OK so maybe I just wrote something hoping it would work. It didn't, so now I'm going back and following structure. And guess what, my idea is coming together as a story! These ideas are sure working for me. Thanks!
I think I have saw most of these interviews and enjoyed them at the time. More importantly, I've gleaned a lot of information. However, I must say, the way in which this video has been edited, in this particular order, has made more complete sense as a whole, than the individual clips themselves In all the interviews I have experienced moments of confusion (as there is a lot to take in), but the way in which this has been presented makes each interview inform the next, even though the techniques used vary. Thank you for this. This has been very useful.
it was great to sit for just over an hour reminding myself of the importance of the interviews. Each had different books you can read, plot points, structures, but it all lead to one thing, you would never know which works for you unless you start writing. Thanks FC.
Wow! That means you have been checking in with us for 7 years. Thank you for your long lasting support! We hope you have found enough value on our channel to enrich your own work and help you on your journey. Hopefully we all have better times in front of us. Cheers!
Then there's the 'ROLLING OUTLINE" outline a few beats ahead, flesh it out, then write a few more beats ahead, flesh it out...etc. . suggested by Francis Coppola
While I’m in the middle of learning how this works, making a story well rounded has always felt foggy. I could always tell there’s something going on here, and with each story I try to figure it out. Now that I’m teaching myself all the different puzzle pieces we have to play with, I’m confident that that fog is finally going to start to clear.
These videos are absolutely fantastic. I'm always watching videos of this sort, and this is the first time that I've been like... hey... this stuff seems special, no? Just finished watching this video (over and over, pausing and playing) so that I can take detailed notes. I've already shared this video to some friends, too. Very insightful, very helpful! On to my next favourite video! Cheers,
Thank you, we appreciate your kind words. Love to see you gaining insights from this one. We are actually publishing a nice companion video to this one tonight at 5pm PST entitled 11 Ways To Start A Screenplay where 11 different screenwriters talk about their first steps in writing a script. It's one to maybe keep an eye out for. Cheers!
After enough of these format subject videos, very little is new. They all use different language to say the same thing. The best I've ever seen is the story spine. Clean and simple, intuitive.
@@filmcourage You are welcome, I'm grateful for all the content you provide, especially Mr. Micheal Hauge interviews wich I rewatch to from time to time.
This couldn’t have come at a better time because I’m trying to take something abstract, what is essentially a never ending process (Language Learning) and constraining it within a 3 act structure so plotting the original version of the idea was really tough but all I had to do was change the setting then the motivation & the structure followed. Thank you
Awesome. Can't wait to write more stories and maybe even make video essays on film on my channel to add to the videos I already make. The sky is the limit.
Wow, this is so interesting. I have people that I never heard of telling me that I have to write a story in a particular way over and over again, day after day, month after month year after year. There’s like no conversation fuck buddies or getting high with the right person. Seems to me that has a lot more to do with who gets what job than strict formatting.
1. Idea 2. Story (Metaphor) 3. Plot (optional - writers use this as an excuse to tell a story/ a story is what and the plot is how) 4. Act Structure 5. Sequences 6. Scenes (inside that make up each sequence) 7. Beats (action to reaction or positive to a negative) Dialogue or actions
i'm trying really hard to find out how i can plot a thriller, that has a bad outcome for the characters, but I can't find any thing except the heroe's journey, the story circle, and the 3 act structure lol
great tools to pick in this video. It is cool to see different points of view on the specific steps of structure. I feel like we can separate the "writers" advises wich are motivating and really helpful from the "producer" or script readers advises wich are more restricive and doesn't really help creativity or better writing. Anyway, I just pick up the informations that inspire me..thanks for giving us access to it ! btw they may be all writers it is just what I feel according to their speach
A good piece of advice I heard is when you get 'notes' from a reader/producer etc is to try and understand WHY they made that note, and what isn't working for them, rather than reject it as restrictive, or the opposite mistake, shoehorn it in without thinking. In a meeting it's better to be open and receptive to feedback and changes, since they are really interested in whether you are a writer they can work with, rather than being too protective of one project. Listening to their suggestions also gets them more engaged in the project (even if you later ignore their ideas).
@@Ruylopez778 Are you a screenwriter? You made quite a lot of compelling comments here in this comment section. Do you have any screenplays out? Any projects of a sort? I'd be interested in taking a look.
@@RenegadeShepard69 Being open to feedback and getting producers engaged by listening to their suggestions come from this long video here (I don't have a time stamp for it, sorry) ua-cam.com/video/XkqueJePFuw/v-deo.html I think in most cases, in most industries, people go with individuals or teams they have confidence in, and a large part of gaining trust and respect comes from being (or appearing to be) flexible and cooperative. The super arrogant approach can also work for some people. A lot industry advice is quite universal and transferrable. Numerous sources say to focus on the *reason* behind the note rather than dismissing it, or blindly incorporating other people's ideas attempting to please everyone. Another wise piece of advice is to just suffer with the disappointment and rejection of critical feedback for 48hrs, and re-read your work before making hasty changes. Corey Mandell among others talks about the importance of making sure the reader's interpretation of the characters is what the writer intends it to be. Sometimes the story can be missing what he calls 'essential context' that disappeared from a previous draft without the writer realising. My comments are from a consensus of screenwriting advice mixed in with my personal experience of working with other people (in other industries), and working on my own writing process, and how it seems to match up with the movies and stories I enjoy or dislike. Some other notable resources (aside from Film Courage) include Writing Excuses/Brandon Sanderson, Beyond the Trailer (has some content on the business and creative side of the movie/TV industry and gossip) and various film analysis channels e.g. LFTS and LSOO. And of course film documentaries or writers and directors being interviewed on their process and projects (e.g. Kubrick, Nolan) I think it's also important to keep an open mind; George Lucas, for example, isn't great at dialogue and never claimed to be, but still drops some pearls of wisdom here and there on his process and industry. Some people will dismiss anything he says based on what they didn't like about his movies. I'm working on a novel. Though writing comments and recycling other people's wisdom is one thing, and actually incorporating that knowledge effectively in my own work is, unfortunately, quite another matter.
For the 24 plot points - assuming this is for an hour-long drama? Does it also apply to 1/2 hr comedies as well? Or should we cut the # of PPs in half and apportion the same way, just 12 vs 24? TY!!
I don't think you can tell a complex story that really needs to be a limited-run series and condense it into a half-hour sitcom without cutting a commensurate number of plot points, do you?
Don’t you guys think it would be a good idea to keep showing the chart they are talking about more? I had to look it up separately so I could see it while they talked about it. You guys showed it to me and then took it away too fast! And it gave me a frustrating feeling that I’m sure you did not intend. Example: when they say something like “so that moves us into stage IV” please please show the chart again, and leave it up for longer. we need time to not only read it, but ALSO think about it.
Firstly, a lot of new subscribers maybe haven't seen this content. Secondly, there's a reason people aren't going outside and being filmed for interviews. Maybe those people are rather more concerned with their careers and looking after their family right now. Hmmmmm?
Forget about the act breaks and then if anyone asks where they are just pretend they’re there. They don’t matter. You only need to worry about things like commercials if you’re writing for TV. You only need to worry about act breaks if you’re writing a play with set changes. I think even plays don’t really use act breaks the same anymore. They have 3D projection mapping and stuff... like ya know, movies. If you’re thinking about acts, you are neglecting more important things. Think about theme and moral arguments and conflicting values and metamorphosis of the characters.
Crazy good stuff, but honestly why are the actual films out there so crappy, if you've seen the marvel stuff since end game, it's been pretty bad storytelling both the movies and the TV shows, and they get paid how much to write these films???
@@hop6965 Then how do you explain the cinematic success of Hamlet performances that include the scene? Maybe Shakespeare simply understood the power of a compelling scene, regardless of the “rules.”
Good God, another Tootsie example. It's like there hasn't been another well-plotted movie in 30 years. Film Courage should not allow these speakers to quote that example again.
Oh, my, god. These people think they've seen behind the curtain and know how to write a good movie, but what they've actually done is to come up with a template for no-talent writers to write generic, shitty screenplays by ticking boxes and counting pages. The Mad Libs of screenwriting. Adam Skelter talks about plotting out a story in an hour -- if the writer took an hour to plot out of a story, that's not a story worth telling or a movie worth my money. People talk about the lack of originality in movies today, and THIS is why.
I think what these guys are trying to get across is 'learn the rules before you try and break them'. There is no definitive answer in these interviews, and if you can't come up with something original based on what they spoke about, then that's all on you, pal. They are not writing your screenplay for you.
A whole paragraph and you couldn't come up with anything constructive or helpful about structure for any viewers, just complaining. Firstly, "no-talent" writers? Most writers who ever made anything worth a damn will tell you it's about craft, not "talent". Secondly, Skelter isn't saying you should only take an hour to figure out your story. Obviously, you can take an idea you've been kicking around for months and plot it in an hour using that method. He's simply saying it's a way to outline WHAT you want to write that is straightforward. He isn't saying you can't spend more than an hour thinking about it. He also said, "every scene needs an emotional motivation". The problem with many movies is not that they follow a formulaic structure, but they are full of tropes we've seen before, or a variation on a tired idea, and nothing of any purpose to say. Having structure, even if it is generic, doesn't equate to an unoriginal movie. But let's not forget, producers and the studio will often change things to make it closer to what they know is already popular, because most audiences are too lazy to watch something that might challenge them. That is the reason for the lack of originality in movies today. Also a lot movies praised for their writing, "Casablanca" for example, were being rewritten during shooting. Just as an average script can be made into a great movie, a good script can be ruined. You just want an excuse to complain about the industry, rather than taking the information they are giving in context. 12:19 "If you've invested in the character, care about what they want, understand what the character wants, and you understand what's at stake if they don't get it, you're free to do whatever you want. You can play with structure, throw away structure altogether." This echoes what John August says in Scriptnotes ep 403 about focusing on thesis, anti thesis and synthesis. Or maybe you are right and the majority of writers in Hollywood are all oblivious to your amazing insight? Does that seem likely to you?
Vince Gilligan spent nearly 2-4 months a year plotting out, index card by index card the entirety of not only a Breaking Bad season, but each episode, each scene, sometimes even each minute. I think things turned out okay for him and that show.
@@InformantNet I was giving an example of someone who I think it's safe to say is more talented than you, who absolutely followed a writing template for every season that mirrors much of what was discussed in this video. It didn't hold him back any and certainly didn't lead to any "lack of originality" or "generic, shitty screenplays".
Lmao nice editing but these are the same ass videos over & over, you just did this a day or 2 ago. Is there nothing new over at film courage or what. You can't do some new interviews via Skype or something
Did you engage your brain and think about how much organisation it takes to set up interviews. They might have had to cancel a lot of planned content. Did you think that maybe these industry professionals might have to focus on their own career or family rather than make time for an interview? How about the new subscribers who haven't seen this content before?
@@Ruylopez778 Lookie here captain save a ho. I know with everything going on they're probably lockdown. But there's still ways to get new content, phone & internet interviews works. First take & David spade are still doing there shows(with guests) from the house. But that's not my issue the issue they run out of new stuff & they'll take a 7yr/5yrs old video & release & rename the same clip 20 different times. So you have the full interview, 1st clip, 2nd clip, 11 ways to structure, screenwriting 101, etc etc... all containing the same video/advice. & if any new subscriber haven't seen this yet.. get ready to see them re use clips over & over & over...
@@trambo21 Well since you have no idea how long it takes to set up the interviews or what interviews were planned or cancelled, or promises may have been made, or how many videos are still in the editing process, you shouldn't act like you are due anything, given that all this content is free. You're assuming that the channel don't have to spend all their time rescheduling future content. Perhaps there are videos timed to coincide with books they are promoting, which have had their release delayed? There's also a comment on this video saying the exact opposite; that it's good to have a range of opinions concisely edited together in one place. So clearly you are wrong in assuming that everyone wants what you want. "But that's not my issue the issue they run out of new stuff & they'll take a 7yr/5yrs old video & release & rename the same clip 20 different times." My God man!? You mean to say they release content in order to get views, subscribers and adsense?? What a nerve!
@@Ruylopez778 lol you must work for film courage. Im tired of going back n forth you wanna stay in blissful ignorance go head. Long story short yes they recycle & rename same old footage over & over & for ad revenue. They're not the only people on UA-cam that does this bs
@@trambo21 Yes! You caught me Sherlock! I must be an insider because there's no other way I could find your logic dumb is there? 'Ignorance' means not thinking that everyone wants the content you do? Oh, OK. Actually for me this was a useful recap. Making new content involves time and money. Even re-editing takes time. Of course channels are interested in more ad revenue to keep the channel going. Congratulations on revealing the mystery! Bears also defecate in wooded areas. I assume you like to work for free. Don't let the door hit you on your way out.
No wonder Hollyweird looks like their always cloninng movies. If we all follow these structures, then all movies will become predictable just as many are today.
![21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay [WRITING MASTERCLASS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OPxxJ2wBNTA/mqdefault.jpg)
![21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay [WRITING MASTERCLASS]](/img/tr.png)
We've updated this video. Here is the newer version
21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay - ua-cam.com/video/OPxxJ2wBNTA/v-deo.html
Guess I'm just going to have to watch both!
What a great resource Film Courage is! A free master class in screenwriting. These men and women have improved storytelling immeasurably.
Thanks Scott! Keep creating!
OK so maybe I just wrote something hoping it would work. It didn't, so now I'm going back and following structure. And guess what, my idea is coming together as a story! These ideas are sure working for me. Thanks!
I think I have saw most of these interviews and enjoyed them at the time. More importantly, I've gleaned a lot of information.
However, I must say, the way in which this video has been edited, in this particular order, has made more complete sense as a whole, than the individual clips themselves
In all the interviews I have experienced moments of confusion (as there is a lot to take in), but the way in which this has been presented makes each interview inform the next, even though the techniques used vary.
Thank you for this.
This has been very useful.
That is what we were hoping to achieve. Thank you for this feedback and for your support over the last couple of years!
@@filmcourage Thoroughly enjoyed it. Your content is super informative and very inspirational. Hello from Glasgow, Scotland. Keep safe. X
Cheers, you too!
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
instablaster...
This is the MOST valuable video compilation on story structure! Just brilliant! Thank you, Film Courage! :D
These are the Golden Videos for Writers
Thanks for watching!
Funnily enough i'm speechless. Thank you film courage. I'm starting to feel braver!
it was great to sit for just over an hour reminding myself of the importance of the interviews. Each had different books you can read, plot points, structures, but it all lead to one thing, you would never know which works for you unless you start writing. Thanks FC.
I just spent six hours dissecting a one and a bit hour lesson!
Thank you for this valuable resource.
Excellence here. Passion from all. Pick your flavor that works for you.
What a goldmine of a video this is!
Thanks Rishi, we are glad this video found you.
@@filmcourage you guys have been doing good work steadily. Been a subscriber since 5k, great to see you grow!
Wow! That means you have been checking in with us for 7 years. Thank you for your long lasting support! We hope you have found enough value on our channel to enrich your own work and help you on your journey. Hopefully we all have better times in front of us. Cheers!
Thanks!
Thank you so much Shyina! We hope this one helps you with your stories!
Love the subtitles at 48.26: 'twelve series of single obscene lists...'
Then there's the 'ROLLING OUTLINE" outline a few beats ahead, flesh it out, then write a few more beats ahead, flesh it out...etc. . suggested by Francis Coppola
While I’m in the middle of learning how this works, making a story well rounded has always felt foggy.
I could always tell there’s something going on here, and with each story I try to figure it out.
Now that I’m teaching myself all the different puzzle pieces we have to play with, I’m confident that that fog is finally going to start to clear.
Thanks for this. Your hard work is very much appreciated 👍
Teenager me who thought about writing screenplays would have loved this video
NIDELLANEUM Keep doing it!
amoyhrt good compilation everyone is so different which is great
wtf these your chanel always was a gold mine - thank u so much
I love these thematic videos! You are definitely the best in term of storybuilding and storytelling!
These videos are absolutely fantastic. I'm always watching videos of this sort, and this is the first time that I've been like... hey... this stuff seems special, no?
Just finished watching this video (over and over, pausing and playing) so that I can take detailed notes. I've already shared this video to some friends, too. Very insightful, very helpful!
On to my next favourite video! Cheers,
Thank you, we appreciate your kind words. Love to see you gaining insights from this one. We are actually publishing a nice companion video to this one tonight at 5pm PST entitled 11 Ways To Start A Screenplay where 11 different screenwriters talk about their first steps in writing a script. It's one to maybe keep an eye out for. Cheers!
After enough of these format subject videos, very little is new. They all use different language to say the same thing. The best I've ever seen is the story spine. Clean and simple, intuitive.
To each his own. Take from teachers what works best for you.
If it stops working, revisit some of these (or other) teachers.
I love how they answers Interviews, its so easy to understand...
I need to learn more
This was a great video. Thank you. I’m going to come back to this video countless times. I just know it.
Thanks Sam, hopefully it helps you with your writing.
This is super informative. Thank you Film Courage.
You got it, thanks Venky!
This is gold.
Thanks Ahmed!
@@filmcourage You are welcome, I'm grateful for all the content you provide, especially Mr. Micheal Hauge interviews wich I rewatch to from time to time.
This couldn’t have come at a better time because I’m trying to take something abstract, what is essentially a never ending process (Language Learning) and constraining it within a 3 act structure so plotting the original version of the idea was really tough but all I had to do was change the setting then the motivation & the structure followed. Thank you
Glad this one was helpful Nikanyiso!
May GOD bless you .am speechless, your GOD sent to us.
Awesome. Can't wait to write more stories and maybe even make video essays on film on my channel to add to the videos I already make. The sky is the limit.
Wow, this is so interesting. I have people that I never heard of telling me that I have to write a story in a particular way over and over again, day after day, month after month year after year. There’s like no conversation fuck buddies or getting high with the right person. Seems to me that has a lot more to do with who gets what job than strict formatting.
Superb video study film making
I have incorporated all of their advice
7:24 "but I'm ridiculously pedantic, so..."
This man is THE quintessential screenwriter.
Thank you!
Hope this helps!
Thank you for curating this!!!!!
Cheers Andrea!
Thank you. Do you have any ideas or infromation how to make a good writing thing without a story?
Hi, I'm just a random comment who wants to remind you to:
- smile
- be happy
- do that thing
- find a reason to make this a good day
😊😊😊😊
Thank you. I will keep this in mind. :) We appreciate the positive message. We hope you're well.
What's the step to do an screenplay structure?
1. Idea
2. Story (Metaphor)
3. Plot (optional - writers use this as an excuse to tell a story/ a story is what and the plot is how)
4. Act Structure
5. Sequences
6. Scenes (inside that make up each sequence)
7. Beats (action to reaction or positive to a negative) Dialogue or actions
i'm trying really hard to find out how i can plot a thriller, that has a bad outcome for the characters, but I can't find any thing except the heroe's journey, the story circle, and the 3 act structure lol
Do all of these guys agree on a definition for an act?
great tools to pick in this video. It is cool to see different points of view on the specific steps of structure. I feel like we can separate the "writers" advises wich are motivating and really helpful from the "producer" or script readers advises wich are more restricive and doesn't really help creativity or better writing. Anyway, I just pick up the informations that inspire me..thanks for giving us access to it !
btw they may be all writers it is just what I feel according to their speach
A good piece of advice I heard is when you get 'notes' from a reader/producer etc is to try and understand WHY they made that note, and what isn't working for them, rather than reject it as restrictive, or the opposite mistake, shoehorn it in without thinking. In a meeting it's better to be open and receptive to feedback and changes, since they are really interested in whether you are a writer they can work with, rather than being too protective of one project. Listening to their suggestions also gets them more engaged in the project (even if you later ignore their ideas).
@@Ruylopez778 Are you a screenwriter? You made quite a lot of compelling comments here in this comment section. Do you have any screenplays out? Any projects of a sort? I'd be interested in taking a look.
@@RenegadeShepard69 Being open to feedback and getting producers engaged by listening to their suggestions come from this long video here (I don't have a time stamp for it, sorry)
ua-cam.com/video/XkqueJePFuw/v-deo.html
I think in most cases, in most industries, people go with individuals or teams they have confidence in, and a large part of gaining trust and respect comes from being (or appearing to be) flexible and cooperative. The super arrogant approach can also work for some people. A lot industry advice is quite universal and transferrable.
Numerous sources say to focus on the *reason* behind the note rather than dismissing it, or blindly incorporating other people's ideas attempting to please everyone. Another wise piece of advice is to just suffer with the disappointment and rejection of critical feedback for 48hrs, and re-read your work before making hasty changes.
Corey Mandell among others talks about the importance of making sure the reader's interpretation of the characters is what the writer intends it to be. Sometimes the story can be missing what he calls 'essential context' that disappeared from a previous draft without the writer realising.
My comments are from a consensus of screenwriting advice mixed in with my personal experience of working with other people (in other industries), and working on my own writing process, and how it seems to match up with the movies and stories I enjoy or dislike.
Some other notable resources (aside from Film Courage) include Writing Excuses/Brandon Sanderson, Beyond the Trailer (has some content on the business and creative side of the movie/TV industry and gossip) and various film analysis channels e.g. LFTS and LSOO. And of course film documentaries or writers and directors being interviewed on their process and projects (e.g. Kubrick, Nolan)
I think it's also important to keep an open mind; George Lucas, for example, isn't great at dialogue and never claimed to be, but still drops some pearls of wisdom here and there on his process and industry. Some people will dismiss anything he says based on what they didn't like about his movies.
I'm working on a novel. Though writing comments and recycling other people's wisdom is one thing, and actually incorporating that knowledge effectively in my own work is, unfortunately, quite another matter.
For the 24 plot points - assuming this is for an hour-long drama? Does it also apply to 1/2 hr comedies as well? Or should we cut the # of PPs in half and apportion the same way, just 12 vs 24? TY!!
I don't think you can tell a complex story that really needs to be a limited-run series and condense it into a half-hour sitcom without cutting a commensurate number of plot points, do you?
That's why P will never equal NP. Neat.
Almost every story can put in three pieces but every story has a different structure depending on the need of the story
I would love to see future videos in first person view ...maybe a GoPro on the head of the interviewer ...
Don’t you guys think it would be a good idea to keep showing the chart they are talking about more?
I had to look it up separately so I could see it while they talked about it.
You guys showed it to me and then took it away too fast! And it gave me a frustrating feeling that I’m sure you did not intend.
Example: when they say something like “so that moves us into stage IV” please please show the chart again, and leave it up for longer. we need time to not only read it, but ALSO think about it.
59:10 when you know hero's journey monomyth, only from diagram and you use it, as a method lol
Proof is in the pudding. Which one has the most screenplays ACTUALLY produced?
Hmmm.. is any new content coming? A lot of recyclying of 5 year old videos here
Agreed
Firstly, a lot of new subscribers maybe haven't seen this content. Secondly, there's a reason people aren't going outside and being filmed for interviews. Maybe those people are rather more concerned with their careers and looking after their family right now. Hmmmmm?
I could write a great story just from the comments on this video. 🤣
35:00
“In the page 75 if I don’t see..”
Lol the best advice to crest lovely mediocre script
The way you structure your screenplay is not important. If the result is there, it doesn’t matter each one you chose.
Forget about the act breaks and then if anyone asks where they are just pretend they’re there. They don’t matter. You only need to worry about things like commercials if you’re writing for TV. You only need to worry about act breaks if you’re writing a play with set changes. I think even plays don’t really use act breaks the same anymore. They have 3D projection mapping and stuff... like ya know, movies.
If you’re thinking about acts, you are neglecting more important things.
Think about theme and moral arguments and conflicting values and metamorphosis of the characters.
Crazy good stuff, but honestly why are the actual films out there so crappy, if you've seen the marvel stuff since end game, it's been pretty bad storytelling both the movies and the TV shows, and they get paid how much to write these films???
There are LOTS of people making (unwanted) changes in stories (producers, industry standards, etc). It ends up killing the actual good story.
If Hamlet Were Written Today
Editor: How does talking to a skull move the action forward?
Theatre is different from screenwriting. That example doesn't really work.
@@hop6965 Then how do you explain the cinematic success of Hamlet performances that include the scene?
Maybe Shakespeare simply understood the power of a compelling scene, regardless of the “rules.”
Good God, another Tootsie example. It's like there hasn't been another well-plotted movie in 30 years. Film Courage should not allow these speakers to quote that example again.
Wtf is Tootsie lol
@@christinapaterno5585 The movie Tootsie. Man dresses as a woman to get acting gigs. Every person on these channels gives that example!
Oh, my, god. These people think they've seen behind the curtain and know how to write a good movie, but what they've actually done is to come up with a template for no-talent writers to write generic, shitty screenplays by ticking boxes and counting pages. The Mad Libs of screenwriting. Adam Skelter talks about plotting out a story in an hour -- if the writer took an hour to plot out of a story, that's not a story worth telling or a movie worth my money. People talk about the lack of originality in movies today, and THIS is why.
I think what these guys are trying to get across is 'learn the rules before you try and break them'.
There is no definitive answer in these interviews, and if you can't come up with something original based on what they spoke about, then that's all on you, pal.
They are not writing your screenplay for you.
A whole paragraph and you couldn't come up with anything constructive or helpful about structure for any viewers, just complaining.
Firstly, "no-talent" writers? Most writers who ever made anything worth a damn will tell you it's about craft, not "talent".
Secondly, Skelter isn't saying you should only take an hour to figure out your story. Obviously, you can take an idea you've been kicking around for months and plot it in an hour using that method. He's simply saying it's a way to outline WHAT you want to write that is straightforward. He isn't saying you can't spend more than an hour thinking about it.
He also said, "every scene needs an emotional motivation".
The problem with many movies is not that they follow a formulaic structure, but they are full of tropes we've seen before, or a variation on a tired idea, and nothing of any purpose to say.
Having structure, even if it is generic, doesn't equate to an unoriginal movie. But let's not forget, producers and the studio will often change things to make it closer to what they know is already popular, because most audiences are too lazy to watch something that might challenge them. That is the reason for the lack of originality in movies today.
Also a lot movies praised for their writing, "Casablanca" for example, were being rewritten during shooting. Just as an average script can be made into a great movie, a good script can be ruined.
You just want an excuse to complain about the industry, rather than taking the information they are giving in context.
12:19
"If you've invested in the character, care about what they want, understand what the character wants, and you understand what's at stake if they don't get it, you're free to do whatever you want. You can play with structure, throw away structure altogether."
This echoes what John August says in Scriptnotes ep 403 about focusing on thesis, anti thesis and synthesis.
Or maybe you are right and the majority of writers in Hollywood are all oblivious to your amazing insight? Does that seem likely to you?
Vince Gilligan spent nearly 2-4 months a year plotting out, index card by index card the entirety of not only a Breaking Bad season, but each episode, each scene, sometimes even each minute. I think things turned out okay for him and that show.
@@purplegorilla9592 What does this video have to do with Vince Gilligan?
@@InformantNet I was giving an example of someone who I think it's safe to say is more talented than you, who absolutely followed a writing template for every season that mirrors much of what was discussed in this video. It didn't hold him back any and certainly didn't lead to any "lack of originality" or "generic, shitty screenplays".
Lmao nice editing but these are the same ass videos over & over, you just did this a day or 2 ago. Is there nothing new over at film courage or what. You can't do some new interviews via Skype or something
Did you engage your brain and think about how much organisation it takes to set up interviews. They might have had to cancel a lot of planned content. Did you think that maybe these industry professionals might have to focus on their own career or family rather than make time for an interview? How about the new subscribers who haven't seen this content before?
@@Ruylopez778 Lookie here captain save a ho. I know with everything going on they're probably lockdown. But there's still ways to get new content, phone & internet interviews works. First take & David spade are still doing there shows(with guests) from the house. But that's not my issue the issue they run out of new stuff & they'll take a 7yr/5yrs old video & release & rename the same clip 20 different times. So you have the full interview, 1st clip, 2nd clip, 11 ways to structure, screenwriting 101, etc etc... all containing the same video/advice. & if any new subscriber haven't seen this yet.. get ready to see them re use clips over & over & over...
@@trambo21 Well since you have no idea how long it takes to set up the interviews or what interviews were planned or cancelled, or promises may have been made, or how many videos are still in the editing process, you shouldn't act like you are due anything, given that all this content is free.
You're assuming that the channel don't have to spend all their time rescheduling future content. Perhaps there are videos timed to coincide with books they are promoting, which have had their release delayed?
There's also a comment on this video saying the exact opposite; that it's good to have a range of opinions concisely edited together in one place.
So clearly you are wrong in assuming that everyone wants what you want.
"But that's not my issue the issue they run out of new stuff & they'll take a 7yr/5yrs old video & release & rename the same clip 20 different times."
My God man!? You mean to say they release content in order to get views, subscribers and adsense?? What a nerve!
@@Ruylopez778 lol you must work for film courage. Im tired of going back n forth you wanna stay in blissful ignorance go head. Long story short yes they recycle & rename same old footage over & over & for ad revenue. They're not the only people on UA-cam that does this bs
@@trambo21 Yes! You caught me Sherlock! I must be an insider because there's no other way I could find your logic dumb is there?
'Ignorance' means not thinking that everyone wants the content you do? Oh, OK.
Actually for me this was a useful recap.
Making new content involves time and money. Even re-editing takes time. Of course channels are interested in more ad revenue to keep the channel going. Congratulations on revealing the mystery! Bears also defecate in wooded areas.
I assume you like to work for free. Don't let the door hit you on your way out.
No wonder Hollyweird looks like their always cloninng movies. If we all follow these structures, then all movies will become predictable just as many are today.
Why does everyone talk about a HERO! In real life there are no HEROs, everyone is grey. Why does Hollywood keep peddling such a stupid concept?