Kay’s Top Five Screenwriting Techniques
Create concepts that keep your audiences engaged
Welcome to my blog I am a Humber PR student, but I have been a freelance screenwriter for the past five years. I completed a post-grad certificate at George Brown College for screenwriting and narrative. I also have collaborated with visual artists and others who are working in the film industry.
This blog is for those who want to write like a screenwriter.
1) Make a Blueprint
- Make a clear outline. I use the12 Steps to a Hero’s Journey this structure happens to be Dan Harmon’s fave too. He’s the creator of the highly addictive sci-fi series Rick and Morty.
2) Keep a Story Promise
- Foreshadow an idea or prop, build suspense with subtle scenes. An example of this is from the HBO seriesThe Sopranos the writers use several scenes to foreshadowTony’s death. Below is a photo James Gandolfini who played Tony Soprano.
Stanley Kubrick (left) photo by Hollywood Reporter
3) Flash–back or Flash-forward
- From ancient history to deep future, how will you alter time for your characters? Stanley Kubrick does this in 2001: A Space Odyssey. A bone that is thrown by an angry Neanderthal in the prehistoric age becomes a satellite in space.
Casino (left to right) Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro
4) Interview Real People
- Voice, mannerisms and body-language, these are all unique for each person. Give your story depth and consider real people as your muse. Martin Scorsese does this for characters in Casino. Although the film is based on a non-fiction book, many of the characters, including the main character “Ace” was adapted from real-people. “Ace” was really depicted from the Las Vegas bettor Frank Rosenthal played by Robert De Niro.
Cube, 1997 Sci-Fi Horror feature, developed by the Canadian Film Center (CFC)
5) Create Characters with Purpose
- Contrast the people you write about, make them unique, equally crafty, opposites and/or misfits. My all-time fave example is Cube and it was filmed in my city Toronto. This film did grasp the idea of being trapped with unique people in a Cube. Each character had a special job to fulfill.
What are your best writing techniques? Comment below
#writers #movies #films #actors #directors #producers #TV #media #tips #storytelling
I'm not really much of a writer so reading your blog gave me some good inspiration on what to consider. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Just incorporate elements that fits your story. Keep learning.
DeleteVery interesting read. I've always been interested in screenwriting but never really knew where to start so this definitely helped.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Check out the links they are great for insights.
DeleteAnything that can help me get my creative juices flowing is worth reading, thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Ricardo. I'm sure you will write a great script, don't give up.
DeleteKEEP A STORY PROMISE! YES! YES YES! When writer's start a plot and then leave it like we've forgotten....this is SO frustrating as an audience member. It's interesting to see the process behind screenwriting. Often, I think, we look at shows as if they write themselves. If a show makes you feel that way, it's because of good writers!
ReplyDeleteI learned from a sci fi prof/ecologist Nina Munteanu at George Brown College, this concept was her blessing to me.
DeleteGreat blog Kay! As an inspiring writer, I have started working on a biography script (based on my life) and I will admit, is a lot harder than I thought! Especially in keeping with screenwriting rules. Some of these techniques may sort out the writers block I've been having for the past few years. I loved your references in this blog, especially Casino and Cube. Great films! Thanks for the links; I will definitely check out your resources. All the best to you in your writing journey!
ReplyDelete