story structure Archives - Page 2 of 6

Are You A Reader Of Screenplays Or A Watcher Of Movies?

February 19, 2012 by Jamie Wynen

Some respected screenwriting gurus claim that you should read and study as many screenplays as possible. It doesn’t matter if the film was a success or a flop: you learn either way. I agree. But more importantly, you should watch and analyze the movies. For years, I blindly followed this dogma, as it seemed to … Read more

The story plan (2)

January 17, 2012 by Lawrence Gray

The theatre, and now the Cinema and TV and Internet, all play a propagandist role in any society. If you are going to write a war movie, it is unlikely you are going to write about how badly your people behaved. [divider] by Lawrence Gray And who are your people? Are they the ones who … Read more

Video: The Formula For A Winning Trailer

October 27, 2010 by Karel FG Segers

All trailers look the same. Why?
Because great movies have the same story components. [debate follows]
Here, in the greatest simplicity, it is shown what to incorporate in your story that needs to go in the trailer. Well, kind of.

With thanks to Louise Lee Mei and Niels Abercrombie.

Karel FG Segers

Karel Segers wrote his first produced screenplay at age 17. Today he is a story analyst with experience in acquisition, development and production. He has trained students worldwide, and worked with half a dozen Academy Award nominees. Karel speaks more European languages than he has fingers on his left hand, which he is still trying to find a use for in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. The languages, not the fingers.

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Structure: Inception

August 24, 2010 by Karel FG Segers

It’s by far the most talked-about movie of the year, because of its high concept and intelligent execution. The movie has an aura of complexity but when you examine the dramatic structure carefully, it is deceptively simple. See for yourself. My first viewing of Inception was at the world’s largest IMAX screen in Sydney’s Darling … Read more

Two Journeys of Change

June 19, 2010 by Karel FG Segers

A day in Michael Hauge’s romcom seminar inspired me to republish this brief article I wrote about a year and a half ago. Hauge claims the Inner and Outer Journey run in parallel. I think he’s right, with one small caveat. A gorgeous Sunday morning in a Manly cafe with a view on the ocean. … Read more

All trailers look the same. Why? Because great movies have the same story components. [debate follows] Here, in the greatest simplicity, it is shown what to incorporate in your story that needs to go in the trailer. Well, kind of.

All trailers look the same. Why?
Because great movies have the same story components. [debate follows]
Here, in the greatest simplicity, it is shown what to incorporate in your story that needs to go in the trailer. Well, kind of.