24 - Screen Gems 🎬– Mastering Cinematic Storytelling with Alan Moore 🎥✨

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding cinematic language for aspiring writers in visual mediums like film and television. They advise studying great filmmakers such as Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, and Jean Cocteau, as well as reading intelligent film criticism. Key themes include the psychological impact of shot composition, the structure of screenplays (such as the three-act model), and the significance of strong, resonant dialogue. The speaker also discusses the challenges of procrastination and the importance of knowing a project's ending before starting. Additionally, they reflect on the editor's crucial role in shaping a film's narrative.

Takeaways

• 😀 Acquaint yourself with the English language and cinematic language if you wish to be a writer, especially for screenwriting.
• 😀 Study the work of great directors like Orson Welles, Jean Cocteau, and Alfred Hitchcock to learn about the technical aspects of filmmaking.
• 😀 Analyzing films through a director's perspective helps you notice details you might not have seen before, improving your storytelling skills.
• 😀 Reading books on film criticism is important to understand cinematic techniques and how to apply them to your writing, especially for screenplays.
• 😀 Psychological impact can be created through shot angles in film. For example, low-angle shots can make a character or setting seem more powerful.
• 😀 Procrastination is a common challenge for writers. Recognizing and accepting it allows you to push through and begin working on your project.
• 😀 The structure of a screenplay often follows a three-act format: establishing characters and setting, a twist in the middle, and a dramatic climax.
• 😀 Effective dialogue is crucial for maintaining pacing and capturing the audience's attention. Every line should reveal something about the character.
• 😀 It's important to know your story's ending before you start writing, especially in long-form formats like television series, to avoid aimless narrative drift.
• 😀 The editor plays a crucial role in shaping the final film, sometimes more than the director, by selecting the right cuts and structuring the narrative.
• 😀 Writers should pay careful attention to each element of the screenplay, ensuring that all lines of dialogue contribute meaningfully to the character or story.

Q & A

What is the first piece of advice for someone who wants to be a writer in visual narrative mediums like cinema or television?

The first piece of advice is to fully acquaint yourself with cinematic language by studying the works of great directors such as Orson Welles, Jean Cocteau, and Alfred Hitchcock. Understanding how these filmmakers use angles, framing, and dramatic effects can significantly improve one's screenwriting.

Why is it important to understand film criticism when starting as a screenwriter?

Studying intelligent books on film criticism helps writers understand the techniques and strategies used by great filmmakers, such as how different shots affect the psychological mood of a scene. This knowledge can enhance a writer's ability to craft compelling visual narratives.

How did François Truffaut's book about Alfred Hitchcock influence the speaker?

The speaker found Truffaut's book revealing, as it explained how Hitchcock achieved his dramatic effects shot by shot. One example discussed was the use of camera angles in 'Psycho' to manipulate the audience's psychological perception of power and helplessness.

What role does procrastination play in the creative process according to the speaker?

Procrastination is portrayed as a common part of the creative process. The speaker acknowledges avoiding tasks due to apprehension but emphasizes the importance of recognizing when procrastination is happening and pushing through it to complete the work.

What does Sidfield’s advice on the three-act structure of screenplays emphasize?

Sidfield’s three-act structure is a key framework for screenwriters. The first act sets up the characters and situations, the second act introduces a major twist that redefines the story, and the third act leads to a climactic resolution. This structure helps maintain narrative focus and pacing.

How does the speaker suggest improving pacing in a screenplay?

To improve pacing, the speaker suggests cutting unnecessary exposition, shortening scenes that slow the plot, and focusing on keeping the audience engaged. Every scene should serve the story, and dialogue should be efficient while moving the narrative forward.

What does the speaker mean by 'continuous, resonant dialogue' and why is it important?

Continuous, resonant dialogue refers to writing dialogue that remains interesting and meaningful throughout the film. It should never be throwaway or overly expository. Every line should contribute to character development or the plot, and even small exchanges should be memorable and purposeful.

What is the significance of the anecdote about Orson Welles and the brothel scene in 'Citizen Kane'?

The anecdote illustrates the importance of preparing high-quality work even if some of it will inevitably be cut. Welles wrote a detailed scene to satisfy the studio's expectation of having something to cut, highlighting his commitment to perfection in every aspect of the film, including dialogue.

Why is it essential to know the ending of a story before starting to write, especially for television series?

Knowing the ending before starting to write helps maintain narrative structure and ensures the story doesn’t drift or lose focus. In television, having a clear endpoint is particularly crucial, as it prevents the series from becoming aimless or unsatisfying for viewers.

What role does editing play in shaping the final film, according to the speaker?

Editing is described as an essential part of filmmaking, sometimes even more influential than directing. Editors are responsible for shaping the narrative by selecting and arranging footage, which can significantly affect the story's flow and impact. The speaker respects editors for their ability to craft a coherent story from a mass of filmed material.