IFH 820: Screenwriting, The BAM Method, And How To Write A Screenplay That Stands Out with Mike Bierman

Award-winning screenwriter Mike Bierman has carved an unconventional path into the world of storytelling, moving from reading his daughter’s audition scripts to building a reputation as both a prolific writer and founder of the Facebook group Screenwriters Who Can Actually Write. In this conversation, he shares his journey into screenwriting, his tough-love philosophy for aspiring writers, and the methods he uses to keep scripts sharp, lean, and engaging. Bierman’s unique approach, known as the BAM method (Bierman Asynchronous Method), flips traditional writing on its head by starting with the ending and working backward, ensuring that every scene pushes the story forward.

Alongside his process, Mike offers candid insights into the common pitfalls of beginners, from formatting missteps to the trap of relying too heavily on software. He emphasizes that writing is not about perfection on the first draft but about committing words to the page and refining them. His upcoming book, Secrets of Screenwriting: Collected Essays, distills his no-nonsense advice into practical lessons for writers who want to treat screenwriting as a serious craft. Whether through his group, his book, or his methods, Mike challenges writers to move beyond excuses, face the blank page, and create stories that truly stand out.

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