Testimonials What People Say I attended Jim's workshop to look at screenwriting from a film maker's perspective. Whether analyzing clips or editing participants' scenes to their essence, Jim's a tireless crusader for visual conceptualization. Just what the doctor ordered!

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Having been world-class in another field, I know it when I see it: Jim's mentoring is world-class.

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I can't recommend Jim enough. Twice now he has nailed beautifully the problems I was having with my story, but couldn't put my finger on. With the first story, I incorporated his suggestions and my screenplay was optioned within the week. If you've got a 'polished' screenplay that isn't selling, stop beating your head against the wall and contact this guy.

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The Killer Screenwriting class is by far the most worthwhile screenwriting workshop I have taken. Jim's erudite, intensive approach finally got me to recognize and understand the essential threads that make a story work, not just on the page, but on the screen. Jim has uncanny ability to transform most any scene from flat and dull to exceptional right before your eyes. From story concept right through to dialogue, Jim has been instrumental in teaching me not just the essential nature of conflict but how to employ it to greatest effect when constructing scenes and creating moments between my characters. Since working with Jim, I finally got the visceral and dynamic understanding I needed to complete my first screenplay.

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All I can say is WOW. Jim really spent a lot of time and did his homework. His attention to detail was astounding… he almost knew my script better than I did.

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… About Killer Endings Using easy to understand examples from real movies, Jim brings home some solid insights on how to plant seeds early on in the script and reap them at the climax for impactful endings. Another one is on how to use theme to hone the script during rewrites. Jim's passion for movies and friendly tone make it a pleasure to watch. Highly recommended!

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This DVD isn't just about killer endings, it's about creating a killer screenplay, as well. James Mercurio goes through what is needed for any good screenplay, and tells you how to bring everything together at the end to make it all work. He also uses examples from real movies and points out specific scenes where things happen that relate to what he's talking about, then tells you why it works. James Mercurio is also an energetic speaker who's actually interesting to listen to, so you're not falling asleep while taking in all this good info. Definitely worth the buy.

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I was a little worried that this DVD would be limited to what a climactic scene should look like. Boy was I wrong. Mercurio does cover killer endings, but he also uses the importance of the ending to inform everything from character development to theme to foreshadowing. Unlike some other screenwriting how-tos, I get the feeling that Mercurio has lived the screenwriting process. He respects the work that goes into writing a movie, and his advice is grounded in the reality of the writing process. He knows his stuff, but he also has a passion for good movies and he obviously wants his viewer to succeed in writing them. Watching the DVD, I was inspired to write a better movie so I could make him feel the same goosebumps he gets when discussing great movies. I strongly recommend this DVD.

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I'm not sure that killer endings is the best name for this DVD; only because it contains much more valuable information than just a killer ending. What James talks about in the DVD are the most important ingredients that one needs in any great script; and of course all those ingredients will lead you to a killer ending... I went to UCLA for screenwriting and development and have heard all of these terms before but I have never had them explained like this before. I finally get it. And I recommend this DVD in hopes that you will be able to get it and sell your screenplay.

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