verbs
This summer, Michael Zam will be teaching the Summer Intensive in Television Writing. Learn more about the course and application requirements on our website: https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/courses/WRIT1-CE9706-summer-intensive-in-television-writing.html