What I've Learnt About Screenwriting

Over a series of lectures with Simon and Steve I learnt about the Art of Screenwriting. Below I have summarise what I learnt:

• Every script begins with an idea. This process is all about brainstorming.
• Every story has a beginning, middle and end.
• The key ingredients are:
• Character- All stories are about people. They give it meaning.
• A goal (we need a good reason for the ending)- They need something to aim for. Something to solve, get, find.
• Conflict- The protagonist needs something to face or overcome. Conflict creates drama.
• Change- A change of affairs. The 'world' we are in needs to be different by the end. This is the most significant part of the story.
• Pre-writing is important. 65% of writing is pre-writing. 5% is actual writing. 30% is re-writing.
• You need to note down every idea you have.
• Test the ideas. Which gives the strongest reaction.
• Think about who, what, when, why, how?
• Story: A series of events that form the screenplay.
• Plot: Most interesting and dramatically effective way of telling the story.
• Theme: What the story is really about, 'the idea'. Gives the script emotion.
• Protagonist: Character we want the audience to focus on. They will go on a journey, they will change.
• Main/secondary characters: People who interact with protagonist and have an affect on the outcome.
• Minor characters: Add detail/atmosphere or comic relief.
• You need to filter the ideas, build the story, research the story, build the characters and then build the world.

• Moments are essential.
• You can't say it, you have to show it. Use action, behaviour and drama.
• People do not just open up about their emotions. You're characters shouldn't either.
• Know what you hate and never write it.
• Think carefully about timescale.
• Think about voice overs and flashbacks.
• Does it start at the beginning, middle or end.
• Avoid explanation, you need to allow the audience to work it out.

• Start with the pitch. Short and catchy.
• Treatment- layout of show, characters, first episode review, series overview.
• Bible: lots of info about the characters, show and series.
• First draft (waiting for the green light)
• Then start writing the rest of the series.

• Know the ending before you start.
• Think about whose POV it is.
• Kick off with an event that gets it going.

• Character:
• Get to know you characters.
• They need to have flaws.
• Remember that actions have consequences.
• Characters have traits.
• Types:
• Monster- Conflicted. Conflicted with others.
• Existential hero/heroin- They don't know who they are. They think life will be better if they do know.
• The Woman- Choices, they have big ones to make. They're very picky.
• Moments make up characters.
• There is an existential hero in all of us.
• Dialogue:
• Don't have pointless dialogue.
• Get to the point.
• Not too on the nose or too discreet.
• Don't be too formal.
• Don't say names too often.
• We all speak using different rhythms.
• Not too real. Not too dramatic.

• Screenplay layout:
• Present tense.
• Title page, scene headings, action, characters, dialogue, layout.
• Use INT/EXT or I/E for scene headings. Write if it is day or night.
• Brief descriptions of locations.
• New scene = change of time or location.
• Action goes under scene headings.
• Character names in capitals.
• CAPITALS for dramatic sounds/words.
• Use (V/O) for voice overs or (OS) for off screen dialogue.
• Try to create artificial cliffhangers to make the reader turn the page.

• Irony is very useful.
• Four kinds: Tragic irony, situational irony, comic irony & dramatic irony.
• Think about a Catch 22 (situations you can't get out of) and Sophie's Choice (tough decisions).
• Motivation is important.