August’s Buzz:

SUMMER SESSION: SEVEN FUN SCREENWRITING TASKS
(Copyright 2003)

by
Kathryn McCullough

At the end of summer, when the long days, enervating heat, and the desire to take a vacation slow your writing progress, keep the creative juices flowing with the following easy tasks.

1. Subscribe to Turner Classic Movies.

Because TCM never shows any film more than once per month, there is always something different to watch, from classics you have seen several times to rare gems you’ve never even heard of. At least one award-winning movie is broadcast every day, but even second-rate B-movies are worth a look. In the 1940s and ‘50s, these movies were cranked out according to set formulas, which makes them very easy to study for structure, pace, and other key plot elements.

2. Rent ten movies known for their superb storytelling.

Films that have won Oscars for screenwriting are the obvious choices here, yet there are many movies that were originally overlooked and have gone on to become classics. Films that have been frequently imitated throughout the years (such as SOME LIKE IT HOT and PSYCHO) are also good candidates. As you watch these films, jot down the scenes in order. Keep a timer or clock nearby and note when the key plot points occur. Afterward, examine your notes to determine how the scenes clump into sequences and acts. (Sequences will be discussed in more depth in September’s Buzz.)

3. Rent your favorite movie, if you don’t own it already.

Watch the film at least six times in a row. (Yes, you may take bathroom breaks.) After the first three or four times through, you will cease to become involved with the story, and the mechanics of the plot will pop out more clearly. Note how the filmmakers use set design, sound, music and other elements to foreshadow events. Seek out plants and payoffs in the action and dialogue. (More on plants and payoffs in a future Buzz column.)

4. Attend at least one movie a week in the theater.

Afterward, analyze what worked in the film and what didn’t. Pretend you have been hired to doctor the script, and write out notes on how to improve the story, character relationships, subplots, etc. Be as detailed as possible.

5. Purchase the screenplay of a film you admire.

Read the script and break down the story into sequences and acts. Now watch the movie with the script at hand and note the differences between the screenplay and the film. Mark what was cut from the script. Often these cuts were made not because the scenes or beats didn’t belong, but because they were points that could be made on film via performance, direction, sound or cinematography. However, on the page, these story or character moments had to be conveyed in words, since this is the only tool the writer has. (A good example is THE GRADUATE, which is a very spare movie yet a fairly dense screenplay.) This is why it is just as important for writers to read scripts as it is to watch movies.

6. Make a list of 50 possible movie titles.

If you have a tendency to lean toward one genre (for instance, all your titles have the words “Blood” or “Death” in them), try shaking up your brain a little and list ten romantic comedy titles, ten sci-fi action titles, ten coming-of-age drama titles, etc.

7. Make brainstorming flashcards.

On individual index cards, write down ten different professions, ten locations, ten obstacles and ten goals. Shuffle each of the four packs, and pick one card from each. Write the opening scene of a screenplay based on these four elements. Repeat at least three times. Add to the decks over time, and come up with ideas for new decks: villains, time periods, love interests, etc. Use whenever you’re having trouble coming up with a new story idea, or as a warm-up writing exercise.

Of course, these tasks are things you can do all year round, whenever you are feeling burned out or discouraged, or when you just need a break. They are activities that will help you refill your creative reserves, so you’ll be ready to begin again with renewed energy and focus.