Shifting POV

Often when filmmakers use the term ‘omniscient point of view’, I believe what they really mean is: ‘shifting point of view’. Most of the film will still be told from the standpoint of one ore more individual characters, shifting from one scene to the next and from one character to the next. Even in films … Read more

POV: McKee’s View

“The more time spent with a character, the more opportunity to witness his choices. The result is more empathy and emotional involvement between audience and character.” -Robert McKee In his introduction about point of view (POV) in the scene, Robert McKee focuses on screen time and the physical location of the camera. POV is more. … Read more

Bring on the Hero

About ten years ago I was first introduced to the Hero’s Journey. Since then I have found myself regularly relying on it when explaining story structure. Today I wanted to write an article about why I believe the Hero’s Journey is such a popular model for screenwriters and story teachers. Then I stumbled on the … Read more

Bringing Up Baby

I was surprised to read the following quote from respected Australian screenwriter Keith Thompson: “an overt focus on structure may be to the detriment of the script overall. He prefers to discuss scripts using more generic terms such as beginning, middle and end. The hero’s journey (a la Campbell and Vogler) should be approached warily.” … Read more

Writing in Sin

After seeing CANDY tonight, I’m baffled that so-called established filmmakers can get it so wrong. And let me tell you, it is not THAT hard. First: a three ‘part’ structure is not a three ‘act’ structure. And a movie lacking drama will fail. Guaranteed. My fifteen students of Saturday’s workshop could have told you CANDY … Read more