Six successful screenwriters discuss some frequently asked questions about writing for the movies: Where do you get your ideas? How do you create a character? How do you start and end a scene? Featured writers are Julius Epstein (Casablanca), Lawrence Kasdan (The Big Chill), Waldo Salt (Midnight Cowboy), Milton Sperling (Court Martial of Billy Mitchell), Nelson Gidding (The Andromeda Strain), and Fay Kanin (Friendly Fire). Scenes from classic films illustrate major points, and director Martin Ritt narrates and provides historical background.