How to Write an A24 Screenplay (Writing Advice)

Summary

The video script discusses the success of A24, a film studio known for its unconventional approach to movie-making that has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. It outlines seven tips for writers to emulate A24's style: casting atypical protagonists, making personal stakes matter, depicting characters in desperate situations, going to narrative extremes, using specific settings as a character, keeping the production contained to control budgets, and writing for a niche audience rather than trying to please everyone. The script emphasizes the importance of taking risks and creating unique, memorable films that resonate with dedicated audiences.

Takeaways

• 🎭 **Atypical Protagonists**: A24 films often feature lead characters from marginalized communities or unconventional roles that deviate from typical movie leads.
• 🚀 **Personal Stakes**: A24 stories focus on personal, relatable stakes over high-concept, world-saving narratives, making the audience care deeply about the protagonist's journey.
• 🔥 **Desperation Drives Action**: Characters in A24 films are often in desperate situations, which fuels their actions and adds depth to their stories.
• 🌟 **Extremes in Storytelling**: A24 is known for pushing boundaries with extreme and memorable scenes that provoke discussion and linger in the audience's memory.
• 📍 **Specificity in Setting**: Settings in A24 films are integral and often act as a character themselves, with stories deeply tied to their location or time period.
• 🏠 **Contained Worlds**: Many A24 films have a contained feel, with limited locations and a focus on a few key areas, which helps manage budgets and enhance storytelling.
• 💰 **Budget Consciousness**: A24's smaller budgets allow for risk-taking and unique films that don't need to appeal to mass audiences, leading to distinctive and memorable cinema.
• 🧑 **Writing for a Specific Audience**: A24 creates films for niche audiences who appreciate their unique, authentic, and sometimes uncomfortable storytelling.
• 🤔 **Defying Generic Storytelling**: A24 avoids generic plots and focuses on creating original content that stands out, even if it doesn't always achieve critical acclaim.
• 🎬 **Risk-Taking Approach**: A24's philosophy involves making movies that are weird and daring, often with small but dedicated audiences, rather than aiming for mass appeal.
• 👥 **Creating for an 'Avatar'**: Writers should focus on creating content for a specific, ideal audience member, ensuring the film resonates deeply with that individual.

Q & A

What is the secret to A24's success in the film industry?

A24's success is attributed to their unique approach to storytelling, which includes casting atypical protagonists, focusing on personal stakes, creating extreme and memorable scenes, using specific settings as characters, maintaining a contained production scope, and targeting a niche audience rather than trying to please everyone.

How does A24 challenge conventional storytelling by casting their protagonists?

A24 often casts unconventional lead characters that come from marginalized communities or are simply not the typical heroes seen in mainstream cinema. This approach allows for a fresh perspective and can make the characters more relatable or intriguing to the audience.

What is the significance of personal stakes in A24 films?

Personal stakes in A24 films make the narrative more relatable to the audience, even if the overall plot does not involve world-ending threats. By focusing on the personal journey and struggles of the characters, A24 creates an emotional connection with the viewers.

How does A24 use extreme scenes to engage the audience?

A24 is known for pushing boundaries and including extreme and excessive moments in their films. These scenes often become memorable talking points, sparking discussions and debates among viewers, which contributes to the film's cultural impact.

Why is the specificity of setting important in A24 films?

The setting in A24 films is treated as a character itself, with stories often being period pieces or set in specific locations that are integral to the plot. This specificity helps to create a contained and immersive world for the characters and the audience.

How does a contained production scope benefit A24 films?

A contained production scope allows A24 to manage costs effectively, enabling them to take creative risks without the pressure of needing a high return on investment. It also helps to maintain a focused narrative and can contribute to the uniqueness of the film.

What is the philosophy behind not writing for everyone when creating an A24 style film?

By targeting a specific niche audience, A24 ensures that their films resonate deeply with a dedicated fan base. This approach allows for more creative freedom and authenticity, resulting in films that are memorable and have the potential to achieve cult status.

How does A24's approach to film production influence the film industry?

A24's commitment to unique storytelling, risk-taking, and targeted audience engagement is changing the film industry by demonstrating that there is a market for unconventional films. This encourages other studios to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo.

What is the concept of an 'Avatar' in the context of writing for a specific audience?

An 'Avatar' is an idealized representation of the target audience member for whom the film is being created. By imagining how this individual would interact with the story, writers can tailor the film to appeal to their specific tastes and expectations.

Why is it important for a writer to establish the protagonist's personal stakes early in the film?

Establishing the protagonist's personal stakes early on helps to create an emotional investment in the character's journey. It also sets the tone for the level of difficulty and tension that the character will face, which can heighten the audience's engagement with the story.

How does A24's approach to casting and character development contribute to the cultural impact of their films?

A24's focus on atypical protagonists and personal stakes allows them to tell diverse and authentic stories that resonate with a wide range of audiences. This approach often results in films that are critically acclaimed and culturally significant, contributing to the company's reputation for producing high-quality, thought-provoking cinema.

What advice would you give to a writer looking to create a script in the style of A24?

To create a script in the style of A24, a writer should focus on developing an atypical protagonist, crafting a story with personal stakes, exploring extreme scenarios, utilizing a specific and contained setting, considering budget constraints, and writing for a niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone.