Why Most People Fail At Screenwriting

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  • Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
  • In this Film Courage original video compilation, screenwriters/authors/instructors share their thoughts on why most writers fail at screenwriting.
    0:52 - 1) Compelling Conflict
    2) Growth Mindset
    9:52 - 3) Wrong Script Right Now
    14:50 - 4) Can You Write A Great Script
    18:26 - 5) There's No Story
    30:09 - 6) Mastering The Craft
    38:58 - 7) Not Writing
    8) No Notes
    9) Perfection
    42:51 - 10) What To Write?
    49:30 - 11) Chasing A Fairytale
    51:23 - 12) Confessions From A Former Script Reader
    58:15 - 13) Every Great Story
    1:02:24 - 14) Last Notes
    BOOKS FROM SOME OF THE WRITERS FEATURED:
    THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting by Jill Chamberlain - amzn.to/2X3Vx5F
    THE ANATOMY OF STORY:
    22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller by John Truby
    amzn.to/2h6W3va
    NOTES TO SCREENWRITERS: Advancing Your Story, Screenplay,
    and Career With Whatever Hollywood Throws At You by Vicki Peterson & Barbara Nicolosi
    amzn.to/1EpAgCR
    WRITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT:
    How To Make Your Script The One Hollywood Notices by Scott Kirkpatrick
    amzn.to/2wqX5pn
    BREAKING IN: Tales From The
    Screenwriting Trenches by Lee Jessup - amzn.to/2p4lvBq
    GETTING IT WRITE: An Insider’s
    Guide To A Screenwriting Career by Lee Jessup
    amzn.to/1uFBeHQ
    STORY MAPS: How To Write A GREAT Screenplay by Daniel Calvisi
    amzn.to/2hcbRwS
    STORY MAPS: TV Drama: The Structure of the One-Hour Television Pilot (Volume 4) by Daniel Calvisi
    amzn.to/2heFCx5
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    #Screenwriting #Screenwriting101 #ScreenwritingTips
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Комментарии • 86

  • @thereccher8746
    @thereccher8746 3 года назад +39

    "Sorry, I'm too lazy to figure out how to teach you, so I'm just going to say you have no talent and you should give up." If any teacher thinks the way this guy does, I would literally ask for my money back.

  • @Jim_Wolf
    @Jim_Wolf 3 года назад +12

    The big problem in Hollywood are the people who greenlight scripts. 80+% of the scripts that get greenlit are crap. Hire better readers.

  • @francoisleveille409
    @francoisleveille409 3 года назад +17

    Honestly, this gives an idea why people like James Cameron, Spielberg and G. Lucas want to have full control over the stories they create. The process that comes after the writing is so incredibly prejudiced. The industry will not question how it works and the consequences is screen writers going on strikes. Probably why so many lousy movies came out after 2010.

    • @user-zd1jh5zz9n
      @user-zd1jh5zz9n 10 месяцев назад +2

      That's exactly right. They talk a good game.. Your right. There full of it. I heard this mentioned before by another guy on here that makes films.

  • @danbee998
    @danbee998 4 года назад +68

    *Reasons Why Most People Fail at Screenwriting*
    0:50 --- 1. Compelling Conflict / 2. Growth of Mindset.
    9:50 --- 3. Wrong Script Right Now.
    14:50 --- 4. Can You Write a Great Script?
    18:25 --- 5. There's No Story.
    30:10 --- 6. Mastering the Craft.
    38:58 --- 7. Not Writing / 8. No Notes. / 9. Perfection.
    42:52 --- 10. What to Write?
    49:31 --- 11. Chasing a Fairtytale.
    51:25 --- 12. Confessions from a Former Script Reader.
    58:18 --- 13. Every Great Story.
    1:02:26 --- 14. Last Notes.

    • @danbee998
      @danbee998 4 года назад +5

      For those who want to learn more on "Compelling Conflict," check out Eric Edson's book: _The Story Solution_ --- He gives 7 "basic elements required to make dramatic conflict effective on the screen."

    • @dennisthegreatcorpas6159
      @dennisthegreatcorpas6159 4 года назад

      Thanks this great for looking up info

  • @lonjohnson5161
    @lonjohnson5161 4 года назад +37

    Great refresher. I have to admit that some speak to me more than others. One of the nice things about this channel is that there are so many interviews that a) if one person sounds like he is full of excrement, you can ignore him and move on to someone else and b) if a bunch of people sound like they are all wrong in the same way, maybe there is only one person who is wrong here.

  • @kylesmith9466
    @kylesmith9466 Год назад +5

    So basically he saying, “we take their money and know their going to fail. But, we will never tell them that so we can keep taking their money”…SMFH! Everything’s a scheme

  • @Z5Z5Z5
    @Z5Z5Z5 3 года назад +19

    "Most movies are bad most TV shows are bad" well with the 1% that passes how the hell did it get produced 😂😂

    • @Muy266
      @Muy266 6 месяцев назад +1

      Probably nepotism

    • @Darfaultner
      @Darfaultner 4 часа назад

      My guess is the collaborative process. Everyone loves the script, but everyone wants to have their bit in it and by the time it is produced it is unrecognizable from the original script.

  • @jakemoore4080
    @jakemoore4080 4 года назад +8

    These compilations are the best bit about Film Courage... Got a problem? here's what every professional in the industry got to say about it. Time for me to be schooled once again.

  • @markthomas8018
    @markthomas8018 3 года назад +17

    How come these teachers have not written the biggest and most successful movies of all time?

  • @frenstcht
    @frenstcht 4 года назад +5

    "How do I sell my script?" would not be the first question I'd ask.
    Edited to add: "Everybody has an idea of failure, but nobody knows what it is." LOL. Live my life for a few years, sister.

  • @two-moonz2953
    @two-moonz2953 4 года назад +27

    Take a shot every time he says "Pop off the page!" Then watch Battle field Earth!

    • @batboy3746
      @batboy3746 4 года назад

      LOL

    • @wesleytaylor2623
      @wesleytaylor2623 4 года назад

      😂

    • @Zton-yn4kc
      @Zton-yn4kc 3 года назад +2

      “Pop off the page” is the most irritating screenplay description, followed by “compelling” as an adjective. You can find a screenplay COMPELS you to throw it in the garbage. “Compelling” isn’t always “INTERESTING”

  • @j.87558
    @j.87558 3 года назад +4

    This is an amazing compilation of interviews, thank you! Inspiring and keeps my head on the right track. I think the growth mindset contra fixed mindset is interesting in an educational environment due to the "pygmalion effect".
    I went through my education thinking I didn't have what it took, and while I could be right technically, the growth mindset just passed me by and an opportunity to truly learn went away.
    Instead I balanced a naive mindset with a defeatist mindset almost in a bipolar manner, 1) thinking that as long I was open and interested in the ideas, my talent would blossom from that, or 2) I would just go through the motions and completely fail and then tell myself: "oh, I didn't know, maybe I just suck".
    No, consistency is key, writing everyday and learning the craft, I know. But I was afraid (and still am). Afraid of loosing that naivety of baseless openness; a false hope of succeeding without wisdom or any consistent plan.
    I still don't know where I am between these two mindsets. But I know I'm still completely wrapped up in story ideas. So instead of thinking that my stories will make me grow, I need to grow myself and then raise my stories to maturity so to speak.

    • @alexormulea
      @alexormulea 2 года назад +1

      After attempting what you got from this video, I think ur story would be interesting to write a screenplay on... It's a story many of us share, showing the psychological challenges we experience when trying to learn such crafts...

    • @j.87558
      @j.87558 2 года назад

      ​@@alexormulea Yes indeed! Now, my thoughts go to Adaptation at the moment: there's often two sides struggling inside of us when engaging in this sort of thing. Finding a resolution is key - nurturing the proper mindset for our particular situation. It might be an unique screenplay that way. It would certainly be an interesting screenplay to write, if anything, to develop a good sense for pursuing this further and deeper.

  • @rsacchi100
    @rsacchi100 3 года назад +5

    You don't think someone has the talent but take their money and waste their time assuming they'll figure it out at some point after spending an unknown amount of money.

    • @Z5Z5Z5
      @Z5Z5Z5 3 года назад +2

      Hah rip
      At least he said he changed his ways

  • @tubelife70
    @tubelife70 4 года назад +45

    If the screenplay review process is so intense, resulting in the majority of screenplays being thrown directly into the trash, one must ask: why are there are so many shitty movies being produced?

    • @tommyshelby1471
      @tommyshelby1471 4 года назад +11

      I think the same, these days you can watch so many movies with so ridiculous screenplays that is for cry, maybe they have great conections in the industry thats all.

    • @malenafalicoff7532
      @malenafalicoff7532 3 года назад +1

      Exactly! Why did "The Kissing Booth" happened? I dont understand why so many shitty movies did happened... Seriously

    • @darmor85
      @darmor85 3 года назад +8

      Probably the story script wasn't shitty maybe the execution of the said script was shitty. ..remember once a script is sold the studio can butcher what they want .. don't get me wrong it's plenty shitty screenplays out there I'm just throwing in this factor when considering also..

    • @alancham4
      @alancham4 3 года назад +5

      Because of who’s doing the selection and the systems they rely on. A lot of the filters and gates are arbitrary and there to hide the fact it really isn’t a strict meritocracy based on some high ideals of art and craft.

    • @friendlyone2706
      @friendlyone2706 3 года назад +3

      Just learned all Hollywood except one actor thumbs downed the script for My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Fact: many gatekeepers are do jaded, classic life is meaningless to them

  • @dakota7323
    @dakota7323 4 года назад +7

    the only reason the writer of battlefield earth is here is cause he was a reader for some executive, he’s credentials are really thin

    • @FilmCourage2
      @FilmCourage2  4 года назад +3

      Here's what he's done that most writers have never experienced - ruclips.net/video/F49CIVxkgKk/видео.html and here is what happened with Battlefield Earth - ruclips.net/video/bwMcg6_AU_g/видео.html

  • @user-zd1jh5zz9n
    @user-zd1jh5zz9n 10 месяцев назад

    Very very very good. " Compelling Conflict". Thanks

  • @jcjensenllc
    @jcjensenllc 4 года назад +6

    Can't say, "Pop off the page" without snapping his fingers. Oh, and maybe he could explain what that means - give and example.

  • @adampavlovic6905
    @adampavlovic6905 5 месяцев назад +1

    Ah, yes. Screenwriting knowledge gold from the writer of Battlefield Earth.

  • @Naychurr123
    @Naychurr123 4 года назад +7

    I love you tube!

  • @anna8bananas
    @anna8bananas 4 года назад +1

    Incredible compilation! Ultimately we write because it's fascinating, challenging, requires constant learning, so many pieces to juggle, and hundreds of techniques to master. "It's the hardest craft in the world that will take a lifetime to master". (John Truby). Sobering, but also affirms the importance of the 'growth mindset' to be successful. "The most important quality to being a successful writer is the willingness to learn from anywhere..."John Trudy

  • @shenyin9989
    @shenyin9989 10 месяцев назад

    If from the first page, you can judge whether it's going to be a good movie or not, you are full of it!

  • @Katryoska
    @Katryoska 4 года назад +3

    What is the title of the book that Scott Kirkpatrick mentions? He wrote more than one and on this video, he keeps saying "I highlight this in the book, etc." Now I really want to read it.

    • @FilmCourage2
      @FilmCourage2  4 года назад +1

      Writing for the Green Light: How to Make Your Script the One Hollywood Notices - amzn.to/2xbMsft

  • @tigerbunny6778
    @tigerbunny6778 2 месяца назад

    I've taken Corey's course. Its not easy, but learned that compelling conflict! Thanks Corey! ❤

  • @dcle944
    @dcle944 Год назад

    Does anyone have the training exercises for escalation?

  • @user-zd1jh5zz9n
    @user-zd1jh5zz9n 10 месяцев назад

    I listened to this interview.. He would know because he does it for a career. If I had a buck for every film I've watched since 1957 that didn't create the most intriguing interest in the first scene I'd be a Big Foot creature. If he can tell it from the first page. It's because he's has special powers.. Way too many films you sit there and sit there. I just watched- Denzel's new film- The Equalizer. It didn't. It was some dude with his son driving in a car. That went on well in to maybe 6 minutes. That's a "studio film Production" too not and independent. It was Columbia under Sony Pictures. Then the film got blah for a long long while and I thought- Yo- You better kick it up! It finally came together and wasn't a bad film at all. The Audience gets use to a fast paced films like John Wick or Fast and furious. I just watched- Liam Neeson's new release. It dragged and dragged. Not that impressive..

  • @MrExnihlo
    @MrExnihlo 4 года назад +34

    Reasons why most people fail at screen writing:
    1. Taking advice from someone who wrote Battlefield Earth.

  • @jobyden105
    @jobyden105 2 года назад +2

    They'll figure it out after they've spent hundreds taking your classes... ok.

  • @jinchoung
    @jinchoung 3 года назад

    most people would fail at screenwriting discounting ability altogether. STATISTICALLY you are likely to fail. it's like opening a restaurant except with MUCH worse odds.

  • @fd10801
    @fd10801 4 года назад +8

    I didn't understand what "pop off the page" meant until I didn't understand what a compelling conflict was. He might be a good writer, but he's a lousy teacher!

  • @klartext2225
    @klartext2225 3 года назад +2

    That BATTLEFIELD EARTH guy AGAAIINNN????? Please pop off the screen.

  • @victorallencook7107
    @victorallencook7107 4 года назад

    I've got this . 🗻

  • @everafter2611
    @everafter2611 4 года назад +5

    My screenplay was rejected because the character motivation wasn't clear. ;P

    • @gururaj9110
      @gururaj9110 4 года назад

      It's motive, not motivation.

    • @mychannel-rt2gn
      @mychannel-rt2gn 2 года назад +1

      @@gururaj9110 they’re the same thing.

  • @liltick102
    @liltick102 2 месяца назад

    “Notes” as in?

  • @emyserozzi8088
    @emyserozzi8088 3 года назад +1

    Always start with simple stories, you know? Comedy, drama, thriller......something simple.
    That's what I learned throughout the years when studying screenwriting on my own.
    A good example are the Wachowskis sisters.
    They didn't started right away with The Matrix, but started with smaller projects first.

  • @user-eu2sk5pm6q
    @user-eu2sk5pm6q 9 месяцев назад +1

    I don’t understand what this guy teaches if he is unable to identify the skills needed to write a “compelling conflict”. Sounds to me he just calls it conflict, but he himself doesn’t know what it is that makes a good screenplay or movie.

  • @coffeeandthenewspaper3835
    @coffeeandthenewspaper3835 3 года назад +2

    I believe that it depends on the reader . Can they understand and relate (Hollywood producer or stranger) to what you wrote ?

  • @soulofangel1990
    @soulofangel1990 4 года назад +5

    what bunch downers lol, write your shit, and keep working on it, until you make it.

  • @guillermoelgueda200
    @guillermoelgueda200 3 года назад +1

    I hated the "Pop off the page" guy

  • @redbaron8130
    @redbaron8130 3 года назад

    I think a part of “the protagonist” and a script only being written one way with a “protagonist” is a part of the problem. I remember watching a famous director getting really mad when asked who his protagonist is. Story should be characters, one can be considered a protagonist? I guess if your writing a rom com or a thriller that hits all the right beats in the typical paint by numbers way you’d have a “protagonist”

  • @citizenbobx
    @citizenbobx 3 года назад

    I wish I'd heard this stuff back when I thought about writing. I wouldn't have bothered.

  • @scottslotterbeck3796
    @scottslotterbeck3796 4 года назад +18

    There are 50,000+ spec screenplays written every year. Of that, 120 are sold. Write only what you can film yourself. You won't sell it to Hollywood. Sorry, fact.

    • @danbee998
      @danbee998 4 года назад +7

      You won't sell garbage to Hollywood, fact. The reason of this video: to help new and existing writers not write garbage.

    • @user-vw6xp5nl6t
      @user-vw6xp5nl6t 4 года назад +9

      So if I write 417 screenplays a year... ill sell at least ONE! Yes!! There's still hope.

    • @bradebronson8835
      @bradebronson8835 4 года назад +6

      50 000? More like 500 000. 50 000 are registered with the Writers guild. That means WAY more are written. And that's only in America. I wouldn't say write only what you can film yourself. Everyone's different. Many of those writers aren't into writing Indy's. And if you write what you aren't passionate about, it shows in the writing.

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 4 года назад +1

      @@bradebronson8835 Yup. But there are no other numbers available.
      Let's be honest; write something you can film! On the off chance someone with power us super impressed by your film, well, there you go!!!

    • @lishkoburger12
      @lishkoburger12 4 года назад +2

      Let's be honest, there's no evidence for the 50k number anymore. Even that number has become a joke. I'd be curious to see what the ACTUAL NEW NUMBER is based off current data. HOWEVER, you are 100% correct about making stuff yourself. I shot a web series last year and it'll premiere on vimeo on 1/1/2020 (it's called Long Walks on the Beach pleaselikeusonfacebookokayillshutup). The fact is, if I brought it to my manager, he would either send out the spec for meetings or dismiss it entirely. GO MAKE YOUR OWN STUFF! Watch Mark Duplass' speech at the 2015 sxsw keynote and get inspired!!

  • @JayTaylor3dollarfilms
    @JayTaylor3dollarfilms Год назад +1

    This sounds like gatekeepers using arbitrary rules to gatekeep. If I was a mid-talent Goldberg with the right uncle...I have a job. If I take the right gender studies and film class...I have a job. Its a casting couch world for writers.

  • @bread1206
    @bread1206 3 года назад +3

    So why are Hollywood still making sucky movies 😄

  • @coffeeandthenewspaper3835
    @coffeeandthenewspaper3835 3 года назад

    Keep that day job .

  • @thiswhoweare1949
    @thiswhoweare1949 4 года назад +1

    Make your own shit........ Don't expect to hit a Jack pot and Try to sell out

  • @claeslundin9542
    @claeslundin9542 4 года назад +1

    Totsie??? Crap movie!!! Her analysis is just as much crap!!! I subscribed to the Channel, but ten minutes in a unsubscriebed again.

    • @ActorsReal2Reel
      @ActorsReal2Reel 4 года назад +4

      clearly you know more than everyone in this video. Can you direct us all to your analysis of screen writing and show us your movies to show us a good example?

    • @claeslundin9542
      @claeslundin9542 4 года назад

      @@ActorsReal2Reel I will be om the look out. It is comming.

    • @ImAProudSteelersFan
      @ImAProudSteelersFan 4 года назад +2

      @@claeslundin9542 You'll never make it, clown.

    • @claeslundin9542
      @claeslundin9542 4 года назад

      @@ImAProudSteelersFan Why not??? And Why do you reffering to Me as a clown??? Perhaps i already made it??? You do not know everything do you??? Tootsie your favorite movie???

    • @ImAProudSteelersFan
      @ImAProudSteelersFan 4 года назад +3

      @@claeslundin9542 Your smugness towards professionals and people in the industry show you have no sense of appreciation for free game. You haven't made it because of your ego and if you made it, you wouldn't be on RUclips trashing film pages sabotages your career clown.
      You're a clown because you're a clown.

  • @defiverr4697
    @defiverr4697 4 года назад +2

    One word: Ritalin and Acid. It will make you a great million dollar screenwriter. Not to mention proper, education from an established institution. Then ritalin and acid.