S is for Screenwriting Expo

S is for Screenwriting Expo

Here's a reach-out to my students: I'll be presenting
four lectures at the L.A. Screenwriting Expo, the 25th
and 26th of October. It will be out at LAX, and you
can learn more at www.screenwritingexp.com

This is actually an excellent gathering, with more
writing instructors WHO ACTUALLY KNOW THEIR
STUFF in one place than almost anywhere else on
the planet. My workshops will be on Horror,
Science Fiction, Plot, and Character. I've been a
"Starred Speaker" three years running. Let's see
if I can make it four!
So...in the craft of writing, there are many different
forms that have dominated the field at different
times in history. The narrative song, the play,
the short story, the novel...all have had periods
of popularity, decline, and resurgence. Currently,
the most vital forms are the cable television
drama, and the film.

Most of the basic aspects of writing are identical:
plot and character interact to create theme,
meaning, poetics and emotion. But with the
screenplay, it is vital that the majority of the
meaning is conveyed visually.

I was watching "Witness" yesterday. A terrific
movie about an Amish family caught up in the
violent world of world-weary cop John Booker.
Booker is ultimately forced to hide out in the
Amish community, and there the contrast
between the two lifestyles is played out on
multiple levels.

You could easily, EASILY, turn the sound off,
and follow the film. Every step of the relationship
dance between Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis.
The triangle with Alexander Gudenov. The
corruption at the police department. The savage
murder that sets the plot in motion, witnessed
by an innocent child. The insularity of the
Amish community, and their love and support
for each other--as well as their disapproval
of any action that challenges their customs.

Watch the film. Note the actions that symbolize
submission to the Amish lifestyle (Ford handing
gun and bullets to McGillis. Ford helping to
build a barn.) as well as actions that symbolize
the dysfunction of the "modern" world (a car
not starting. Rude tourists. The deceptions
of those entrusted with "keeping the peace.")

This is a masterful Hollywood entertainment,
a small gem. Watch it again, with the sound
off, and see what you can learn.

In your own work, you have the obligation to
see that the dramatic spine is carried by the
visuals, not merely the exposition. You can
deepen and contrast your basic story with
exposition, but IF YOU CAN'T TURN THE
SOUND OFF AND FOLLOW THE STORY, YOU
MAY NOT HAVE A FILM.

Think about it.