Tales from the Script
Documentary feature and nonfiction book
Upon its release in 2010, Peter Hanson’s ambitious dual-format project Tales from the Script earned wide praise. Booklist described the nonfiction book as “a comprehensive look at the realities of working as a screenwriter.” New York Magazine called the feature-length documentary movie “relentlessly entertaining.” Added Jon Favreau, director of Elf and Iron Man and creator of The Mandalorian: “For insight into screenwriting, check out Tales from the Script.” Featuring exclusive interviews with dozens of luminaries—including Shane Black, John Carpenter, Frank Darabont, William Goldman, and Paul Schrader—Tales from the Script offers an engrossing and informative perspective on what it’s like to create stories for Hollywood.
Books
The Cinema of Generation X
“Immensely readable and comprehensive.” Film & History
When Steven Soderbergh exploded onto movie screens with sex, lies, and videotape in 1989, it represented more than the arrival of an important new director—it heralded the arrival of an entire generation of important new directors. Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction), Kevin Smith (Clerks), David Fincher (Fight Club), M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense), Ben Stiller (Reality Bites), Michael Bay (Pearl Harbor), and dozens of others are all members of Generation X, the much-talked-about but much-misunderstood successors to baby boomers. This book is a critical study of the films directed by Gen Xers and how those directors have been influenced by their generational identity.
Dalton Trumbo, Hollywood Rebel
Finalist, Theatre Library Association Award
As a screenwriter, novelist, and political activist, Dalton Trumbo stands among the key American literary figures of the 20th century—he wrote the classic antiwar novel Johnny Got His Gun, and his credits for Spartacus and Exodus broke the anticommunist blacklist. By defining connections between Trumbo’s most highly acclaimed films and his lesser-known movies, the author identifies how for nearly four decades Trumbo used the archetype of the rebel hero to inject social consciousness into mainstream films. This critical survey—the first book-length work on Trumbo’s screenwriting career—also features an extensive filmography.
The Mourning Queen (Novella)
A story of beauty and brutality.
It’s a time of war in a country since lost to history. Roland, a simple man from the farmlands who lets his fearsome axe speak for him, rises to battlefield glory. During his knighting ceremony, Roland glimpses the ethereal beauty of his land’s beloved queen, Eleanor. The sight of her stirs something in Roland that he’s too naïve to understand. But when an assassin’s arrow conscribes Eleanor to a ritual of mourning until vengeance is exacted, Roland embarks on a harrowing odyssey to liberate the mourning queen from her veil. As the ferocious knight faces one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after another, Eleanor gleans that her champion is motivated by something more powerful than loyalty to the crown.
Movies
Advice for New Screenwriters
Priceless tips and inspiration for beginners. Featuring Jane Anderson, John August, John D. Brancato, Joe Forte, Mick Garris, David Hayter, Peter Hyams, Andrew W. Marlowe, Zak Penn, Billy Ray, Adam Rifkin, Jose Rivera, Mark Rosenthal, Bruce Joel Rubin, Ron Shelton, Joe Stillman, Stephen Susco, Kriss Turner, and Richard Walter.
Closure
An easygoing guy tries to enjoy a party until his needy ex-girlfriend shows up to ask why their relationship ended—because it turns out the reason they’re no longer together goes a lot deeper than a personality clash.
Written and directed by Peter Hanson / Produced by Peter Hanson and Donna Pedraza
Every Pixel Tells a Story
In this documentary about low-budget filmmaking in upstate New York, you’ll learn how affordable digital-video technology has changed the lives of the artists behind action flicks, monster movies, nonfiction stories, and comedies. Every Pixel Tells a Story introduces viewers to a wide range of independent filmmakers, all of whom prove that with a little ingenuity, access to the right technology, and plenty of tenacity, filmmakers can still practice their craft 3,000 miles from Hollywood.
Written, produced, and directed by Peter Hanson
Exposure
Screened at 16 international festivals, winner Best Short Film (ARFF Paris), winner Silver Award (Hollywood Film Competition).
As a young couple fights for survival in the harsh California desert, they confront the choices that brought them to a crossroads in their relationship.
The Gospel According to Bill
The wit and wisdom of author/screenwriter William Goldman, creator of The Princess Bride and two-time Academy Award winner (for All the President’s Men and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). Available exclusively as a bonus feature on the Tales from the Script DVD.
The Last Round
A cryptic message stenciled on graffiti-covered walls brings six strangers together at a desolate location to play Russian roulette. William B. Davis (“Cigarette-Smoking Man” on The X-Files) portrays the catalyst for this game of desperate souls. Adapted from the popular online short of the same name, The Last Round is the feature-length telling of the story that Film Threat calls “a taut drama.”
More Tales from the Script
Fascinating unheard stories from top screenwriters. Featuring John August, John D. Brancato, John Carpenter, Larry Cohen, Frank Darabont, Steven E. de Souza, Gerald DiPego, Mark Fergus, Antwone Fisher, Naomi Foner, Joe Forte, David Hayter, Peter Hyams, Steve Koren + Mark O’Keefe, Jonathan Lemkin, Andrew W. Marlowe, and Dennis Palumbo. Available exclusively as a bonus feature on the Tales from the Script DVD.
The Pre-Interview
Stagehand
The setting is a small community theater, and the scene is an audition for a key role in the earnest drama The Richest Man in Town. Much to his chagrin, Broadway veteran Quincy has to read his leading role while inexperienced actors audition to play opposite him. Quincy’s testy behavior exasperates his director, infuriates his would-be costars, and fascinates a stagehand who watches from the wings.
Selected Journalism
Click images to read articles
