How to Write a Perfect Scene

Summary

This video script delves into the art of crafting compelling scenes in screenwriting, focusing on the pivotal role of 'choice'. It uses iconic examples from films like 'The Matrix' and 'Little Miss Sunshine' to illustrate how dialogue and character dynamics can drive a scene's tension and resolution. The script emphasizes the importance of scene objects as symbols of choices and the hierarchy within character relationships that influence decision-making. It concludes with a formula for writing effective scenes, encouraging viewers to apply these principles to enhance their storytelling.

Takeaways

• 📝 Dialogue is a debate about a choice where characters argue the two options back and forth to make a decision.
• 🔑 The character with the power of choice holds the power in a scene, influencing the dynamic of the scene.
• 🍦 In the 'Little Miss Sunshine' example, the ice cream serves as a scene object, symbolizing the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.
• 🎬 The 'Matrix' blue pill/red pill scene illustrates a dramatic choice that sets the direction of the protagonist's life.
• 🤝 Characters' relationships and hierarchy within a scene are revealed through their involvement in the choice debate.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The family in 'Little Miss Sunshine' shows how character hierarchy and choice influence each other, impacting the final decision.
• 👥 In 'Succession', the debate about cooperating with the FBI demonstrates how characters react to a choice under pressure.
• 🎭 The 'Steve Jobs' opening scene uses a problem (the Voice demo) to set up a high-stakes choice and character hierarchy.
• 🎬 A scene object not only represents the choice but also serves as a memorable symbol of the conflict or decision in a scene.
• 📚 The script emphasizes the importance of understanding dialogue as action and the role of choice in driving a scene's drama.
• 📈 The video provides a formula for writing scenes: identify who wants what, the obstacles, the choice to be made, the scene object, character stances, and the final decision.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video script?

The central theme of the video script is the importance of choice in creating dramatic and engaging scenes in storytelling, using examples from various films.

What is the significance of the 'blue pill, red pill' scene from The Matrix?

The 'blue pill, red pill' scene from The Matrix is significant as it symbolizes a pivotal choice that determines the protagonist's reality and direction, highlighting the dramatic impact of choices in storytelling.

How does the video script use the example from 'Little Miss Sunshine' to illustrate the concept of choice?

The video script uses the 'Little Miss Sunshine' example to show how a simple choice, like whether to eat ice cream or not, can create a debate and involve all characters in a scene, demonstrating the dynamics of power and hierarchy.

What is dialogue according to the video script?

Dialogue, as explained in the video script, is a debate about a choice where characters argue the two options back and forth, taking action through words to win the decision and achieve their desired outcome.

Why is the character of Olive in 'Little Miss Sunshine' given the power of choice in the ice cream scene?

Olive is given the power of choice in the ice cream scene to demonstrate the concept that whoever holds the choice holds the power, and it allows the scene to explore the dynamics of family hierarchy and influence.

What is the role of a scene object in expressing the argument in a scene?

A scene object serves as a physical representation of the choice being debated, acting as a symbol of the decision at hand and making the drama more tangible and memorable for the audience.

How does the video script suggest using the power of choice to show a character's strength?

The video script suggests that to show a character's strength, make them the choicemaker and have them say very little, as the power of choice often conveys authority and influence without the need for extensive dialogue.

What is the importance of hierarchy in character relationships as depicted in the script?

Hierarchy in character relationships is important as it determines who has the power of choice and how other characters attempt to persuade or influence that choice, which in turn drives the scene's dynamics and resolution.

How does the video script use the opening scene of 'Steve Jobs' to demonstrate the concept of choice?

The video script uses the opening scene of 'Steve Jobs' to show how a character with decision-making power, like Steve Jobs, can influence the outcome for everyone involved, despite opposition and challenges.

What is the purpose of setting up a scene object in a debate?

The purpose of setting up a scene object in a debate is to provide a tangible focus for the argument, making the choice more relatable and impactful for the audience, and often leaving a lasting impression of the scene.

What formula does the video script suggest for writing a compelling scene?

The video script suggests a formula for writing a compelling scene that includes identifying who wants what, who is in their way, the choice between A or B, the important object of debate, the characters' stance on the choice, the decision-maker, and the pressure and resolution of the choice.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The Power of Choice in Dialogue

This paragraph introduces the concept of choice as a pivotal element in creating dramatic scenes. It uses the iconic 'blue pill, red pill' scene from 'The Matrix' to illustrate how a choice can dramatically alter a character's path. The paragraph emphasizes that dialogue is not just conversation but a debate about a choice, where characters argue over options to persuade others to their viewpoint. It suggests that understanding this dynamic can enhance the writing of scenes, making them more engaging and meaningful.

05:01

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Ice Cream Debate in 'Little Miss Sunshine'

The second paragraph delves into a subtler example of choice from the movie 'Little Miss Sunshine'. It describes a scene where a young girl, Olive, is tempted by ice cream before a beauty pageant, setting up a debate between her parents over whether she should indulge. The father argues against it due to the pageant, while the mother supports Olive's autonomy. The paragraph explains how the characters' dialogue reflects their worldviews and how their actions, or lack thereof, influence Olive's final decision, demonstrating the interplay of power and hierarchy within a family dynamic.

10:02

🎬 The Role of Scene Objects and Hierarchy in Decision-Making

This paragraph expands on the concept by discussing the role of scene objects that symbolize the choices being debated. It uses 'The Matrix' again, where the pills are not just objects but representations of two divergent paths. The paragraph also touches on the inherent hierarchy in character relationships and how it affects decision-making. It provides examples from 'Succession' and 'Steve Jobs' to show how characters with decision-making power are pressured by others and how they assert their authority, often leading to high-stakes outcomes.

15:03

📝 Crafting Compelling Scenes Through Choice and Hierarchy

The final paragraph wraps up the discussion by summarizing the key points: the importance of choice in driving dialogue, the influence of scene objects, and the dynamics of hierarchy. It encourages the application of these elements to craft scenes that are not only dramatic but also reflective of real-life power struggles and decision-making processes. The paragraph ends with a call to action for viewers to apply these insights to their own writing, promising more in-depth scene breakdowns in future content.

Keywords

💡Choice

Choice is a central theme in the video, referring to the decisions characters make that can significantly alter the direction of their lives or situations. Defined as the act of selecting between two or more possibilities, it is exemplified in the script by Neo's decision between the blue and red pill in 'The Matrix', symbolizing the acceptance of reality or the continuation of ignorance. The concept is further explored through various examples, such as Olive's decision about eating ice cream in 'Little Miss Sunshine', which becomes a debate on personal freedom versus societal expectations.

💡Dramatic Question

A dramatic question is a narrative device that creates suspense and drives the plot forward by posing a problem or conflict that needs resolution. In the context of the video, the dramatic question is often what will the character decide? For instance, will Olive eat the ice cream or not? This question keeps the audience engaged and anticipates the outcome of the character's decision-making process.

💡Dialogue

Dialogue in the script refers to the conversation between characters, which serves as a medium for expressing their viewpoints and debating the choices they face. Defined as the written or spoken interaction in a literary or dramatic work, dialogue is crucial for character development and plot advancement. For example, in 'Little Miss Sunshine', the dialogue between Olive's parents about the ice cream serves to illustrate their differing values and influences Olive's final decision.

💡Scene Object

A scene object is a physical item within a narrative that symbolizes a particular theme, conflict, or choice. In the video, the blue and red pills in 'The Matrix' are scene objects representing the choice between illusion and reality. Similarly, the ice cream in 'Little Miss Sunshine' becomes a scene object representing personal desires versus external pressures, making the debate over whether to eat it a central part of the scene.

💡Hierarchy

Hierarchy in the script pertains to the power dynamics and relative importance of characters within a scene. It defines who has the authority or influence to make decisions and how other characters respond to them. For example, in 'Succession', Logan's position at the top of the company hierarchy gives him the power to decide whether to cooperate with the FBI, while his subordinates' reactions show their positions within the hierarchy.

💡Power of Choice

The power of choice refers to the control a character has over the direction of a narrative through their decisions. In the video, it is illustrated by how characters like Olive in 'Little Miss Sunshine' and Steve Jobs in the opening scene of the film about him, have the authority to make choices that affect others. The concept is used to demonstrate how characters with the power of choice can influence the actions and reactions of those around them.

💡Debate

Debate in the script is the process of discussing and arguing different viewpoints on a particular issue or choice. It is a key element in dialogue, where characters express their opinions and try to persuade others. For instance, the debate over the ice cream in 'Little Miss Sunshine' showcases the conflict between health concerns and personal enjoyment, highlighting the characters' values and beliefs.

💡Stakes

Stakes in the context of the video refer to the level of risk or importance attached to the outcome of a decision or event. They create tension and investment in the narrative. In the script, stakes are raised when the ice cream arrives in 'Little Miss Sunshine', turning a simple desire into a family conflict with visible consequences for Olive's decision.

💡Character Hierarchy

Character hierarchy is the ranking of characters based on their influence, authority, or importance within a scene or narrative. It determines who has the power to make decisions and how others respond. In the video, the character hierarchy is evident in scenes from 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Succession', where the characters' positions within the family or company affect their ability to influence the choice at hand.

💡Scene Dynamics

Scene dynamics involve the interactions, relationships, and power structures between characters within a scene. They dictate how characters respond to each other and the unfolding events. In the script, scene dynamics are crucial in determining the flow of dialogue and the influence of each character's viewpoint, as seen in the ice cream debate in 'Little Miss Sunshine', where the family members' actions and words reflect their place in the family hierarchy.

💡Symbolism

Symbolism in the script refers to the use of objects, characters, or events to represent abstract ideas or concepts. It adds depth to the narrative by providing a layer of meaning beyond the literal. For example, the pills in 'The Matrix' and the ice cream in 'Little Miss Sunshine' are not just physical objects but symbols representing the choices between reality and illusion, and conformity and individuality, respectively.

Highlights

The Matrix's blue pill/red pill scene exemplifies a dramatic choice that leads to divergent life paths.

Neo's choice between the blue and red pill symbolizes a pivotal moment with irreversible consequences.

The power of dialogue is showcased in 'Little Miss Sunshine' through a debate on a simple choice like eating ice cream.

Characters' desires and beliefs are revealed through their arguments about Olive's ice cream decision.

Dialogue is defined as characters debating a choice, turning words into action.

The choice of whether to eat ice cream in 'Little Miss Sunshine' becomes a debate on body image and personal freedom.

The concept of power in a scene is tied to the character who holds the decision-making authority.

In 'Little Miss Sunshine', Olive's final decision on the ice cream is influenced by the family's hierarchy and dynamics.

The use of a scene object, like ice cream, serves as a physical representation of the characters' debate.

Scene objects can be symbols of the choices being debated, adding depth to the narrative.

The opening scene of 'Steve Jobs' demonstrates high stakes and decision-making under pressure.

Steve Jobs' insistence on fixing the Voice demo despite time constraints highlights leadership and determination.

The scene object in 'Steve Jobs', the non-functioning Voice demo, becomes a symbol of overcoming technical challenges.

Hierarchy within scenes is evident through which characters participate in the debate and how they influence the decision-maker.

The opening scene of 'Succession' illustrates how characters' body language and dialogue reflect their stance on a choice.

A character's silence can be a powerful tool to demonstrate their influence and the importance of the choice at hand.

The video concludes with a formula for writing effective scenes based on character choices and debates.

Transcripts

this is your last

chance after this there is no turning

back you take the blue pill the story

ends you wake up in your bed and believe

whatever you want to believe you take

the red pill you stay in

Wonderland and I show you how deep the

rabbit hole goes pause this is a choice

Neo's choice between the blue pill or

the red pill a choice that can send his

life in two complete completely

different directions we know what he's

likely to choose but we also know that

after taking that pill There's No Going

Back

remember all I'm offering is the truth

nothing more it's not an action scene

just two characters sitting in a room

yet this is one of the most memorable

scenes from The Matrix a choice is what

makes the scene dramatic and gives

action to dialogue and in this one video

I will simplify writing a great scene

for you

forever so the Matrix blue pill red pill

scene is Big dramatic and obvious but is

the choice still this obvious in a more

subtle scene mom how much can we spend I

would say $4 anything under $4 this is a

scene from Little Miss Sunshine the

family is traveling so that Olive can

compete in the Litt Miss Sunshine beauty

pageant in the beginning of the scene

Olive orders ice cream what is elodi

mean oh that means it comes with ice

cream okayi Olive for breakfast

said $4 this sets up our character want

Olive wants ice cream so she takes an

action to get some however Olive's

Father Richard believes that since Olive

is about to compete in a beauty pageant

she should not eat the ice cream Olive

can I tell you a little something about

ice cream well ice cream is made from

cream which comes from cow's milk and

cream has a lot of fat in it

Richard what she going to find out

anyway remember pause so Olive wants ice

cream and Richard wants to stop her a

choice has now presented itself will

olive eat the ice cream or not now the

dialogue about what choice to make

begins Let me quickly clear up dialogue

for you dialogue is a debate about a

choice characters argue the two options

in the choice back and forth trying to

make a decision this is how words become

action the characters are taking action

through dialogue to win the choice and

get their way Olive's mother enters the

debate and falls under side a backing

Olive's choice and she does so by giving

her beliefs I just want you to

understand it's okay to be skinny and

it's okay to be fat if that's what you

want to be whatever you want it's

okay but then her father gives a

counterargument okay but olive let me

ask you this those women in Miss

America are they skinny or are they fat

we get each character's world view

through this simple decision to eat the

ice cream or not the scene remains open

until a choice is made and the scene

will end when Olive finally answers the

dramatic question will she eat the ice

cream or not once you see dialogue like

this you'll never unsee it with the

Templars have attacked a s

Caravan it was no caravan

was an Army headed for Bethlehem to

desecrate the birthplace of Our Lord Ral

with the Templars have broken the king's

pleasure peace this debate is as obvious

as it can get the characters are

literally colorcoded white wants to go

to war blue doesn't Salah will come into

this King liberus knows more than a

Christian should about salah's

intentions and they debate in front of

the king about what choice he should

make once you understand understand that

dialogue is characters debating a choice

you can express this Choice debate in

all sorts of genres maybe an amateur

detective wants to convince a cop to

arrest a suspect and there was no way of

getting Allen into court in the first

place because there was no evidence

Robert what do you mean there's no

evidence you have him seen with the

ciphers the military bootprints the same

siiz shoes and gloves the most dangerous

game the Zodiac watch the background

with school children the the

misspellings of Christmas the bloody KN

all circumstantial maybe a Suitor wants

to ask for a lady's hand in

marriage from the first moment I met you

your arrogance and conceit your selfish

disdain for the feelings of others made

me realize that you were the last man in

the world I could ever be prevailed upon

to

marry you can also make a choice funny

by having a character overreact to win a

debate yeah but I wasn't over give me

the marker dude I'm marking an eight

Smoky my

friend you're entering a world of pain

Walter you can give them a

twang he going to stay in the big house

Sten he's a slaver it's different in the

big house you

subtitles you can even make them

sing I Will

[Music]

Not

point is you can switch the genre all

you want but no matter what dialogue is

characters debating a choice back and

forth want to see more examples I

couldn't fit in this video check out

practical screenwriting tocom choice for

more seeing

breakdowns so characters are debating a

choice in dialogue but who makes the

choice you'll hear writers talk about

who has the power in a scene but where

does power come from whoever holds the

choice holds the power the other

characters must convince the decision

maker to make the choice they think is

right in this scene Olive has the power

of the choice she listens to both of her

parents give their point of view as they

try to convince her to take their side

but it's still her decision Stakes raise

the ice cream arrives I'll emot you

right I'll be back with your waffles in

a sec now it's time what will olive do

does anyone want my ice cream Richard

wins in this moment Olive has made a

choice in One Direction Richard feels

satisfied that his worldview has won out

but this is where the other characters

in the scene come into play as Olive

chooses not to eat her ice cream the

other characters choose a side by taking

action yeah I like a little Dwayne Frank

Olive's not going to have our ice cream

yeah do you mind if I have a little yeah

let's dig in all the characters in the

scene are now involved with all the

characters involved Olive makes her

final Choice wait stop don't eat it

all the choicemaker in a scene holds the

power in that moment but there's a

relationship dynamic in the scene as

well all right ol

Richard this is where character

hierarchy comes into play in every scene

whether stated or not there is hierarchy

in character relationships even in the

Little Miss Sunshine scene there is

hierarchy

Olive's parents are the first to argue

the two sides of the choice while the

other characters stay quiet the rest of

the family knows not to insert

themselves rudely into a conversation

between parents and their child but when

Olive opens the dialogue up to the

entire table does anyone want my ice

cream Grandpa speaks up first yeah I

like a little Dwayne Frank Olive's not

going to have a ice cream grandpa is the

mentor for Olive's Viewpoint in the

scene boy I feel sorry for anybody that

doesn't want to enjoy their ice cream so

early in the morning and throughout the

story he is philosophically against

Richard when Grandpa speaks up and takes

aside the other characters follow his

lead this influences Olive and she

overturns her choice Grandpa wins the

scene overturning Richard in the

hierarchy Whoever has the choice has the

power and the other characters must

convince the choicemaker to do what they

want quick tip if you give a character

The Power of Choice they don't have to

say anything to win the debate so if you

want to show that a character is

powerful make them say very

little the same silent power of the

choice can be used to make a joke is

this your homework lar look man

please is this your homework Larry just

ask him about the car man is this yours

Larry this is why Olive barely says

anything in the scene but the ice cream

scene is a little diner scene with a

family what if we take a character with

some real decision-making power and

pressure them the FBI is

downstairs what this is succession tell

them the off yeah these are the ones who

don't off this is a search warrant what

do they do at the front desk what are we

doing they're at the gates uh can we

call Southern District get

L Logan has the power of choice in the

scene and he sits at the top of the

hierarchy in the company

because of this notice how all the other

characters are against Logan every other

character wants him to cooperate and

they all matter for the debate even if a

character says nothing they are taking

aside we see their point of view through

their body language and all of this

signals one where they are in the

hierarchy and two what side they fall

under in the present Choice notice that

only Jerry the president of the company

speaks plainly to Logan appar there's

about 20 of them down there why don't we

just ask them if can come back tomorrow

Logan they are coming up and if you

don't open the door they will kick it in

and if you don't open the filing cabinet

they will pull out a crowbar this is a

show of resolve and there are cameras

outside and they do not need to see the

FBI meeting any resistance what do we

say

cooperate open up let them in

and all of Logan's subordinates sigh in

relief Logan has made his choice we're

cooperating we're cooperating hierarchy

is innate in every character

relationship work environment and even

friendships when a choice arises this is

the clearest time to see this dynamic in

action now there's one more piece to add

to really make a scene pop while you can

simply have the characters argue in

dialogue and make a choice it makes the

scene much more interesting to watch if

you set up a scene object the characters

used to express the argument here it's

very obvious the two pills represent the

two paths Neo can take stay in the dream

world or embrace the truth of reality

many times a seen object is what you

remember from that

scene the scene object is more than just

an object it is a symbol of the current

Choice it is a physical representation

of a choice between two worlds two

viewpoints two paths okay

sign

the make your scene object a big enough

debate and you can make three movies

about

[Music]

it returning to the Little Miss Sunshine

scene the scene object should be pretty

obvious the ice cream notice how a

simple bowl of ice cream is now a symbol

of being a loser in Richard's eyes and

doing what you want to do in cherls the

scene object makes the entire drama work

want to see more examples check out

practical screenwriting tocom choice for

more seen

breakdowns now let's see all of the

pieces together in one masterfully

written opening

scene this is the opening of Steve Jobs

screen says it's an unimplemented trap

but the air code is wrong it's a system

error so what's the upshot it's not

going to say hello it absolutely is

going to say hello nobody's fault it's a

Bu The Voice demo The Voice demo is BL

I've been telling you that for this

thing is over it opens with a problem

The Voice demo is not working moments

before the launch of Apple's Macintosh

computer Steve wants it fixed now skip

over The Voice demo we needed to say

hello you're not hearing me it's not

going to say hello fix it now we have

the debate Steve is at the top of the

hierarchy as Apple CEO however it's

Andy's choice to fix the Voice demo fix

it

yeah in 40 minutes I can't who's the

person who can the person who can and I

can't even though Steve's in a higher

position Steve must convince his

engineer to fix the demo means the demo

is more than likely going to crash you

have to keep your voices down Joel forer

C Joanna is Jobs's right-hand woman but

here she backs Andy worrying about the

success of the launch it's 20 seconds

out of the 2hour launch why not just cut

it we can't cut it yeah you just cut it

two days ago we ran a Super Bowl ad that

could have won the Oscar for best short

film there are more people who can tell

you about the ad than can tell you who

won the game akes ra through a new

Choice save the world it didn't say it

was going to say hello open the house in

five don't open the

house this mini Choice serves as a

little setup for a new character the

other Andy fully entering the scene a

moment later with another new Choice

Andy which one the other Andy you're

right there why would I be calling out

he needs to talk to you yeah the exit

signs need to be off and we're not going

to get a full blackout we've spoken to

the building manager and the fire

marshal and there's absolutely no way

they're going to let us turn the exit

signs off I'll pay whatever the fine is

the fine is they're going to come in and

tell everyone to leave the Unseen Fire

Marshall has the power of the choice in

this moment because he can make everyone

leave the auditorium but Steve refuses

to acknowledge the Marshall's Authority

if a fire causes a stampede to the

unmarked exits it'll have been well

worth it for those who survive for those

who don't less so but still pretty good

I need it to go black real black get rid

of the exit signs and don't let me know

how you did it fix the Voice demo

Steve Jobs makes the decision about what

will happen for everyone then leaves and

that's the point of this opening Steve

Jobs sees himself as the ultimate

decision maker and notice that this

opening scene feels huge in high stakes

even though it is simply a few

characters standing in front of a box on

a stage want more scen breakdowns check

out practical screenwriting docomo for

more and when writing your scene use

this simple formula who wants what in

the scene who is in their way will A or

B Be Chosen what is the important object

the debate is over where do all the

characters in the scene stand on the

choice whose choice is it how is

pressure built on the choice and what

option is chosen thanks for watching and

if you made it this far please leave a

like on the video and I'll see you next

time

[Music]