Why Most People Fail At Screenwriting by John Truby
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- Опубліковано 18 жов 2012
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#writing #screenwriting #screenplay - Фільми й анімація
*How to fail at **_anything_** : listen to pessimistic conjecture and take it to heart*.
This.
I don't think it's pessimistic persay. It actually sound wonderful, to learn more constantly, refresh yourself seems wonderful. Continuos growth is wonderful in my oppinion.
nNN bBB Thank you! =)
joy makes difficulty bearable
How to fail at anything: Don't grow a thick skin.
I wrote and edited a novel, formatted it for kindle, created my own cover and publishing co., and marketed it without anyone's help.
It was picked up by a major Hollywood agency. They tracked me down and offered a licensing agreement in order to shop it to film production companies. I took one writing course in my life and left after a week when I realized the instructor discouraged everyone (somewhat like this guy) because he saw us as competition. Many writing instructors want to help you, and others want to discourage you because they hate competition. Caveat emptor.
Firstly, well done, that's awesome and testament to the strength of your story, Secondly, sadly you are totally write. While it is not true of every instructor, there is an element of failed artist in that point of view.
Name..? I'd love to read
You did all of this, yet you are here watching this video and commenting
Good for you, however screenwriting is a very different craft than being a novelist. Truby is not an idiot and does know what the fuck he's talking about.
@@Markinfilm I dont think he does.
So you're going to tell me how important it is to know all these techniques and not even scratch the surface of telling me what they are?
You have to watch the entire interview for more info. He has a screenwriting book that seems to be pretty popular too.
Maddie O'Keeffe you don't need a book. Read two screenplays and write, then listen to actual successful writers, like Vince Gilligan.
Keith Earl it’s extremely helpful
Girl you are beautiful
He wants you to buy his book
On IMDB, John Truby has a grand total of 7 writing credits, comprised of 5 episodes of '21 Jump Street,' a documentary called 'African Cats' and as story advisor for a Spanish/German feature film called 'Among Wolves.' The majority of his career has been selling software and training for screenwriting to aspiring writers. You do the math.
Some people do, some people teach.
You do the math.
He has been a contributor on a zillion other screenplays.
@@poppysquatz956 Not well stated, anyone that has ever worked or touched the industry knows that the example of Kazooka is a stupid fucking example because there's a world of difference between teaching and doing. People that do mostly can't teach, people that teach mostly can't do but it's not because they aren't good at it, it's because their situations didn't pan out.
The most common and famous acting, scripting and directing techniques have names of people that have never acted, wrote or directed in big plays/movies. "You do the math".
Most importantly, stop being stupid.
@@t0dd000name five. Also, giving notes is not writing a screenplay. If he knows the secrets to writing such great screenplays, why doesn’t he have one great screenplay or movie to point to? Because he’s just another dude who gives notes. Anyone can do that.
@@dexgrease5820guarantee you any good screenplay is going to break a lot of his rules. Anyone can look at something successful and say this is why this works, but you can’t take that little algorithm and make something new and original. A screenplay, like all works of art, is a negotiation. Some things will work, others won’t. How you really learn screenwriting, is not in a classroom paying good money to this bozo, but by shooting or having your stuff shot.
I swear all these older screenwriters always put themselves on such a high pedestal. Couldn't make it through the whole video. I could already see where this was going. They're so pretentious it hurts. Its funny too because its usually these guys that only ever got one movie they wrote made. Screenwriting has always been fun for me. I've grown to love the fuck out of it. Its a learning and fun process. Why do they have to try and discourage everyone? Always listen to the advice that motivates you from actual filmmakers that want others to succeed. Being pessimistic and negative especially when it comes to something in the arts is a horrible place to start.
True. This video did nothing for me. Anyone who is interested in making it in any type of industry should stay away from these types of videos. Almost nothing but negativity.
Rexon Lol its literally just a promotion for his book/classes actually, my comment still stands though.
+AzzRaze Yes I think that as well at times.
But I don't mind this video because, I also find a lot of people who do comments on here or even facebook script writing groups, are pretty much a bunch of people desperate to break in but their story ideas are either poor and it snowballs from there.
An example was reading an YT comment on one of these channels videos about a cop who's been turned into a vampire, which ends up having to keep the streets clean from the zombies roaming them all the while trying to get some help from werewolves, this person was aiming for the horror film market, because horror films are easy to get made currently or was the rage in 2014.
The other is simply having a good idea but the person just can't pull off the writing required to get the job done so when people read it, it gets passed on.
Both of these come up in this video not directly but not far from the mark either.
+Your Mom's Esophagus I know huh?.. Can't stand the snarky passive aggressive attitude. I turned it off...
dream on princess
Why Most People Fail At Screenwriting - By watching videos like this
LOL
Jamie Lawrington... OMG
I gasped when I read your comment...
... OHHHhhhhh So True... so true...
😂
"screen-writing is the most difficult craft in the world" right off the bat im thinking this guy isn't anywhere near as clever as he thinks he is. he knows how much he knows but he doesnt know how much he doesnt know.
No...he's correct....I'm in films and know this. I also write (43 years)
That was amazingly said
sort of agree. quantum physics? No! Brain surgery? No! Astrophysics? No! It's screenwriting that is the most difficult "craft" in the world!! When you hit a hyperbole chunk at the beginning, it's hard to take the rest of the interview seriously
Actually he is as clever as he says he is, because if he used any mental energy at all besides his craft, which already demands all the mental energy he can muster 24/7, all it would do is worsen his skill as a screenwriter and ability to write to his fullest potential, and I'm sure he knows that better than anyone else.
he may be correct but its not the most difficult craft IN the world
The moment you realize an individual is making a living off of convincing you they can teach you how to write instead of actually writing anything significant themselves, run. That person is the kiss of death of creativity. Especially when it comes to the unique voices which are at the vanguard of any art.
This is an idiotic take
Hopefully in the last 6 years your opinion has changed and you've stopped being so stupid.
best way to make money writing is to write ransom notes
😂😂
t mac didnt think of that, thanks ill try it :)
Another scam
I know. I got the old 'Ransom note made out of newspaper cut outs' named after me. Talk about making it in the Arts, huh.
Lmao
The screenwriter being the low man on the totem pole in Hollywood is absolutely upside down. Screenwriting is VERY HARD. Praise to the writers. Without them, you have no stories, no movies, and therefore no industry.
All very true. Great video. Extremely hard craft and you could never have enough skills. Best point made was that most people don't know when it's good therefore can't keep working it till it is and don't have the skills to get it there if they do know..
Your point about low man on the totem pole is absolutely right. If it ain't on the page you can't get it on the stage.
You could say the same thing about all the other job titles on a film though.
@@takethechance7422 point taken, but no other position is more deserving yet less praised. It ALL begins with the script
Well, that was an amazing speech of no information.
Ernesto J. Menéndez He’s used to screenwriting therefore visual storytelling you see...not information in speeches.
This guy has probably destroyed more talent then he has encouraged with his condescending approach.
probably but it's the truth
Um I know I have no room to talk because I'm just a high schooler with no published works but, maybe it has something to do with budget? I mean more complex ideas need quality production which can be costly, but a simple idea that can still appease the audience and can come out great with a cheap budget would look more appealing to the person writing the check-so to speak. Again, words of a naive highschooler.
His "condescending approach" may be a realistic slap in a lot of dreamers' faces, but he knows what he is talking about. Continuous striving is for screenwriting, dreaming is for rock bands. www.google.com/search?q=john+truby&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
I think his advise is probably the best I've witnessed in years. I'd rather have someone tell me it's going to be hard and that I need to work, instead of telling me how easy something is and then I frustrate myself to death by working on something and no one receives it.
Randal Hen But he gave no positive attitude toward anything you're right I would rather have someone tell me "It'll be hard, you're going to have to work hard." But I would also like "It'll be hard, but I know you can do it."
My own method and advice to young screen writers is to forget about the screen writing software and even the format -- at first. Write your story in the way you're comfortable writing (personally, I work with notes I've taken over a certain time, until the story starts to really take shape in my head. Then I sit in the bath and write the scenes long hand on to a notebook). When it's done, I put it into the conventional format (though my shooting script is nothing like the conventional script, because it's only for me. I hate the way conventional scripts read.).
All businesses have conventions and protocol they expect to be respected. But don't saddle yourself with all the text book instructions right from the start. Don't tether your imagination, it needs to run wild. Then, after the creative process, adapt what you've written to the format -- not the other way around.
I say this because I think a lot of young writers sit in front of a computer with the screenwriting software staring at them, with maybe a couple scenes in mind, and think that the rest will just flow. Maybe some people can work like that, Not me. So, if you're struggling with the format, put it aside and come to it only when the film is already written.
.
Ironic how there are so many bad screenwriters there are out there. Especially if they are listening to this. To be a good writer you just write, write, write and write again.
Nicholas Dickens watching something about what u wanna do doesn't make u bad at that thing automatically. and usually it gives u more and more knowledge and makes u better at that thing.
💯💯💯💯 write write!!!
I don't know why people think this is so discouraging. Sure he's a little brash, but if you take his advice to heart, you will work and work at this career for hours and hours everyday until you eventually get something sold. And you will, like he said, spend time learning the craft so that when you get in the door you can hopefully find other work. You don't even need professional "training" in this day and age. Just a computer and a good work ethic. There's nothing this man could teach you at a university that you couldn't learn online, with this channel for example.
He's helping far more people right now by saying "It's really tough and it'll take awhile" than he would by saying "It's really easy, you can do it in a few months". Because if you think it's really easy and then it turns out to be hard as fuck, you're probably gonna give up. But if you think it's hard as fuck and then it turns out to be really easy, well then congrats, you're getting paid to write.
This doesn't give me "Film Courage" though. 🤷♂️
I've studied John Truby's book and gone through a few of his classes. In my opinion, he is a very good teacher. Learning technique(s) from him, and any other teacher, does NOT kill originality or destroy a writer's instincts any more than learning music theory destroys a musician's ability to create. Truby has studied film and story telling for decades and created his own theories. Studying theory can expand one's understanding of craft. It is not limiting, but liberating.
Well said. For reasons that are beyond me, people get so defensive anytime something of a Form, Format, or Guru. I think it comes with their general lack will power to take criticism in general/think that since Tarantino did it, they can be just like him.. Btw, Tarantino broke the rules after he mastered him. Sadly, that Tarantino success myth is so misinterpreted.
Storytelling is definitely a difficult craft... but it's so rewarding when people are entertained by what you write.
Funny thing is Wiki pages says so little about him, only that he wrote over 1000 scripts plus no links any movies, then checked IMDB and only see documentary and tv series and no script for any films that had touched a silver screen. This guy has least credentials to be talking about screenwriting and should be talking about writing sitcoms. And this guy is cashing in giving lessons to people how to write.
Where are your credentials?
***** My credentials you can find those quite easily when you google them. I have tons of mentions for all kinds of stuff from graphic design, packaging design, short film awards and more that are easily found and written by others and not a Wiki or a IMDB that you can alter yourself.
You're forgetting one fundamental thing:
GETTING SOLD *DOES NOT* EQUATE TO GETTING PRODUCED!
same! i get the same result. great you.notice this too! i doubt anyone who.doesnt have proliflic products while claim to teach.
Hirakai Ko so what he has done?
"I think most people fail at screenwriting because it's the most difficult craft in the world."
Never switched a video off faster
He must be brilliant at Brain Surgery!!
I smiled
Same. That's just ridiculous
@@braigbrothers how is it ridicilous? Its a very valid opinion. If you knew about good screenwriting you know how complex it is
@@kaidne I'm not saying that screenwriting or storryletting isn't a complex task. But saying it's the most difficult thing in the world just sounds ridiculous. Any scientific field(such as astronomy, physics, biology and much more) is much more difficult than screenwriting. Especially because screenwriting is a subjeticve work. Some can love the story others don't. Storytelling works with the science of Sociology and psychology. But as we know, each human being is a little bit diferent and therefore sees each storys
in a different light.
So I stand by my belief that what this old man is saying is ridiculous. It's an attempt to stop the motivation of young storytellers so that the comeption of the market doesn't rise.
No need to overcomplicate the art of storytelling. No need to overcomplicate the screenplay
People like this are so funny to me. I am a 'newcomer' and my first, yep my first screenplay has been optioned by Amazon Studios. I am unaware of professional techniques and have had no 'training' other than A-Level English literature. Yes, I have a flair for literature and have had since I was young but more importantly than that I love watching movies and reading and I guess I learned a lot from that! Keep your head up, don't give up and forget advice like this which talks a lot of shit about mastering craft and things being so difficult. If this guy found it such a struggle maybe he should have done something else! :D
Congrats on your success!
congratulations on your success. I agree people like this are really funny because with time anything will come.
Most people have failed doing that too. Most people will fail to achieve celebrity by doing shit. It's just a fact.
Am I inspiring yet?
GCSE and a level English lit aren’t that helpful in succeeding when it comes to writing so your success really is your own congrats
congrats on your script and yeah this guy is an idiot
just because he sucks at writing he thinks everybody else does the poor bastard
What a discouraging video from a screenwriter with little work to back up his talk
jkatulak What no one here wants to comment on is why he would want to say these things. Since he makes his living teaching these classes, one might imagine he would go around assuring delusional people as we find here that a few courses and a few hours work a week will make a screenwriter in not time of anyone with a high school diploma. My guess is that Mr Truby is one of those people who actually possesses a conscience. That, or he has made so much money in his life of crime that he can now go straight and be honest about how much he can help new aspiring writers.
jkatulak he believes his own B.S.
Now just wait a second... he has a story 'advisor' credit for Among Wolves... yes, THAT Among Wolves from 10 years ago. He also wrote a uh... Disney Documentary... what? Why am I listening to this dude? Hey Johnny... go write something before you dare to lecture us on how hard it is!
Wow, people complaining about Mr Truby for his answer being critical. The question was _Why do most people FAIL?_
This gentleman isn't misleading us with 'Write A Book in 5 Easy Steps' or any sugar-coated simplification of this exceptionally challenging craft.
There are plenty people out there selling the 'You Can Do It' shtick.
I admire Mr Truby for reminding us that _professional_ means what it says - it needs WORK.
I think it's more about people citing his own lack of experience as a professional screenwriter (see his imdb page). They feel that he doesn't know what he's talking about, giving the fact that it seems Mr. Truby himself is a failed writer.
He also is trying to make it sound as if being a professional writer is being part of a prestigious club. "If you don't know those techniques, you can't be at that level" is a ridiculous notion. It's these sorts of people any aspiring writer should avoid, someone who likes to make themselves sound better than they actually are
Hard work and discipline doesn’t have to be so ‘negative sounding’. I love working hard! Everyone works hard at things they love.
READ THE ROOM: This guy is so so negative! This is the worst video on here
can't help feeling like a lot of bitter, failed screenwriters are interviewed for this page...
+Samuel Smith Is this the only video of ours you have watched?
+Samuel Smith That's his personal experience, it doesn't mean it'll ring true to everyone, I see your point, it's very negative, some of the other people interviewed in this channel are very positive and encouraging, this dude comes off as arrogant and bitter, it might be because he sounds like George W. Bush lol
+Samuel Smith Biggest learning is from mistakes. Don't get bitter, learn from it and know everyone makes mistakes as a means to be successful. I can make a list of those who made many mistakes before success. The difference is they learn and adapt. Too sensitive individuals give up. Too much ego invites failure. If you really want it, you are open to criticism as a mean to mastery. As John says.
+Samuel Smith I agree to your comment. I'm trying to write a cartoon, and I've been online watching the so called experts, and most (NOT ALL) of them are like this guy. This is my first time being introduced to John Truby, and just from watching this video he looks like the kind of person that I would not really like to have a conversation with about being a first time script writer. He seems like he would make me not like his ass if I got to know him better. I hope I'm wrong.
+Michael Hurdle Production Studio Hi man!
Can you recommend some videos from experts that show more of a brightside?
PLZZZ
I'm impressed how people react so negativelly for someone who just says what he thinks.
This video is such a downer. A lot of negativity; I get it, new, up and coming screenwriters should hear the truth, but damn this guy is depressing.
The comments here are fascinating. Writing as the most difficult craft in the world might be hyperbolic, but everything Truby is saying is spot-on, so it is interesting to note how many are rejecting his comments. He's pointing out that writing is a difficult craft that takes a lifetime to master and a great many people don't want to hear that, just like people who are out-of-shape but want movie-star bodies don't want to believe they have to completely transform their diet and work out 2-4 hours a day for a couple years to get there. They want to believe it is something you are born with or something that can be picked up quickly. And they're dead wrong. If your "dream" is to walk the Appalachian trail, you don't get upset at the man who points out it's 2,160 miles long and physically demanding. You thank him. Truby is not being negative. He is being honest. If you really want to be a writer, respect the craft.
Kevin Boon Great comment Kevin. Are you a professional writer?
I am.
Kevin Boon Absolutely right! I have a feeling we are the only adults here.
It's not as hard as some people , like him , make it . We tell each other stories everyday . Beginning , middle , end , evoking feelings like sadness, disbelief , joy , sorrow , empathy , sympathy , resentment , and gratitude .
I've read Truby's book twice and think that first reading did more to help me learn screenwriting than any other single step just because I could take notes on every aspect of my screenplay while I read it. I still use his techniques to outline because they're so clarifying.
I know a lot of people are dismissing this video... But his message is on point.
I also feel like he's a man who isn't out to tear people down, but speak wisdom that is unpopular but true. It's basically saying, if you really wanna be good and handle the realities of the job, you're gonna be facing tough situations and will need to master craft over time, that requires commitment - and commitment is important for the times when it gets really, really tough.
Lol
Everybody in the industry when asked strongly discourages anybody from getting in the business because of COMPETITION ... in this hustle nobody needs outsiders battling for the attention each one thinks they deserve and the (lucrative) slots are always limited... unless of course you can make money off the talented newbies, then by all means tell em to hurry & sign up for the (limited!) classes that promise to teach em all about the inside track, for someday that (usually high) price in tuition will pay for itself when you apply all that wisdom! lol
In showbiz mediocrity sells, because the writing jobs are never based on artistry or talent, but rather on social connections made inside the incestuous bubble.
MrDLOC11 yeah it's pretty obvious this guy doesn't want anybody to join the club. that's shitty of him.
i think i love you LOL
but seriously, it's the cannibalism of greed that scares me about pursuing a career in the arts. Like my intentions are rooted in wanting to make something beautiful, something another human can share and feel and relate to, but the draws of fame and wealth is a cancer.
Mercy Martin you are so beautiful
The only way people in the industry discourage people is because joining the industry is STUPID. You can invest your whole life in it and get no where in it. Your better off playing the lottery.
@@mercymartin3621 then do it for what you planned to do it for
+Film Courage I'm a working TV/film writer and a former investigative journalist. Truby is completely the real deal. What he's saying about ego and professional writers (at 5:59) is the tell here (and in the comments as well): the good ones have no ego-meaning: they want to learn. Truby is offering pearls here; he's absolutely one of the best teachers of the craft out there. I've read the lives of dozens of great screenwriters (Mankiewicz, Loos, Bolt, Tarantino, Trumbo, Goldman...) and every last one of them had a great teacher. In many cases, back in the day, it was one guy: Lajos Egri. Read his book: Truby's just echoing Egri in some respects. Big question: would I want Tarantino to teach me screenwriting? Not necessarily. It doesn't follow that great screen credits or 20 years in the writers rooms of NY or LA or London or Toronto amounts to a pedagogical truth. Thanks to Kevin Boon for his thoughts and Miranda C for hers and to Film Courage for filmcourage.com/content/top-100-film-courage-video-interviews-for-february-2015.
This is real, been in Hollywood pitched and sold stuff. If you get intimidated by what he is saying...keep your job and forget the film business and screenwriting....
Wow that's a lazy statement.
DodsworthMcGilicutty I want to know why it's always the hollywood rejects like him who claim that script writing is soooo hard.
Right on! Folks that came up self taught get it..the rest of america worships the tyrannical aristocracy of these minted Ivy leaguers. SF crawling with them
I will write and direct anything I want. Film festivals decide where it goes from there. Hollywood is only a one type of business anyway. If its not a remake or a huge super hero blockbuster flick it wont matter. It's also attitudes like this that bite them right back in the @ss when it was either horribly directed or a badly written screenplay that makes them sink with the ship.
If I'm not mistaken, Diablo Cody used to be a stripper. And she has an Academy Award.
Krazy Lobster What does being a stripper have anything to do with one's ability to write and commitment to it?
She also majored in English and was writing professionally before stripping. It's not as if she had never had any instruction.
To a certain extent I empathise with the bulk of commenter's feelings, as I also had a negative reaction to the video initially, but on reflection I realised that this was only due to my ego telling me that I already knew what to do. I have since watched and listened to many of his talks and read his book and have found his research EXTREMELY useful in my own writing. I have made much more progress than I had been doing.
There are many reasons why I like his work, one of them being that he doesn't tell you what to write. He merely tells you how to realise your story. Screenwriting not a free-for-all ; there are things you must do to make your story satisfying. The open-minded should give him a chance.
Great interview. Reminds me of the over 30k no's I've heard in sales. The rejection is what made many quit after a week. It doesn't surprise me that people quit to early in this industry after realizing people care to much about what others think in sales.
The reason most people fail is because they get discouraged and give up.
Angie B Duh! That is what he is saying!!!! Learn to listen!
The reason most people fail is because most people delude themselves into thinking they are better than they actually are and underestimate the difficulty of the work so that when they're deep into a piece and hit a wall it shocks them and shakes them up badly. And then there's also the sad fact that many people may just not have much potential. Not all minds are created equal. That's the harshest fact of reality.
Divine chaos. That is a big part of writing. You set sail in a sea of divine chaos. And sometimes the sea is maddeningly calm, sometimes it's a storm, sometimes you get shipwrecked. This guy spends all his words congratulating himself that his ropes are in order, the decks are swabbed, and there is not a barnacle on the hull. But what about the ocean, captain? Tell us about that. Have you trained the winds and the tides with your "professionalism?"
+Roxy Katt IMHO, he did.
Excellent insight. I can't understand why they're questioning Truby's credentials - the man's speaking the truth, and the truth can stand by itself. I think the reason some people are so upset is because he's saying something they don't want to hear.
Yes, there are writers who can catch lightning in a bottle first time out, but the unpleasant truth is there are writers who are extremely talented (just as in any other creative field), then those who learn their craft and hone their skills, and some who call themselves writers, but never have the courage to put pen to paper on a professional level.
Wow, going through your back catalogue.. so happy i found John back here.. hes probably my absolute hero in the writing sphere.. ..his anatomy of a story changed my life back when.. ..ah, i love you, film courage.. youre sorta kinda my hero too..
John Truby: 3 Act Structure does not Work
Disney: Hold my Beer
Writers, myself included, don't want to hear or heed this simple advise. Truby's right we must always be learning. Thank you for this Karen.
love this channel! such insight!
+Jason Hall Thanks Jason!
The see saw of ultimate confidence and total self hatred is the hardest part of the life style, I think. I doubt there's a single talented writer that doesn't go to the lowest lows and hate their work every few days or weeks. Surviving that, specially with a day job, and still meeting your daily goals is probably why most people quit.
Its a craft (like mentioned rigorously) it takes time of deliberate practice to get that level of putting out a coherent script to the industry standards. Take a group of 100 people saying they want to write scripts (movies, sitcoms, tv) out of that, only about 12 (and my professional contacts say that number is being optimistic) are really doing what it takes to get there. Many people don't realize how much work it really is.
"Plot bores me." - Yasujiro Ozu.
Watching an Ozu film is like watching grass grow. And I don't mean that in a good way.
This just motivates me so much more. I'm so glad I watched this. It's like a slap of reality. I like that a lot.
Excellent interview on screenwriting and the creative process. Very informative. Thanks for posting this video.
Thanks film courage. I enjoyed this. I agree with much of what he said. I do think writing on that level comes easier for some of us but even geniuses have to refine.
My screenwriting professor in college was actually way more discouraging than this. He's not saying that you can't do it... Just that it's difficult and that you really have to be committed if you want to succeed. Like... It's a known fact that screenwriting is insanely competitive so it's not like he's telling us anything new. I don't actually care about being a Hollywood screenwriter, though, so maybe that's why I'm not offended. I want to write and film my own web series (just for the sake of creating something) so I'm trying to learn as much as I can so I can to make a good show.
Good luck to you, too! Hopefully they will both turn out great.
Why is it that so many of these "I've got a system to teach you how to be a better writer, buy my boo" jokers have no actual credentials to support their assertion? Get an Oscar and you'll have my interest.
"The psychological ailment is the biggest obstacle to a writer’s success" John Trudy
This clearly depicts Stephen King and many of his works: The Shining in particular. He describes Jack's character to be an exaggerated depiction of his mental and physical state at the time being. He was a heavy alcoholic struggling with writing and family.
Diablo Cody authored a very popular blog ( Redgirl, I think) and a book (Candy Girl) several years before she wrote Juno. She put in the work and suffered many trails and tribulations before having the tools necessary to write Juno..She was on David Letterman to promote her book BEFORE anybody had heard of Juno. She was already famous in one field before she just "woke up" and wrote an Oscar winning screenplay.
Never heard of him.
never will.
Ernie Cline wrote his first book, it became a best seller, Steven Speilberg turned it into a movie. It can be done despite what this guy says. He's not telling you how to succeed, he's telling you why you'll fail. I'm sorry that he teaches.
Good points. Any given script that is in the competing market (sold, not sold, or in the process) has been looked over by properly half-dozen people. And that is just for instances of giving critical feedback, making sure the format is perfect (+ critical feedback) Jim Cameron even talked about how some people contributed on writing Titanic. Any form of writing (screenplays, novel, articles, professional essays) are re-written over and over, it takes a special writer to have the patience.
I found listening to this guy more difficult than writing. But really, you know, lifting that pen... so hard.
I remember, back in the day, using a typewriter. The horror of hitting an R instead of a T, the supreme effort of getting out the whiteout and painting it on the R and, still not done... then having to type the originally intended T.
You kids today, with your voice dictation, GAH! :D
"Its a lot easier to write a screenplay than you think it is."
-JJ Abrams
I like JJ's imdb page better than John Truby's.
***** You mean like that shit called LOST?
+Claudia Camberos In Nick's defence, Abrams made a lot more than just Lost... And actually, the Lost pilot - which I understand to be the only episode he wrote himself - was pretty great.
What Truby's saying is interesting, from a craft perspective, but it's a fair reading to take from it that he's a glass-half-full kinda guy on the possibility of 'making it' in feature films. And it's definitely not unreasonable to suggest his own career has informed his opinions on the subject, because it inevitably will have.
On a purely objective level, side-by-side, you would have to admit Abrams output has been more extensive and of a higher quality than Truby's, although I'll concede it's crass to make a directly comparison between an active filmmaker and someone who works predominantly in teaching.
+How to Swim that should be 'direct comparison', of course...
+How to Swim Anything is "pretty great" if you don't have to finish it.
Half of the scripts I reject are rejected on this ground alone: "And, well, this is my idea! If you like it, I'll think about an ending!"
Just to be clear, when I write my scripts I write down the ending *maximum* one third in. Right now I'm at page 90 of a 154 pages script - and I already put down and locked the last 25. If you don't know how your story will end, who does?
Star Trek? J.J. Abrams re-did The Wrath of Kahn TWICE!
Star Wars? An anthology of the "best of" from the First Trilogy without neither the pathos of the original scenes (the Trench Run in A New Hope is a timeless cinematic masterpiece, in Abrams' movie it is a throwaway re-do), nor a logical flow between the scenes themselves (Rey and Flynn run away from Kylo Ren at two times the speed of sound only to find him ALREADY WAITING IN FRONT OF THEM. Since when The Force allows you to teleport yourself? And, even if so, where is this new alleged power explained in the movie?)
J.J. Abrams is a guy able to come up with interesting premises (who is actually Rey?) whose explanation is then left to the fans. Call him what you want, but not a scriptwriter.
@@howtoswimtheband
You might have been able to state your case in half the words.
"He sounds like a half-glass-full kinda guy."
"His own career has influenced his opinions."
"On a purely objective level, side-by-side------"
This all sounds too pretentious "because it inevitably will have."
Sounds like me when I was teenager trying to sound intelligent, is why I commented.
...
+Bobby K. Richardson His web site claims he's been a script doctor "on more than 1,800 movies, sitcoms and television dramas." On the other hand, searching for him on the Hollywood Reporter site gets only one relevant hit (a review for "African Cats"), and Variety also gets one hit (a not-listed-on-IMDb 2003 project called "All-American Boy").
Yeah... This guy's main line of work appears to be convincing other people he can teach them something he himself never practices successfully.
+Hal O'Brien Mastering technical aspects of writing has nothing to do with creativity, but it is fundamental if you want to express your creative vision instead of a jumbled mess.
As amazing as it sound, one of the first and best creative writing teachers was Aristotele. He is studied even today. And yet, what creative works do you remember by Aristotele? He was no Homer, Virgil, Aristophane or even Plato. But he was a master of form and technique.
He may or may not be right about being the hardest craft in the world and other things he said, but you can tell his main priority in this video is to sell his services and products. He keeps using the same phrases like "professional writers", "learn the craft", "set of tools" and "techniques". A long sales pitch with very little value.
"And yet, what creative works do you remember by Aristotele?"
Umm... Well, since you asked ---
Categories,
Constitution of the Athenians,
Economics,
Eudemian Ethics,
History of Animals,
Magna Moralia,
Metaphysics,
Meteorology,
Nicomachean Ethics,
On Generation and Corruption,
On Interpretation,
On the Heavens,
On the Soul,
On Virtues and Vices,
Physics,
Poetics,
Politics,
Posterior Analytics,
Prior Analytics,
Rhetoric,
Sophistical Refutations,
and Topics. {phew} ...all of which have been "in print" for about 2300 years.
Now, remind me again what works Mr. Truby has in print, or produced? Are you seriously comparing the guy who wrote the screenplay for "African Cats" to the guy who wrote the "Poetics"?
(And with apologies to Messrs. Bentsen & Pound, I worked with Harry Stottle. Harry Stottle is a friend of mine. You, sir...)
*Creative* works - Plays, poems... He wrote treaties, one of which is a multi-volumes theory of writing (Poetics). But do you remember something like Iliad, Aeneid, Aristophanes' plays or the like by Aristotele?
I think a lot of what he has to say is valid. It's just a shame that the tone of the interview comes off so severe and humorless. It is troublesome to me when people take themselves too seriously. We are talking about story here, not brain surgery. No one ever died from hearing a bad story. All you can do is try and fail and learn your way to triumph.Yes, it's a hard gig, but the hardest thing about it - in my experience - is breaking through your own resistance and conquering self sabotage. What we need are script advisers who both encourage and enlighten us. Yes, you need to be thick skinned and resolute, but you also need to have heart in order to move your audiences. How does one negotiate these two polarizing internal forces, in order to succeed?
John: Your presentation is phenomenal. I admire the quality of the interview and the professionalism and technique. I am personally an unwilling collector of rejection letters. I am a first time writer of a science fiction novel. I wrote it and had it professionally edited (expensive), but it is not going anywhere. I was convinced that it would be as popular as "Thelma and Louise" but then, being 89 years old, does not give me too much time to keep beating this dead horse, does it? Anyway, I did enjoy your video and I am somewhat disappointed in the negative comments by some would-be writers. Thank you.
"The Anatomy of a Story" is THE best book on writing I have ever read. I see a lot of negative comments here, but I'm telling you, it's fantastic, it goes deep deep deep into storytelling. I do think the 3 act structure is a fine base, but you need to go much further. The three act structure is like the very lowest foundation of the script, but it's not the complete foundation, it's just a start.
Seems kind of vague. I find Story by Mckee has more concrete advice.
To me this is 100% true, even though 99% may disagree. I know there are far more talented writers out there than I. But I hope what sets me apart from them is knowing I have the mental tenacity and force to push a script through the depths of Hell.
Hello Christian. Read your script sample 'Dick'. Pretty good, especially the dialogue. This is where it's at for you, scripts. Watch the CAPS though, readers hate them.
THE ONLY TIME YOU USE THEM IS FOR A SOUND, and even then it bugs readers. Hey, don't get your script made. Don't tell me how to write scripts son.
^^ haha, I was a little intense there!
He's right you know. Only when you start working professionally in this business will you realize how right he is. It's true you can have a great idea and sell your script from having no experience whatsoever, you just had a good idea and executed it in a decent way and were lucky enough someone found your script and wanted to buy it! Good for you! It's like having no experience in painting but still managing to sell a piece of art for big money - sometimes that happens. But good luck replicating that success many times over if you have no training in the craft. To replicate that success, to write good story after good story for many many years - craft is key.
The magic bullet is loving film, loving story craft, loving life in all its flavours. The magic bullet is to love. Love deeply and passionately and write it all down.
TL;DW -- "You are only a good writer if you pay for my classes."
Wow this is a serious dream killer. I mean as an amateur writer, I am constantly feeling like I don't know enough or I need to work harder so I have that but he basically said it's going to take a lifetime before I even get remotely noticed. Writing has always been my only hope to get out of my current situation so if that won't work where does that leave me?
cjg1029 How long have you been writing?
I've been working on full length stuff since I was about 15, I'm 22 now. So about 7 years, but I haven't actually had anything made yet, I've just published a few poems in a school magazine.
Film Courage or did you mean professionally because I'm not anything close to a professional writer yet
cjg1029 A few poems published in a school magazine is still better than nothing. If it makes you feel any better, this guy isn't worth listening to- he hasn't written for a good movie, his iMDB is bare.
cheesypoohalo thanks but that doesn't reduce the possibility that he might be right. Then there are a lot of people on here who are professional who say he is completely right in their experiences.
I really needed to hear this! thank you!
He's NOT negative and he isn't an "instinct killer." He's right. He's talking about playing the game at a very HIGH LEVEL which takes ALOT of training and takes an incredible amount of hard work. I KNOW athletics. That is my "field." It is HARD to win. It is difficult to win. So many players, so many gifted athletes have NO IDEA what it takes to WIN. In order to win you have to do so many subtle things that have nothing to do with how fast you can run or how high you can jump or how strong you are but relate more to KNOWING HOW to win. This guy is saying you HAVE to KNOW how to write. You have to have worked for 1,000 hours {and worked RIGHT} in order to gather the techniques and experience and know how and the craft. YES it is difficult. People don't want to hear that. It is DIFFICULT. IT IS HARD............................people don't want to hear that. It IS A BITCH to be GREAT. Sorry if that doesn't fit into your fun little world......................and I'll tell you something else. Most great artists. Most great writers. Most great directors................are not "happy" people. I think if you asked them if they were happy they'd look at you like you had two heads. They'd ask you, "what's happy?" I don't think being "happy" is even part of their curriculum..............They are DRIVEN for the most part. They are incredibly intense. They are excited about DOING something but they also dread it because they know how much work is involved and how difficult it is to accomplish and they know that they are perfectionists and usually dissatisfied even if others like their work...................It is difficult and takes a lot of work to do something well.
Shit I just read a book on the greatness of the 3 act structure. It was written by Dan O' Bannon, the guy who wrote Alien - among many other MASTERFUL scripts -, and was respected by groundbreaking filmmakers like Alejandro Jodorowsky.
I am also crazy about Alfred Hitchcock's films. I'm happy this guy never told him that the method he is constantly using is not working.
Funny, I think at least 90% of my favorite movies are using the 3 act structure (even complex, character-centered, episodic ones like Boogie Nights), and they all seem to work fine for me. Pardon me but I call bullshit, Mr. Teacher.
+Richárd Lukács
Boogie Nights does not have Three Acts. It has five.
1. The recruitment of Dirk into porn.
2. Dirk's first flick and rise in fame and prosperity.
3. Dirk's growing ego and fall from the porn limelight.
4. The aftermath and struggles of Dirk leaving porn.
5. Dirk's triumphant return to porn, resolving his story.
These are the 5 clear changeovers in Boogie Nights, and follows a very classic Five Act structure.
1. Introduction of main cast.
2. Introduce protagonist to plot.
3. Protagonist moves to resolve plot, but fails when faced against internal conflict.
4. Protagonist is at their lowest point and struggles against internal conflict.
5. Protagonist gives one last effort and overcomes the internal conflict.
Some good advice but claiming that it's the hardest craft in the world is strange. That means that he has mastered every craft in the world and then from that experience says that this is the hardest. I assume that this is not the case.
I have read many books on screenwriting and story over the years and then I took the audio version of Truby's course and I can tell you, there is a reason, only his and Mckee's material are the fundamental screenwriting texts used to teach the craft at at Harvard.
I'll never thank you enough! :') I didn't know McKee but now I do thanks to you! I've been using Truby's techniques for more than a year and it improved my writing beyond my wildest dreams and it also transformed the mindset I had on writing! I am still in the process of learning things, but I was wondering how I would find another books as powerful as The Anatomy of Story (and all his audio courses)... Now I have McKee's book and it's so powerful! I will gather every information I can on him and his work, as he could become my greatest teacher, just like Truby is! Thank you again!
The difficulties that each craft brings depends entirely on what kind of storyteller that you are. There are plenty of b grade screenplays out there that I could write in a week, but there are also very creative ones that take much longer. If you're directing a picture using multiple camera angles and innovating in ways like Hitchcock did with Vertigo, than that's a way more stressful gig than writing the room or Titanic which pads the script with obsessive use of the characters names.
Love how he talks about "mastering the techniques" in order to "succeed at the professional level" without even mentioning one example of what that is. Just a way to get people to take his class to "learn" what they are.
Though working on craft is important, I maintain talent is innate. If you don't have a crazy ability to breakdown a story, pick apart the plot, figure out what makes characters interesting, ect then you're just going to have a tough time. Any idiot can tell you if a story is good or bad, that's not a special talent. And fewer idiots can tell you why it's bad. However the ones who can tell you HOW to make a story BETTER and are able to make it better, those are the ones that are paid very well because they're so few of them around and are subsequently rewarded handsomely.
And writing a script is not the most complex thing in the world. Perhaps writing a GOOD script is, but that's all based on opinion. However he makes some great points, don't want to write him off.
I don't know whats up with people in regards with this, but in fact this video inspires me to achieve with immense avidness and properly finished refined work, he says its the most difficult craft in the world, because all this is pure creativity and passion in the makings of highly complex paradigm creations, it depends how complex you are willing to go, I go pretty complex in craft mastery, so flow with your subconscious writer's voices and make sure you conjure yourself quality training from which ever source you seek into.
Pedro Rubio Great comment Pedro. What is the main question you have about screenwriting, whether creative or business?
Pedro Rubio He is right but, in regards to plot, if you have created a great story in your mind as e.g. the Sixth Sense or Vertigo, you will find a way to write a script and connections to sell it. Fresh ideas is the most required skill nowadays.
Pedro Rubio I don't mean to be unkind, but I feel obliged to point out that the writing I see here in your posts does not suggest to me that you already possess the necessary basic skill with words. Both Alex and Pedro have made a fundamental error that suggests that they need to do more reading before they consider writing. The mistake I refer to is the way both of you use the word "regards". Pedro's post should read "I don't know what's up with people in regard to this,..." There are only a few proper uses of the word "regards" so most people who don't understand the distinctions should just strike "regards" from their vocabulary.
Alex makes the same mistake. He should have written "...in regard to plot..."
winomasterMany of the stories & the plots nowadays are poor and unoriginal. And many of them are supposed to be written by skilled screenwriters. This is what I know, my friend...
Alexandros Deligiorgis There are very few original stories. Most are just a reworking of plot lines that the Greeks used or have appeared in other cultures before making their way to our own. What most people call originality is just redressing those old plot lines in new clothes to make them appear fresh again. Plenty of writers have made a living dressing up old plot lines in new clothes, new times, etc. Just setting your story in space or the future does not make it original.
Anything you wish to pursue professionally takes a lifetime commitment. So then technically everything is a hard craft because you can be good, but it's even harder to get great. Just because one thing is hard, does not mean it's the hardest profession in the world.
Good call, well said. I'm not a pro screenwriter, but I do write screenplays for ME, because it makes me happy. I've learned a lot over the years from interviews, reading good and bad scripts, and screenwriting books/magazines. I love screenwriting :)
When the comments are more helpful than the video.
A grasp on fundamental craft, continued learning, and a lifetime commitment to your art - I'm sorry, but which part of that is wrong? None of it. Most of the comments below are full of ego and condemnation and denial of the hard realities of screenwriting. It is extremely difficult, and yes, he's speaking a bit of hyperbole when he says it's the hardest profession, but he's stressing the truth that art is hard. Make your own dreams happen by committing to them for as long as you live. If your current situation sucks, don't rely on future, abstract, personal success (awards, fame, money) to save you. If you are, you're already done.
Jon Spano --it´s called the dumbing down of the american generations. Somewhere along the line they were told they could do anything as long as they disrespected their elders. Sad. And what is it that Truby says..the screenwriters who succeed are those that gave NO EGO and are willing to learn from others. But I guess no one watched up to that point!
I had to share this great interview!
Sandy Selorme Thanks, we love to hear that
'Thanks' John... very positive and uplifting! As a personal challenge, relevant to your insights, I hope trying to learn at least one new thing every day helps develop the quality of my time spent alone.
Brian Couch
Most people fail at screenwriting because they focus on the wrong things. Rather than focusing on dialogue or plot or characters, individually to tell a "story" (side note, story is overrated) screenwriters should focus on all these elements and how to use them and manipulate them in order to create a coherent argument. Film has become too closely associated with novels. Film is not like a book, it is more like an essay, it makes use of different literary and visual device not to tell a story but to create an argument in order to manipulate an audience. It is also not something that can be taught, you can't teach someone to have an imagination. Writing is not a learned skill (as proven by multitudes of screenwriters who never went to film school) it is a talent. The trick is in unlocking that talent. The best way to do that is to study films, avoid distractions, participate in society (while maintaining a critical eye) and seeking solitude in order to focus. Screenwriting is also not the main aspect or hardest aspect of filmmaking. Its the conceptual stage. The best screenwriters and directors don't just sit down and write scripts, they create them in their heads, mull over them, think about them, until they are satisfied. At that point they pen the script. I don't know how much I agree with this guy tbh.
***** Thats where you are wrong. By focusing solely on story you miss a multitude of visual elements being used for arguments sake. Directors like Jean Luc Godard, Ingmar Bergman, Bernardo Bertolucci, Claude Jutra, all wrote their own material, but if you watch their films you can clearly see that story was the LAST thing on their minds. If and when I make a film, the last thing I will care about is story. Its all about the elements coming together to form a coherent argument or ideology, not a working story.
***** I think you mean that when creating a story you have to focus first on what story you want. You have to know the ending you want. Once you know this, and you have it all planned out you create the plots, characters and situations to get there. You have to know where you're going before you start.
***** I respectfully disagree with you. Story is everything. Story is the medium through which you are presenting your argument. It is the logic of your argument. If you do not have a cohesive story, then your argument is flawed beacause your logic is flawed.
***** That cannot be so. Story is simply another element which a director/screenwriter controls to add to/create his argument. Again I think of filmmakers like Terrence Malick or Stanley Kubrick. What was the STORY of The Tree of Life? Yes there is one there, but Malick is really asking us to question our idea of narrative. His film is not about the story, but more about the ideas that fuel the story or lack thereof. I also think of Jean Luc Godard, who said that a film needs only two thing: A woman and a gun. Story was not the priority for Godard, for him film was all about spontaneity and creating something fresh and new by doing whatever comes to mind rather than carefully constructing each element. Another great example is the canadian filmmaker John Greyson, whose films were again not about a story but about dealing with a specific social issue. I refuse to buy into the mandate that Story is everything. It is the ultimate according to many, preached and uplifted as if it is the be all and end all of film. Its not. That being said it is one of the more important elements of film, but there are plenty of films that simply throw story out the door, and they are GREAT films, so if story is the ultimate way to make a good film, why are these films so great?
Outstanding abbreviated lesson.
Super Dynamite Thanks SD!
Thanks John, It's good to know what I'm getting into.
"Takes a lifetime commitment to master it."
So so so so so true.
Personally, I think screenwriting is a gift. It's not something you can just pick up and master. It's a talent, just like painting or playing music. Some people are cut out for it and others are not, no matter how hard they try. Do I think screenwriting is the most difficult craft in the world? No. I do however think it's one of the most time-consuming jobs, that is if you write a LOT and/or do it for a living. You have to have patience and a strong mind. You have to be dedicated and motivated.
If you are reading this: Change your Mindset, and read MINDSET -The book...
You can become ANYTHING and do Anything if you are willing to have a growth mindset discipline yourself and work hard! Dont buy into the negativity!
Sooomebody loves themselves.
It's encouraging to know screenwriting "is the most difficult craft in the world"
Huh, I have always heard that writing novels was the toughest craft in the world? Frankly, every avenue of writing, whether screenwriting, novels, short stories, poems etc, is hard to master. Dedication and love of the craft (talking about creative writing in general), is what I find is most important.
He just told us all the hard truth. Truth is sometimes bitter. It's not easy. And it isn't. He is not saying this to discourage writers but to encourage them to work hard at it..that's how I heard it at least...
Wow! So sad to see that so many people commenting here have no idea what they are saying, and just rant on because they are childish and amateurish. If you don´t know who John Truby is, I suggest you either refrain from insulting or just go somewhere else. He is one of the most well respected teachers in hollywood. And no, you don´t have to be a screenwriter to be e screenwriting teacher. Secondly, he is answering the questions thinking about high quality, high performance screenwriters, not people who write B movies for Sci Fi. If that is your thing, go for it. But this video is not for you. Thirdly..have you ever tried to be a full time, professional writer? I have and I completely agree with what he is saying. It´s the most difficult thing in the world, when you are devoted to your craft and believe in the art of storytelling.Storytelling takes years to master. And he doesn´t need this interview to seel his books. This is from a series of interviews made by someone else.
And THAT is what he is trying to explain! Being a master storyteller takes a lifetime.And what teacher doesn´t want their students to strive for perfection?
+Claudia Camberos I'd like to know what percentage of his students are writing at the level about which he is speaking.
+Michael Kane That's their problem, not his.
He's a typical con artist selling classes. Period. The industry is rife with this kind of garbage.
Reckall Your comment makes no sense.
I was going to be a screenwriter. After hearing this guy, I’m going into theoretical nano-transmutational time-shifting physics. Apparently it’s easier.
Truby may not have the credits that people often use to measure a person's knowledge, but this man knows what he's talking about in the same way that sports coaches may or may never have been professional athletes. Screenwriting is very difficult, even for those few individuals society labels as "Naturals" IMHO.
Thanks Erica. If you enjoyed this segment, you may also like our complete series with Mr. Truby entitled "Anatomy Of Story." We are currently posting videos from our 2nd series with Mr. Truby which centers around TV writing. A few videos left and then we will publish another complete series.
Pick anything in life, and you will see most people fail in it, it's just statistics mate.
I find him to be overly dramatic & the opposite of positive.
+Im Vo: Nor does negative.
Polak Roïde Such an ass you are.
But he is not hear to give you positive. He isnt a life coach
I'm always amazed when people ask me to do things for them, when Google can be opened in the other tab. Truby is a scriptwriting consultant. In other words, a sorted list of movies he's written isn't going to tell you anything about the quality of his teaching. And every creative field has skilled teachers who are not famous for their actual work, but for their teaching ability, which is a talent unto itself. Scott McCloud in comics. John Lasseter in animation. Small bodies of work, huge impact.
I work in the in the industry and it can be super disheartneing but John Truby is one of the best in fields and he is on the ball. He is just saying it how it really is.
This depressed me :(
Tenesia Mbow It seems like he's trying to discourage people. You don't need to take a class to write a screenplay. You just need to be imaginative, open minded, dedicated, descriptive, and overall, you just need to have a passion for it. As long as YOU know you can do it, don't let anyone else tell you that you can't. Don't be afraid of failure. Just embrace criticism and expand on your ideas from it. But never let someone depress you, ESPECIALLY not some dude on UA-cam. If screenwriting is something you really want to do, you can't have that kind of attitude about it. ❤️
damn! these dolls are so beautiful. Go natural hair!
don't be. it's pretty obvious he's saying that "most people fail" and that "screenwriting is the most complex craft in the world" (it CERTAINLY isn't) because he wants you to buy his book. there are a lot of discouragement by mediocre writers and professional script readers in the internet. don't believe them. just write.
Thank god, I downloaded this guy's book for free... Dont ever want to pay for anything he does! :D
Googled him... Nothing... Wikipedia... Nothing... Guy is a quack!!!
Gideon Blackman Ugh, there's tons of stuff about him on google.
Tyler Eschberger
I was talkng about professional experience... Checkout his imdb account very thin... www.imdb.com/name/nm0991399/ A couple of episodes of 21st street but other than that nothing worth while since 1989. Guy is a hypocrite but good sales person was all i was saying.
Excellent video on the craft of anything. Need to look at failure as a learning experience. Got to be open to learning and putting in the time and patience. You make it a lifetime experience and will never know everything. Live and learn is the only goal and the goal itself.
Brilliant. This interview is logical & realistic. I viewed the video because of the title, not to be hyped up. This assists me to adapt a psychological mindset that would prepare me for what is to come. What I would like to know is, how a successful screenwriter would judge this video.
+hitmancorporation I believe that is exactly the fight mindset to have