How To Write A Great Scene - Michael Hauge & Mark W. Travis

Summary

In this video, Michael provides essential tips for writing an impactful scene in a screenplay, emphasizing the importance of asking key questions before writing, such as the hero's goal, fears, and emotional state. He stresses that every scene should move the character closer to their goal or present an obstacle. Dialogue should reveal emotions subtly, with the character's true desires often hidden beneath layers of subtext. Michael also highlights the importance of action and conflict in shaping the emotion of a scene, offering a structured approach to developing each draft for a compelling story.

Takeaways

• 😀 Before writing a scene, ask critical questions about the character: Who are they, what is their goal, and what are they afraid of?
• 😀 Determine where the scene fits in the character’s journey to ensure it's emotionally and contextually appropriate.
• 😀 Every scene should either bring the character closer to their goal or force them to confront an obstacle they didn't anticipate.
• 😀 If the character’s desire in the scene doesn’t push the story forward, the scene should be cut or reworked.
• 😀 Focus on what the character wants to achieve in the scene and then determine what obstacles they face to achieve it.
• 😀 Action should be prioritized over dialogue to maintain a focus on character and plot progression.
• 😀 Dialogue should reveal how the character feels about a situation or attempt to persuade someone, not just convey information.
• 😀 Conflict is essential for driving the emotion of the scene. It can either be active or something the character anticipates.
• 😀 In thriller scenes, even mundane actions (like making a sandwich) can be tense if there’s an underlying conflict (like a threat nearby).
• 😀 Initial dialogue can be rough and basic; the key is to get the scene on paper, and then refine it.
• 😀 Dialogue should convey subtext—what characters want but might not say outright. Layering subtext enhances emotional depth in conversations.

Q & A

What is the first step Michael suggests before starting to write a scene?

Michael advises stepping back and asking key foundational questions about the character and their situation, such as who the hero is, what their inner wound is, and what their visible goal is.

Why is it important to know where the scene fits within the overall structure of the story?

Knowing where the scene falls in the story structure helps determine how the character will react based on their journey at that point, influencing their behavior and choices in the scene.

What question should you ask about your character’s desire in a scene?

You should ask what the character wants to accomplish in the scene and whether that desire will move them closer to their visible goal or help them overcome an obstacle.

What should happen if a scene does not serve the character’s goal?

If a scene doesn’t contribute to the character's goal or the story’s progression, Michael suggests it should be jettisoned as it’s not serving the narrative.

What role does action play in the development of a scene?

The action is central to the scene; it’s what the character does to try and achieve their goal. The dialogue should only follow after understanding the character's actions and objectives.

How does dialogue function in a scene according to Michael?

Dialogue should reveal how the character feels, persuade others, or help them assert control, but its true purpose comes after the character's goals and actions are established.

What is 'on-the-nose' dialogue, and when should it be used?

'On-the-nose' dialogue is when a character directly expresses their feelings and desires. It is considered poor dialogue, but it can be used as a starting point to flesh out the scene and character.

How can a writer improve a scene after starting with 'on-the-nose' dialogue?

After drafting on-the-nose dialogue, the writer should aim to make the scene more layered by making the character's desires and emotions more subtle, often through subtext or actions instead of direct statements.

What is the key to generating emotion in a scene?

The emotion in a scene is primarily driven by conflict, whether it’s the immediate conflict the character faces or an anticipated one. The tension grows from the challenges the character must overcome.

What is the process for revising a scene, according to Michael?

Michael recommends going through the process of asking questions, planning the action and conflict, and writing dialogue, then revising the scene repeatedly, adjusting layers of emotion, action, and dialogue with each draft.