How to Write a Scene

Summary

This video delves into the art of writing and rewriting scenes in screenplays, emphasizing the importance of character goals and story progression. Viewers learn to keep their first drafts simple by focusing on essential questions about character motivations and scene impact. It highlights the necessity of context, showcasing examples from films like *500 Days of Summer* and *The Social Network* to illustrate effective scene dynamics. The video encourages writers to analyze their work critically during the rewriting phase, ensuring each scene contributes meaningfully to the narrative. For deeper insights, viewers are invited to explore the accompanying e-book, *Practical Screenwriting*.

Takeaways

• 📚 Writing a first draft should be simple; avoid overcomplicating the process with too many rules.
• ❓ Focus on two main questions while writing: What are the character goals, and how does the scene change the story?
• 🎯 Clearly defining character motivations is essential for effective scene writing.
• 🔄 Each scene should create a significant story turn or change that propels the narrative forward.
• 🧩 Scenes must be interconnected; their relevance should be evaluated within the context of the overall story.
• 🔍 During rewrites, analyze what characters want, the specific conflict in the scene, and the actions they take.
• ⚠️ Scenes without clear conflict often become mere exposition, which can disengage the audience.
• 💥 Use examples from films like '500 Days of Summer' and 'The Social Network' to illustrate how character goals and conflicts drive the story.
• ✂️ Remove scenes that don't serve the narrative or character development; they may distract from the main story.
• 🎥 Engage the audience by providing valuable insights on storytelling through practical advice and examples.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the e-book 'Practical Screenwriting'?

The e-book covers topics such as overcoming writer's block, identifying common mistakes screenwriters make, and providing practical approaches to storytelling.

What are the two main stages to consider when writing a scene?

The two stages are writing the scene for the first time and rewriting the scene, each requiring different approaches.

What two questions should writers focus on when drafting a scene for the first time?

Writers should consider 'What are the goals of my characters?' and 'What happens in the scene that changes the story?'

Why is it important to understand characters' goals in a scene?

Understanding characters' goals is essential for determining why the scene exists and ensuring that the characters are properly motivated.

What is meant by a scene needing to 'turn' the story?

A scene should create a change in the story or the characters, moving the narrative forward and maintaining audience interest.

How do the scenes from '500 Days of Summer' and 'The Social Network' illustrate key points in screenwriting?

These scenes demonstrate how characters' goals and conflicts lead to significant story turns that impact character relationships and propel the plot forward.

What should a writer do if a scene lacks conflict?

If a scene lacks conflict, it may end up being boring or simply expository, and the writer should consider adding obstacles or removing the scene altogether.

What are some questions to consider during the rewriting phase of a scene?

During rewriting, consider: What do the characters want? What is the specific problem in the scene? What actions do the characters take to try to get what they want? How does the scene change the overall story?

Why is context important when writing a scene?

Context is crucial because a scene must be interconnected with what has happened before and what will happen afterward; otherwise, it may be unnecessary.

What common mistakes do writers make regarding scenes, according to the speaker?

Writers often create scenes without clear motivations or goals for the characters, leading to scenes that do not effectively contribute to the story.