Go Into The Story: Screenwriting 101 - Scott Myers [FULL INTERVIEW]

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide aspiring screenwriters through the fundamentals of character-driven storytelling, drawing insights from Scott Myers, an experienced screenwriter and educator. By following these steps, writers can enhance their craft and develop compelling narratives.

Step 1: Understand the Protagonist's Journey

• Familiarize yourself with the concept of the protagonist's journey, which serves as the foundation for character-driven stories.
• Focus on these key elements:
  • Desire: Identify what your protagonist wants most.
  • Conflict: Determine the obstacles that stand in their way.
  • Growth: Explore how the protagonist changes throughout the story.

Step 2: Develop Strong Characters

• Create well-rounded characters by giving them:
  • Backstory: Develop a history that informs their motivations and actions.
  • Flaws: Introduce imperfections that make them relatable and human.
  • Goals: Clearly define what they aim to achieve.

Step 3: Structure Your Story

• Use a three-act structure to organize your screenplay:
  1. Act One: Introduce characters, setting, and the central conflict.
  2. Act Two: Develop the conflict through challenges and character development.
  3. Act Three: Resolve the conflict and show character transformation.

Step 4: Write Engaging Dialogue

• Make your dialogue realistic and purposeful:
  • Ensure each character has a distinct voice that reflects their personality.
  • Use subtext to convey deeper meanings without stating them outright.
  • Keep it concise; avoid lengthy speeches unless they serve a significant purpose.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

• Embrace the revision process as essential to storytelling:
  • Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors.
  • Be open to making changes, even if it means cutting scenes or characters.
  • Focus on clarity and pacing to maintain audience engagement.

Step 6: Learn from Others

• Analyze successful screenplays and films:
  • Identify what works and what doesn't in the storytelling.
  • Take notes on character arcs, plot development, and dialogue.
  • Apply these lessons to your own writing.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can develop a strong foundation in character-driven screenwriting. Focus on understanding your protagonist’s journey, crafting rich characters, structuring your narrative effectively, writing engaging dialogue, and embracing the revision process. Keep learning from successful stories, and you'll be well on your way to creating compelling screenplays. Start your writing journey today by outlining your protagonist's journey and building your characters!