Writing A Great Movie: Key Tools For Successful Screenwriting - Jeff Kitchen [FULL INTERVIEW]

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide based on insights from Jeff Kitchen's interview on screenwriting. It covers essential tools and techniques for aspiring screenwriters, helping you craft compelling narratives and develop strong characters. Whether you're a novice or an experienced writer, these principles will enhance your storytelling capabilities.

Step 1: Find Your Inspiration

• Seek out teachers and mentors who inspire you in your writing journey.
• Engage with various forms of storytelling, including films, literature, and theater.
• Reflect on personal experiences and observations to find unique story angles.

Step 2: Understand Cognitive Apprenticeship

• Embrace the concept of cognitive apprenticeship, where you learn by doing and receiving feedback.
• Write frequently and share your work with peers or mentors for constructive critique.
• Analyze existing screenplays to understand structure and character development.

Step 3: Embrace Originality

• Recognize that every story can have a fresh perspective; avoid the belief that all stories have already been told.
• Focus on your unique voice and experiences to differentiate your writing.
• Experiment with different genres and styles to discover what resonates with you.

Step 4: Differentiate Between Dramatist and Storyteller

• Understand the distinction between a dramatist (focused on performance) and a storyteller (focused on narrative).
• Develop skills in both areas to enrich your screenwriting.
• Use dialogue and action to convey character emotions and plot progression effectively.

Step 5: Create Powerful Dilemmas

• Identify the central dilemma in your story, which should challenge your characters significantly.
• Use this dilemma to drive the plot and deepen character development.
• Ensure the stakes are high to maintain audience engagement.

Step 6: Master Plot Construction

• Familiarize yourself with the most powerful plot construction tools in the industry.
• Use outlines or beat sheets to map out your story's structure.
• Incorporate plot twists and turns to keep the audience invested.

Step 7: Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Be aware that 99% of submitted screenplays are unreadable due to poor writing or structure.
• Edit ruthlessly to eliminate unnecessary elements that detract from your story.
• Focus on clarity and coherence in both your writing and character arcs.

Step 8: Develop Complex Characters

• Utilize the Enneagram as a framework to create multidimensional characters.
• Ensure each character has distinct motivations, flaws, and growth arcs.
• Consider how characters' relationships impact the overall narrative.

Step 9: Identify Your Story's Theme

• Determine the central theme of your story, which conveys its deeper meaning.
• Reflect on how the theme influences character decisions and plot developments.
• Use thematic elements to create resonance with the audience.

Step 10: Explore Dramatic Situations

• Study the thirty-six dramatic situations to find inspiration for your plot.
• Utilize these situations to create conflict and tension within your story.
• Adapt these situations to fit your unique narrative style.

Conclusion

By incorporating these steps and insights from Jeff Kitchen, you can significantly enhance your screenwriting skills. Focus on developing original ideas, strong dilemmas, and complex characters while avoiding common pitfalls in storytelling. Start implementing these techniques in your writing, and consider enrolling in courses or workshops for further development. Happy writing!