As humans, storytelling is inherent in us. It is how we pass on knowledge, culture, beliefs, and even emotions to future generations. In our modern world, we have found ourselves surrounded by different forms of storytelling, from books and plays to films and television shows. However, the art of good storytelling involves more than just a well-developed plot and engaging characters. It requires a certain finesse that successful film screenwriters have mastered. In this article, we’ll dive into the tips that successful film screenwriters have used to unlock the power of their storytelling.
1. Start with a Strong Concept
A great film story starts with a strong concept. A concept is a simple, one-sentence idea that encapsulates your story, and serves as the foundation for your entire script. Usually, a concept is a unique twist on a universal theme that makes your story stand out. Creating a strong concept requires thinking outside the box and exploring various sources of inspiration.
For example, Pixar’s «Up» concept of an old man who attaches balloons to his house to travel to South America to fulfill his wife’s dream, is a fresh twist on the classic road trip story while exploring the theme of hope and resilience. When creating a concept, try to think of a unique premise that sparks your imagination.
2. Create Intriguing Characters
While a strong plot is necessary, engaging characters are what make your audience care about your story. A well-written character has a unique voice, clear motivations, and a distinct personality that makes them relatable and interesting to watch on screen.
In creating characters, it is essential to start with their backstory, defining their past experiences, beliefs, and desires. You then need to give them clear goals and obstacles to overcome, which will help shape their journey throughout the story.
The character-driven drama «Lady Bird» is an example of great character development. Director Greta Gerwig created a relatable protagonist in Lady Bird, portraying her coming-of-age story as a teenager struggling to define herself in Sacramento. Her relationship with her mother, Marion, is a remarkable example of how an intricate bond can shape character motivation and conflict.
3. Develop Your Plot Structure
Your plot structure is the backbone of your story. It outlines the events that happen in your script, and how they relate to your central theme. A well-structured plot can keep your audience engaged and invested in your story until the end.
When developing your plot structure, you need to focus on the three-act structure that involves the setup, confrontation, and resolution. You should begin by introducing your characters, setting the tone, and establishing the central conflict (the inciting incident). The confrontation builds tension and drama, leading to a climax that resolves the central conflict.
An example of great plot structure is «The Godfather.» Director Francis Ford Coppola masterfully structured the film’s narrative around Michael Corleone, evolving him from a civilian outsider into the family business into a ruthless leader. The climax of the movie shows Michael taking out his enemies, leading to his ultimate rise as the new Godfather.
4. Use Dialogue Effectively
Great dialogue is an essential aspect of any film story. It brings the characters to life, making them sound unique and authentic. Dialogue can also be used to convey critical information, reveal character motivations, and add subtext to a scene.
When writing dialogue, you need to make it sound natural and believable, while also driving the story forward. Every word should add to the narrative, and not just be a filler.
An excellent example of great dialogue is the romantic comedy «When Harry Met Sally.» Screenwriter Nora Ephron created witty banter between the protagonists Harry and Sally, effortlessly conveying their personalities through their conversations.
5. Create Strong Visuals
Visual storytelling is an essential aspect of filmmaking. A great film story uses visual language to convey meaning and create a mood. Visuals can be used to give the audience an impression of character emotions, setting the atmosphere, and establishing tone.
Creating strong visuals requires creative collaboration with the cinematographer, production designer, and director. The goal is to create visual metaphors that emotionally resonate with the audience and add a new layer of meaning to the story.
Christopher Nolan’s breakthrough film «Memento» is an example of excellent visual storytelling. The film’s unconventional structure, told in reverse order, is supported by the use of color, lighting, and camera angles to convey the protagonist’s condition of short-term memory loss.
6. Revise and Rewrite
The essential aspect of the writing process is revision and rewriting. No first draft is ever perfect. Experienced screenwriters know that revisions and rewrites help improve the story, making it more cohesive and resonating with the audience.
Revising and rewriting involve fixing issues with structure, pacing, character development, and dialogue. It is a long process, but it’s worth it in the end. Repeat the process until you’re completely satisfied with your story.
In Summary
To unlock the power of your storytelling, start with a strong concept, create intriguing characters, develop your plot structure, use dialogue effectively, create strong visuals, and revise and rewrite your work. These tips from successful film screenwriters will give you a greater understanding of how to create cinematic stories that resonate with the audience. Remember, creating excellent film stories requires time, passion, and a willingness to learn and improve.