Characters Create Cinema

Look, I'm going to be honest with y'all... Despite what no one, I mean, none is saying about me, I ain't the brightest knife in the crayon box. I don't know everything. I barely know anything. The only thing I know for sure is that the vastness of my ignorance is only outmatched by misunderstanding what I think I know. What I am saying is I don't know everything nor do I pretend to. These articles are purely based on my experience and how I have found what works for me. But what works for me, may not work for you. My only hope if that you find betterment for yourself from these.

One of the things I know is that one of the biggest reasons why so many #specscreenplays get passed on is because of a lack of mysteriously intriguing #originality.

It's true that many amateur #screenwriters are more concerned with #storystructure and #screenwriting technique than they are with creating a phenomenal #characterdriven #story. But the truth is, you cannot fix a bad or boring story with technique, beating, or #outlining. You need to #breakstory by basing it in your character's #backstory and see where the #plot lands as you throw obstacles at your characters based on their biggest #desires and worst #weaknesses from your work on their back story. Also give them a secret and never explain it in the text. Trust me.

Creating plot by connecting the same dots over and over again is a #highconcept career track, but you will never write anything of real value. Screenwriters need to fix the macro of the #characterarcs before moving into the micro of the story of the film. Screenwriters should focus on creating original character-driven #stories to tell with the "art of screenwriting" and not on what framework to put characterless #screenplay beats on.

So, what can screenwriters do to write original stories instead of f#ormulaic films? Here are some of my immensely few thoughts:

1. Start with character. The most important part of any #screenplay is your #protagonist. Your #character needs to be fully realized, with a backstory that informs their actions, word choice in dialogue, and motivations. You need to know who they are, what they want, and what they're willing to do to get it. Then you can create the best hurdles and roadblocks to throw at them for stakes. You have to constantly raise the stakes and when you know your characters, you can do it in the most meaningfully manner. This is great for tension.
2. Avoid cliches. There are certain character types and plot points that have been done to death. If you find yourself writing something that feels familiar, stop and ask yourself how you can make it unique. Try to come up with unexpected twists and turns that will surprise your audience.If you did the first step this will come more easily. If the clerk has their own C story going on in the background it gives you the best organic plot twist, red herring style misdirections, and left turns. An amazing twist will not save a shitty story but a twist based in character backstory is always more effective and surprising if you do it right.
3. Be specific. Specificity is key when it comes to creating memorable characters and settings. Instead of writing about a generic coffee shop, describe a coffee shop that has a unique vibe or a quirky owner. The more specific you can be, the more your story will stand out. Try not let audience and marketing demographic play a factor into your writing until it needs to be. I mean when you know what your thing is, then cater to that audience without being insulting. Tarantino is a genre master (Not a "GENRE MASTER" in that he specializes in horror, sci-fi, and fantasy), meaning he knows the genre he is working in and its tenants so well he can live in that world and tell his brilliant stories based in character. Also if he wants to break a rule he can now do it more effectively with that knowledge. If you try and write a film for everyone, you will end up writing a film for no one. That doesn't mean you can't write #fourquadrant, however, your story needs to be four-quadrant and then you strengthen that, but don't ever try and create with the goal being four-quadrant. I think that is the worst writing.
4. Take risks. Don't be afraid to take risks in your storytelling. Sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that challenge our expectations. Don't be afraid to go against the grain and do something different. Never make the goal to teach nor preach, but you can always challenge ways of thinking. For me, that is the best storytelling. But that can only happen when the creator and the audience both set aside bias. Rare to say the least. It's ok to have a theme and poignant subtext but if you are going to challenge, be transparent about your own beliefs, and be prepared to be challenged yourself with the same response you want from your audience, that's my message. See what I did there.

Trust your instincts. Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is trust your instincts as a writer. If something feels right, go with it. If something feels off, don't be afraid to go back and revise. Writing is a process, and it takes time to get it right. You are the creator of your story, and you have a unique perspective on the world that no one else has. If something feels right, go with it. Don't second guess yourself, because it is your vision that will make your story stand out. On the other hand, if something feels off, don't be afraid to go back and revise. Writing is a process that takes time and effort, and it's not always going to be perfect on the first draft. Your instincts will guide you towards what works, but it's important to be willing to make changes and revisions to your script to make it the best it can be. Remember, as a screenwriter, you are not just a #writer, but also a #storyteller. Your goal is to take your reader/audience on a journey that will captivate and move them. Trusting your instincts and being willing to revise are key elements to achieving that goal.

So what does all this shit mean?

You want your screenwriting to stand out from the rest, you need to focus on creating original, character-driven stories. Avoid #cliches, be specific, take risks, and above all, trust your instincts. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to writing a screenplay that will capture the attention of #scriptreaders and God willing, #audiences alike.