Screenwriting : Next Wednesday at NOON PST...Join us for a FREE Script Breakdown Webcast which will cover Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer! by Nick Phillips

Can't wait to moderate this with you, Nick! Has anyone here yet read Oppenheimer?

I started to read the script and am about halfway through. What an incredible piece of work. I can't wait for the breakdown.

Here we go! About to start, can't wait.

Hi all! Michael from South Africa here. Really glad to be here.

From Venice CA - watched it on a plane!

I'm tuning in from the United States

Hello from blustery Minnesota!

Hello all, I'm from San Francisco! Watched Oppenheimer via streaming :)

I am joining in from Greece! Watched the amazing Oppenheimer on cinema of course!

Jacob Ide here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I saw it twice in the theater, once digital and once on 35mm.

Hello from New York! Oppie 2 times . 1 of them IMAX,

Is the script available in the link? I didn't see it

Hello. Hailing from Queens,New york

DENVER, CO - I saw Oppenheimer 3x (which is a lot for me), all three in the theatre! 1st time at the biggest screen in town! I'll see it again soon on streaming :)

Mike from Reno. I've written 24 features and 4 TV pilots. Won 4 contests and just finished a thriller about AI.

Heyy! Watching from Sydney. I watched Oppenheimer twice in cinemas, once being in IMAX :)

Hi Guys, tuned in from Belfast Northern Ireland. Looking forward to it. Nearly bought the script yesterday at my local book store yesterday! Loved the movie

Hello from Omaha ne. Saw O in both theatre and streaming

Hi, I'm from Italy. I saw it 3 times

Greetings! I am Britt or MB Mooney, author and screenwriter. I'm here in the Atlanta area.

Where to get a script copy of Oppenheimer?

Greetings Everyone! Coming to you from Atlanta

Thank you all for this, and good evening from Cape Town. I saw Oppenheimer just once, but what an engrossing story.

Hello from London! Saw it 3 times on 70mm!

Turning in from LA! Glad to have everyone here!

Hi, all! My name is Joseph (Joe) writing in from SoCal! I've seen Oppenheimer three times by now, once at the Chinese Theatre in LA in 70mm which was an experience I'll never forget. Glad to be here!

Greetings! Twice in 70mm in Irvine CA. Once on regular Imax. I'm here in San Diego, CA

Hello this is Manos Mehedee from Bangladesh

hello, from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Hello Everyone! Greetings from the Nashville area!

Saw it streaming in Portland, Oregon! Was hooked from the start.

Hi there, I'm Jacqueline, author and screenwriter, from Glasgow in Scotland. Only seen it once on DVD and 40"TV. Sacrilege! I know!?

Hello from Vero Beach, FL. Thanks for providing this breakdown.. The Chat on Zoom is disabled so this is the place to chat. Saw Oppenheimer when it was first released and was blown away with this movie, and knew Robert Downey, Jr. would win an Oscar. He immersed himself in his character. In fact, I didn't know it was Robert Downey, Jr. in this role until over halfway through the movie. Unlike 'Killers of the Flower Moon," this movie did not feel too long.

Hey, everyone! I'm tuning in from North Carolina. Thanks for teaching this webinar, Nick Phillips! Thanks for moderating, Kay! I tried to watch "Oppenheimer" this past weekend, but I got busy with projects. I plan on watching it this week.

Hi! I'm Roberta from Italy :) Saw it once

I actually did a costume change between Barbie and Oppenheimer.

Hi :) All the way from Johannesburg, South Africa. I watched Oppenheimer once it started streaming.

David Rempel from Vancouver, story editor/producer - Lifetime/Hallmark, independent doc

Hey! My name is Joey, I saw Oppenheimer 4 times in theatre and read the script after too. :)

Where can we find the script? I can't seem to see it available

The script will be avaliable at the end.

Watching from the UK! Excited to listen in!

Hi, I'm watching from England. Saw Oppenheimer 3 times in the cinema and I bought it on DVD as soon as it came out.

Tuning in from Roseburg, Oregon

Hello this is Manos Mehedee, an independent filmmaker from Bangladesh. Thanks so much for arranging such an amazing session.

Hi from Cyprus

I got Barbie on Blu-ray and Digital. But I wanted to get Oppenheimer on Blu-ray DVD and Digital.

The Zoom blue /audition shirt

Jacob Ide That's fantastic - what a new cinematic experience: Costume change! LOL

Enjoying from Reston VA - cheers everyone

What about the script for inception?

Howdy from High Plains (aka Denver, Colorado)

Hi everyone! Greetings from England, UK! I’ve been away for Stage 32 for a while but, wow, what a webinar to come back to!

For the Oppenheimer Trailer, Where did the sounds in the beginning come from?

Hey! I’m Jana , connected from Spain

I know this is off-topic, but Oppenheimer was mentioned frequently on The Big Bang Theory,

So many members from around the world here today! South Africa, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, India, UK, Vancouver, Sydney AUS - and then all over the US, too! North Carolina, Florida, Oregon, SF, LA, Nashville, Atlanta - so cool! Thanks for being here!

Did y'all share your picture to socials yet? Here are the links for tagging:

Instagram @rbwalksintoabar @stage32

https://www.instagram.com/stage32

https://www.instagram.com/rbwalksintoabar/

Please hop on X and share love and support!

Twitter @rbwalksintoabar @stage32

https://twitter.com/stage32

https://twitter.com/rbwalksintoabar

If you're following along in the Print Faber version of the script, the page numbers are about 10 off from this.

Karen "Kay" Ross I tagged you on my insta story. Does That Count?

Did the script have to be lean and efficient out of necessity to sell it? Because if its already so long already, imagine if it had more stage direction and description! Im curious whether Nolan had a 300 page script and then had to cull to get it to somewhat of a reasonable amount of pages.

Nolan is in that place where it could be 250 pages and the studio would say....yes please.

That prelap note is excellent. Definitely give the film momentum.

John Decelien I didn't see a tag, but yes, that will work too - you can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/k.osswrites/

Hello

Brenda Lee Lau Script is in the Writer's Room toolkit.

Hey, please check out my recreation of Oppenheimer’s practical effects!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzHgL6EMMzW/?igsh=cm9rbzZmZ3d1NDJm

Spot on Robert Rivas - Nolan can get away with a lot, but he also honors a lot of rules in order to break a few others. Ooo, that's a good question - what rules did Nolan FOLLOW when writing this film? Which ones did he break?

Are entire parts of this written in italics? If so why?

Question: As Oppenheimer is following 3 act structure, can you please discuss about core change of direction, for example inciting event, act 1 break, midpoint, act 2 break, and climax? Thank you

Hi everyone! This is Richard aka Richy Axl from LA!

Do we get a copy of the script?

Anyone who wants to connect feel free to follow me at www.instagram.com/richy_axl thank you!!

This film really inspired me as a (hopefully) future filmmaker, please check out my recreation of practical effects from the movie! IG: @from.mysdcard

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxEO3SmsNhL/?igsh=MWRqaXQycHFtY2RtMQ==

How do you format that overlapping dialogue? It's cool.

Can you show an example of FRAMING and how it is used? That was not clear to me. Thx

MB Mooney That's a great question! Does anyone in the thread know? If so, help the community out with an answer in the thread!

MB Mooney I use WriterDuet and there's a "Format" > "Dual Dialogue" option and I'd assume Final Draft or whichever software you use would have something similar.

"Don't rely on stage direction too much to keep scenes succinct" is a great nugget of wisdom!

When will the script from the film be released?

here finally from Palo Alto :)

Loving this conversation and all the jewels and gems that are popping!

Final Draft has the feature to create overlapping dialogue.

John Decelien It's already published and available in most bookstores as well as through Amazon. You can also find the PDF of it on ScriptSlug.

Would love to have this script and sleep with it!!!!! lol truly brilliant.

This is a fantastic presentation. Thank you Nick Phillips. Love your enthusiasm - it's contagious. Love all the insights. Loved this film. The script is a polished gem.

Please define prelap.

Do you have any advice for incorporating how you intend a film to sound in a script? I noticed Nolan does a good job of setting the mood with his sound. in this script-the stomping feet is a major theme, the "gentle sounds of bureacracy", and the sound described during the trinity test are all examples of guiding the sound of the film. Coming as a sound editor its very helpful if the sound is thought of during the script process, as it can be built specifically for the mood and tone of the overall piece!

Yeah, it's the same thing for Final Draft 12, Joseph Hamersly ("Format" > "Dual Dialogue"). MB Mooney

Joseph Hamersly i mean for the webcast!!!

RE pacing: Parallel Dialogue here feels almost like revving an engine to create 'waves' of energy

Thanks so much! This was a great quick walkthrough.

Regarding shooting movies with IMAX 3D, What's the secret to making movies with IMAX for this film?

Fantastic breakdown!! And incredible writing structure from Nolan! I can literally visualize it as if I was watching the movie again! I learned a lot! Now I know what to try for my next scripts!

Great analysis. In awe!

Thank you so very much Nick!!!!! This was so amazing and so many beautiful points.

Thank you, Nick!! That was great!!

Nick, an incredible presentation and so beneficial! Thank you! Thanks K. for moderating!

Thank you, Nic. I liked this analysis. I learned as well.

Thank u so much, Nick!!!

Thank you Nick! great enthusiasm. Appreciate the insight to Nolan's devices as a screenwriter. This movie feels like the culmination of all his tricks he's learned as a screenwriter.

Fantastic webinar, Nick Phillips! Thanks again for teaching it! Thanks again for moderating, @Karen "Kay" Ross!

Good evening from London, England. That was the shortest hour and a half!

Thank you Nick Phillips - will be great to back and watch again with your comments in mind. Appreciate your time, effort, and 'nuggets'

So I also took away that the film is a study on Ego. Also evident in the parallel dialogues, word choices… how certain characters see themselves

Thanks Nick!!!!

Amazing breakdown. Hard to believe he pulled out breaking down a script that is 200 pages into one hour! Love the themes discussion and the callbacks.

How much Prelap is too much Prelap?

Will this Webinar be taped with a link sent to the attendees?

Do you write prelapses into the script? Or does that happen during shooting?

This was such a wonderful and interesting breakdown of the script that really gave insight into some of the ideas and creative choices made by Christopher Nolan that I hadn't realised before. Thankyou Nick this was amazing! :)

The prelap was the second thing that stuck out to me in the script after the use of 1st person.

Will we be receiving a copy of the script?

Hi from Australia. Great insight to the script Nick. Love how it's lean and minimal but so effective.

Thank you for such a great presentation Nick Phillips. It was very informative and in-depth and I've taken some handy tips away that I can incorporate into my future writing, especially the bit you said about how you introduce your characters. Thank you for the time you've taken today.

Writing in first person.....BIG RULE BREAKER

I'm wearing a heart monitor and I know it's going to produce some questions from my doctor after this. Amazing. It would take me a month to break this down. Thanks.

loved this so much! the cutting between scenes in the middle of a scene was an amazing tip and something I'll use in the future for sure

-- I tried to keep the pacing of my short film lean and clean (24 scenes in 10 pages) -- it's going to be releasing sooooooon! follow along if you want -- https://www.instagram.com/worksgreatongirls/

Thank you Nick Phillips for taking the time to break down this awesome script. I learned so much about structure and dialogue. I will definitely be applying all the great gems you gave today to my future projects. Thanks again!

Greetings from South Africa! What an incredibly informative breakdown - thank you Nick.

Great session, Nick Phillips! Thank you so much!

Thanks so much, Nick Phillips!

How much do you feel Nolan was counting on the audience to know these characters in advance? I was fairly familiar with the events and personalities so it might have been a slightly different film for me. Never trust Fuchs, in this or The Thing.

I presume that's just for new Writers Room folk, not those who have already got so much from the Writers Room, but doesn't currently subscribe because I'm working so much on other projects. I recoomend the Writers Room to everyone. It's a great way to form your own network of writers and filmmakers.

Thank you, Kay and Nick.

Hey Nick, only came on for the last 10 minutes so I've got to go back as what I saw was great. what did you call that technique? Prelapping? I''ve used it a couple of times in a script I'm writing right now. I've been concerned as to whether they would be recongised for what they are but you pushing it so enthusiastically assures me I'm doing the right thing...so thanks

Thank you, Nick, for breaking down this wonderful script!

Thank you, Kay Ross! Great as usual!

I don't see the email for the download for the script. Did you send it?

Did you record this and will you send us the link. Loved this movie and it deserved all the accolades it received. Interesting to write Oppenheimer's character in the 1st person. This story is from his perspective. Perhaps that why the story was so powerful between Oppenheimer and Strauss.

Got there late but great breakdown. Thanks!

My other 2023 favorite because it was a unique take on a classic was "Poor Things."

I'm assuming the free month is just for new writer's room members, or can you tag on an extra free month?

I missed how to get the free month, did she say it was coming in an email? or do we have to do something on this platform? Thanks!

Thanks, Nick. Very informative. Still haven't gotten the link for the script - anyone else experiencing this issue?

Mirtha Vega me too

Kay put the link in the chat and the offer ends at midnight tonight. I presume PST.

I still don't see the link for the script

Who Loves Oppenheinmer?

She said the link was emailed to us, but I haven't gotten it either, John.

Mirtha Vega I Agree

Such a great webinar. Thank you Nick and Kay! Very interesting to see effective use of lean dialogue and stage direction as well as parallel dialogue (first time I’ve seen it to be honest!)

I haven't seen the movie, but that will change thanks to Nick's observations!

Hello All! Man, what a pleasure that was breaking down the Oppenheimer script for you. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed delivering it! For those of you who want to sign up for The Writers Room, here's the link. Please join us, we have alot of fun!

https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

Thank you Nick!!

Nick Phillips Hey Nick, we watched your webinar. But we didn't get the script download link in the email.

Nick. This is a shooting final script -- and he's the director. He has the descriptions and directions in his head. A spec script is different. Right?

Nolan did break a lot of rules because he's the director and he wrote it for himself. (My take.

Maurice Vaughan. Thanks.

You're welcome, Maria Soriano.

I had to disconnect from the webinar and I missed the ending. How can I get the script and the replay of the live?

Hello All! Yesterday got a little crazy, my apologies for not replying to all of these great questions and comments. I'll reply to you all today, I promise! And thank you again for tuning in! : )

Success@stage32.com sent me the script, Luca Danieli. I suggest emailing them. The webinar will be available to watch on demand soon.

Thank you very much for the presentation, Nick! It was very insightful and helped me gain a few ideas for my own script

Nick...Appreciate your time in dissecting the story and script behind a great film.

John Decelien Good question, i'll try and find out. Some pretty great sound design there for sure!

John Decelien IMAX film is very expensive and the cameras are still quite bulky. you need to shoot the right type of things to get the most bang for your buck with IMAX, large, beautifully composed type shots, highlighting the grandiosity of the subject.

@michaeltumelokomane Yeah there can be too much pre-lap in a script. Overusing it could lead to a bit of exhaustion and it come off as a storytelling crutch instead. And i like how you also spotted the themes of ego and self perception!

@mariasoriano No i would still recommend keeping the script that lean, even if the director didn't write it. A screenplay is not a novel, you know? it should move and come alive on the page the way it will on screen.

Jill A. Hargrave I did a script breakdown for Poor Things last month!! Great script and a great movie.

Jacob Ide i think he just casts great actors in those roles and let's them breathe unique life into each of them.

I hope I got to everyone's comments, please let me know if i didn't. It really was amazing to present this to you all, and how cool that you're all from different parts of the globe and we all came together here because of our shared love of amazing movies! Thank you, guys!

Here's the link to rewatch the webinar, Luca Danieli and everyone: www.stage32.com/webinars/on-demand/3509091011768885792/2144