Video

Video: Animal Kingdom

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One of the most highly acclaimed Australian films of recent years and definitely the only one I have been looking forward to see after continuing disappointments.

Writer-Director David Michôd talks about his cinematic debut.

With thanks to Louise Lee Mei.

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Video: Joss Whedon

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This weekend Joss Whedon talks at the Sydney Opera House and I thought it would be a good reason to show a short clip giving us an insight in his writing world. He talks about his writing habits and his preference for characters who grow and learn.

“Sitcoms didn’t resonate with me as much because, you know, wacky situation after wacky situation… I start to get a little twitchy. What have we learned?” … “We don’t have to hug, we don’t have to share but we have change. We have to figure out something or forget something, we have to make a mistake. If we’re not doing that, then, honestly, why are we here?”

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Video: Save The Cat

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If you’ve heard of Blake Snyder but never read any of his books, you might wonder what that Save The Cat phrase really is about. Using four examples of STC moments, Steve White explains clearly and simply how to set up the hero’s core of redeemability.

The four movies are: Aladdin, Sea Of Love, Heist and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

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Video: David Mamet

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Here is an interview from a few years back in which Mamet explains what drama is all about.

And it’s not character development.

It’s about “Get there, that’s all it is. Whatever is happening next.”

Mamet summarizes his view on his craft in a very simple statement.

“The whole idea of drama is three things:

  • Who wants what from whom?
  • What happens if they don’t get it?
  • Why now?

    • And for the avoidance of doubt:

    “There’s no such thing as character development. All there is, is action”

    He also talks about the Hero’s Journey and how each story is really the same Hero myth. A fascinating piece.

    Enjoy!

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    Michael Wiese teaches script pitching

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    Most questions I receive from screenwriters are about how and where to pitch. In fairness, their scripts are rarely ready for pitching. But for those few who have honed the story and perfected the screenplay, here are some great tips.

    Michael Wiese goes through a number of practical tips and tricks for the pitching situation.

    This one is not about structuring your logline or finding antecedents to your project; it’s more about creating the right atmosphere and establishing a connection with the person you pitch to.

    Enjoy!

    Karel

    (with thanks to Louise Tan)

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