Story. Screenplay. Sale.
In her PLOT CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP, Linda Aronson discusses THE INSIDER as an example of a flawed script. The film not only put Russell Crowe on the celeb map with a Best Actor Nomination, it was also nominated for another six awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. That’s a pretty good result … Read more
A toddler looks at a man pulling funny faces, moving his limbs in crazy spasms. He falls on the ground, he hits his head. The toddler jumps with excitement. A female bystander watches the scene, her face contorted, fighting back tears. The introduction of the woman suddenly gives us a reliable POV. Although we still … Read more
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
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
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