Absolutely agree. Sick of Netflix and sorry to say of that paradigm thing “invented” by the late Syd Field, used purely as a formula, therefore stifling the art, in my opinion. Disgusting.
Your approach in the first 24 seconds of this video speaks for itself. In less than 30 seconds you spoke with awareness on some of the questions so many of us have. I recognise a mentor.
I’ve been learning how to write screenplays for years, and people would often tell me oh, you should start by building perfect structures, or You should figure out what genre you are going to write, blah blah blah… yet none of them have ever emphasized the importance of emotions; or on what kind of experience I want to bring to the audience. And sadly those are what I lack the most in my current writing practice.
im from India and came here recommended by the efx RUclips channel, and i truly am glad and grateful i stumbled upon your honestly good and on point course.
The difference between efficient and effective storytelling was what most impressed me. Not that I didn't know it, but your way of telling the story resonates with me and makes it all the more striking. My daughter says Paw Patrol rules :)
Great content Andy, thank you. I'm a newbie, very much still learning but love your organic approach to structure that helps avoid formulaic writing. Cheers!
@@TheGoDraft I'm using a combination of different approaches. Some of the lesser known channels like yours have the best material. Big Red Stripe, Alan Watt, Scriptmonk, to name a few. Much appreciated.
This is amazing! I will be following your channel as I delve into the world of screenwriting and filmmaking. Just got back from helping to film a documentary and look forward to doing more narrative work.
I have been learning with someone who’s doing work for Hollywood too, who’s about the Syd Firld paradigm which is used as a formula and not just a guide. So grateful I stumbled upon your video as it gives a different perspective. It seems that the logical personality types prefer formulas. Therefore we do not see eye to eye and this approach tends to be dry and boring. Your explanation was a missing piece for me and rings so true. Probably because some of us are more of the “left brain” or intuitive types. Thanks!
I'm glad my approach is working for you. Interestingly, I took Syd's original class when I first came to Hollywood. He wrote his book based on that class. I did learn 3 act structure from him and that was important.
I am 15 minutes in, and I already got genius-vibes from this guy. Liked and subscribed, I'm getting the popcorn and the notepad -- we're in for a ride!
hi! i've been watching screenwriting and filmmaking videos on youtube for quite some time now-- and i am so excited to have found your channel! i can already tell you're going to be giving such valuable insights. thank you and I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH MORE!
best. EVER. !! clear..NO bullshit...nothing to sell...just sharing a very humanistic approach to screenwriting....thank. YOU. SO much. a huge eye-opener !!!
That's part of my reason for the video series: to drain the hype from the business and approach screenwriting from a real-life and grounded perspective. Thanks for watching.
14:09 "Written fiction that works is an interest-grabbing set of language-based instructions arranged in an order that cues the reader to simulate an approximate cognitive model of a specific modal universe that changes in such a way across the course of the simulation that it entertains, instructs, or explores the nature of the human condition" - P.E. Rowe This is definition is mainly for book authors, but I think this applies here too
Okay, I guess. But while understanding the cognitive thought process behind humans' appreciation of art is interesting, it is of virtually no use in helping an artist do that.
Thank you so much, Andy, for putting this video. My channel is new, and I am looking for video tutorials. Your channel is a great resource. I have some ideas written down already, but it is lacking something. I watched your interview with Film Courage, which led me to your channel. You shed light on my questions. I appreciate what you do. Just subscribed to your channel. Thank you.
I definitely need to get to the next level. Not there yet and will never pretend I am. Also what you say in this about the rule book guys and so-called gurus is what really messed me up. It took me awhile to learn that what they're saying is off. Finally I got to where as you said...this doesn't feel right. And it didn't. I threw out the books and just started writing. Letting the character's goals unfold is structure so to speak, not hitting certain number. I just wrote. Now am I where I want to be yet? No. But I feel I will be soon. Also not sure if you have seen the movie"1917" but something happens at the mid point that I didn't expect and the emotion that happens afterwards from that point is very emotional.
Throwing out the rulebook is fine, but you do have to structure your film. My theory is to structure a screenplay based on guessing what the effect on the audience will be, rather than just what some "expert" (including me!) arbitrarily says. But I advise you not to just sit down and write without a solid story structure.
Just discovered you man.. if you're a working writer that's good enough for me to at least begin watching and subscribing. Whatever the outcome for me personally thank you for your efforts 😎👍
Hi, watching your video for the third time. Great, thank so much! So, I have a question. I have a story. Two main characters, "A" wants something, and "B" just the opposite. Both goals are equally strong. Both goals clash with the other. "A" is active in pursue of his goals, and "B" reacts trying to restore balance. How can I know who is the protagonist? Because B is the one going to go all the way, and get what he wants. Even tought for B, getting what he wants it´s to destroy his very essence, and turn somehow in someone very like A. Hope you understand what I am trying to say. Thank you, very much. Looking forward for you next chapter.
Not sure I can give an answer to your specific scenario, but it's fine to have dual protagonists as long as both have a conflict which the audience can identify with and that they pursue their goal. Any character can theoretically be the protagonist, but only if the writer gives them those qualities. The flaw, for example, in KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is just that: you can make Leonardo DeCaprio's character the protagonist, but Roth and Scorcese failed to let us engage with and follow his emotional journey, and so the result for most audiences was confusion and boredom -- for 3 + hours.
Thanks you so much. Good advice. You are more than kind to take time to answer, thanks again. By the way, yesterday I saw The Fourth Story. Good script! @@TheGoDraft
Yes, most of the great "performances" are actually great roles in great stories that the actor didn't screw up, and possibly enhanced. But if it's not well written, there no great performance.
No, not even when it's frustrating and unfair (and who ever said show business was supposed to be fair anyway?). Screenwriting has been good to me, the business is never boring, it's filled with the world's most interesting people, and every once in a while you get to do good work.
Thank you. By the way, I also see a lot of similarities between sex and storytelling, same three acts, pacing, beats, "show (act), not tell"... it's just as important to be able to get the catharsis right, you can't try to start with it right away. Unless it's hard to think of where the darkest hour might be :) Oh yes, and if everything went wrong, the "author" can say that the "audience" simply did not understand his brilliant idea, it was a tragedy from the beginning.... But I should note that the idea of rigid division of brain hemispheres by tasks has been obsolete for a very long time. It is a myth that is alive solely thanks to fiction and journalists. Just like the myth that the brain only works 10% of the time.
I'm sure you're right about the brain (certainly only 10% of my brain is usually working!). It's just a useful simplification for the purpose of teaching the complex mental concepts I'm trying to.
Hi Andy, have you read (or at least heard of) the book “Wired for Story” by Lisa Cron? I feel like the thing was basically written for you haha, you might get a kick out of seeing your theories validated by actual modern neuroscience
Your intro is a bit long, then when you enter the subject "create organically", I felt at home. I can't create a story using rules or brain. Except logic, but logic is quite automatic for me. I use mostly intuition.
But new star wars movies and new disney and marvel movies make me feel emotion of anger that they think i am an idiot. Why they dont have succes than? They made me feel at the end of the day
It's hard not to feel anger at something you don't like. I try to reserve that emotion for sloppy work, not just something that isn't to my taste (I've written a LOT of stuff I wouldn't watch). Most movies and TV are made by people trying their best; they may just lack guidance or experience or talent, but they mean no harm.
@@TheGoDraft I reserve the right to feel anger at people who pay for writers to write in a given universe (such as Star Wars) and then do not demand the writers fully immerse themselves in said universe before writing. To me, it is like hiring a plumber who has read about holding a wrench but has not spent time with real pipes and tools, and telling him to install the plumbing in your home. It takes immersion to "get" the spirit that makes a universe popular. It doesn't diminish creativity. It focuses it like a magnifying glass focuses light.
Just don't be an insecure writer asking questions like: How do I make the audience care about my characters? How do I make my villains hateful? How do I make my relationships shippable? How do I inspire people? How do I write something people will like? Every audience member is different. There is not and never will be a one-size-fits-all universal solution for grabbing the audience by the heart. If you want them to care, stop caring about them. Have faith in your creative choices. Create for yourself first, then fix it later.
I agree that being insecure is not useful, but caring about what your audience thinks and feels is paramount to doing the job at a professional level. The greatest dramatic writers care passionately about how the audience perceives their work. "Screw 'em, that's just how I want to do it" is the fallback position of thousands of dilettantes who've failed in their goal.
@@TheGoDraft yeah self indulgence is bad too. But have you ever encountered a writer who worries too much about bending over backward for the audience? What is the compromise here?
@@BigToody I believe you misunderstood the idea of considering audience in the process of writing. It doesn't mean every person in the world who could possible see your work. You know who you are writing for. If no one, its you. Ultimelety, you are creating something to reach/touch people. Not to keep them in your toy box.
@@hsynsrky so when is toybox-mode justified? I thought raw imagination and creativity draws people in. They’ll be like “wow what a cool idea”. But I should avoid “wow what a shameless glorification of your fetish”?
Shout out to @Expert Fx channel. They suggested me this channel with Great Informative videos and really good Teacher to teach the needed things for Better Movies
At last, the teacher I've been searching for: No nonsense, tell it like it is, no sugar coating! Can't wait to watch more! Thank you!!!
Glad it's working for you! Thanks for watching.
"The world doesn't need more screenwriters, it needs better movies." Someone finally said it. 😮💨
Glad it spoke to you. I'm just trying to tell the truth, and it seems to be working.
Absolutely agree. Sick of Netflix and sorry to say of that paradigm thing “invented” by the late Syd Field, used purely as a formula, therefore stifling the art, in my opinion. Disgusting.
Your approach in the first 24 seconds of this video speaks for itself.
In less than 30 seconds you spoke with awareness on some of the questions so many of us have.
I recognise a mentor.
Glad the videos are speaking to you.
Film Courage sent me here! Thanks for the videos and thanks a LOT for the subtitles!
Glad it's helping. More on the way soon!
You can get subtitles for all videos. Press the cc button 👍
I’ve been learning how to write screenplays for years, and people would often tell me oh, you should start by building perfect structures, or You should figure out what genre you are going to write, blah blah blah… yet none of them have ever emphasized the importance of emotions; or on what kind of experience I want to bring to the audience. And sadly those are what I lack the most in my current writing practice.
Glad to hear my take is working for you. That's why I'm doing this.
Cogent, down to earth advice from someone who knows. Forget the form, it's the effect on the viewer that's important. Can't wait to see more!
Thanks very much!
Former student here, so excited for this channel! Thank you for doing this.
Glad to hear from you and that the channel is helpful.
im from India and came here recommended by the efx RUclips channel, and i truly am glad and grateful i stumbled upon your honestly good and on point course.
Great. Glad it's helping you.
From EFX!!!❤
"The Emotion manufacturing and distribution industry" 👏🤝👍
If I read your hieroglyphic icons correctly, that's approval. If so,👌
The difference between efficient and effective storytelling was what most impressed me. Not that I didn't know it, but your way of telling the story resonates with me and makes it all the more striking.
My daughter says Paw Patrol rules :)
Ha ha. Tell her thanks for watching. And I'm glad the videos are working for you.
Very cool that you're putting this material out there, Andy. I think it's gonna help a lot of writers.
That's the goal! More videos to come...
Sir this is pure good deed! Thank you so much for simply deciding to share such invaluable advice and knowledge about screenwriting FOR FREE!
Glad to do it. As long it's helping folks like you, it's worth it to me.
Great content Andy, thank you. I'm a newbie, very much still learning but love your organic approach to structure that helps avoid formulaic writing. Cheers!
Just saw your post. Thanks for joining, and I hope my approach works for you.
@@TheGoDraft I'm using a combination of different approaches. Some of the lesser known channels like yours have the best material. Big Red Stripe, Alan Watt, Scriptmonk, to name a few. Much appreciated.
This is some of the best screenwriting advice I’ve ever seen. Thank you, a thousand times, thank you!
Wow. A thousand times you're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Woah. Goldmine! Thank you for this public service Sir.
It's my pleasure. Truly. I like doing this.
Very much appreciate this slow and one to one talking method. lucky to find this and subscribed to it.
Great! Thanks. And more to come.
Thanks for this. I'm a beginner at screenwriting, this has been very helpful. Great content.
Thanks for watching. Glad it's of help.
These videos are AMAZING! I created a playlist with all 12 of them and I’ve listened to them several times already.
Wow. Thanks. Hope you don't get sick of me.
Came because of Pod Meets World - stayed and subbed for the quality.
Thanks! Glad to have you join. I'll be releasing a new episode soon.
This is amazing! I will be following your channel as I delve into the world of screenwriting and filmmaking. Just got back from helping to film a documentary and look forward to doing more narrative work.
Glad it's he;lping. Good luck with your project(s).
I have been learning with someone who’s doing work for Hollywood too, who’s about the Syd Firld paradigm which is used as a formula and not just a guide. So grateful I stumbled upon your video as it gives a different perspective. It seems that the logical personality types prefer formulas. Therefore we do not see eye to eye and this approach tends to be dry and boring.
Your explanation was a missing piece for me and rings so true. Probably because some of us are more of the “left brain” or intuitive types. Thanks!
I'm glad my approach is working for you. Interestingly, I took Syd's original class when I first came to Hollywood. He wrote his book based on that class. I did learn 3 act structure from him and that was important.
I am 15 minutes in, and I already got genius-vibes from this guy. Liked and subscribed, I'm getting the popcorn and the notepad -- we're in for a ride!
Thanks and welcome. I think they get better (or at least I do).
Can’t contain my excitement for this series 🔥🔥🔥
I can tell from your emojis!
hi! i've been watching screenwriting and filmmaking videos on youtube for quite some time now-- and i am so excited to have found your channel! i can already tell you're going to be giving such valuable insights. thank you and I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH MORE!
Thanks. I'll be posting the next episode soon after the New Year holiday.
These videos help tremendously. Hope to see more. Thanks.
More are on the way- thank you for watching.
So much gems in this video! Thank you !!!!!!!
Happy to share what I know and glad it's helping. Thanks for watching.
Thank you! This is the kind of advice I’m always looking for!
Appreciate the kind words
I love your clearity Sir!
Thanks. I'm glad it's helping you.
Thanks. More on their way soon.
best. EVER. !! clear..NO bullshit...nothing to sell...just sharing a very humanistic approach to screenwriting....thank. YOU. SO much. a huge eye-opener !!!
Your glowing response is why I'm doing this. Better than money. Thanks.
thank you for doing this. i needed someone to put my feet on the ground.
That's part of my reason for the video series: to drain the hype from the business and approach screenwriting from a real-life and grounded perspective. Thanks for watching.
Keep going; your channel is a gem.
I'm not planning to stop!
@@TheGoDraft Glad to hear it!
I'm hooked. Love your style of laying out this content.
Thanks. I'll try to keep it up.
14:09 "Written fiction that works is an interest-grabbing set of language-based instructions arranged in an order that cues the reader to simulate an approximate cognitive model of a specific modal universe that changes in such a way across the course of the simulation that it entertains, instructs, or explores the nature of the human condition" - P.E. Rowe
This is definition is mainly for book authors, but I think this applies here too
Okay, I guess. But while understanding the cognitive thought process behind humans' appreciation of art is interesting, it is of virtually no use in helping an artist do that.
Thank you so much, Andy, for putting this video. My channel is new, and I am looking for video tutorials. Your channel is a great resource. I have some ideas written down already, but it is lacking something. I watched your interview with Film Courage, which led me to your channel. You shed light on my questions. I appreciate what you do. Just subscribed to your channel. Thank you.
Thanks for subscribing. Glad it's helping you.
Thank you, Andy.
You're welcome. More to come.
"The emotion manufacturing and distribution industry"
This has succinctly articulated my vision for my career as a fantasy author
Cool. You can put it on your resume!
@@TheGoDraft thanks!
Brilliant!
Thanks!
Thank you! Cheers Andy!!
You're welcome. Glad it's helping.
Thankfull for you giving me this info I feel it!!!!!!!!!!!
Very happy to hear that. And to see all those exclamation points!
Thank you sir for this valuable advice ❤
Thanks. More to come I hope you find a valuable.
fantastic!
Hope it helps!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make these!
I appreciate the feedback!
Glad to do it.
Thanks for adding subtitles
As English is not my primary language
I'm from india
Very valuable information
Thanks a ton
I'm glad you're getting value from them. I think (hope) most of what I'm discussing will apply to the dynamic Indian film industry.
thanks for your videos from Italy
You're very welcome. Good luck to you.
I'm new to this and appreciate your channel!❤ New subscriber!
Thanks for joining. I hope the series works for you.
Awesome class! How in the hell is this free?? I cannot thank you enough
You're very welcome. And it's free because it gives me pleasure to help people do better work in the art form I love.
I would also like to see better movies, it is my goal to help that cause, thanks Andy for your generosity
Bravo. I hope I get to see one of yours soon.
Terimakasih. Sangat bermanfaat dan tulus ikhlas. ❤
Not sure what you said but there's a heart emoji, so I'll assume the best!
Do you provide any coverage services 🤔? Great stuff!
I do sometimes. Contact me at thegodraft@gmail.com if you're interested.
I definitely need to get to the next level. Not there yet and will never pretend I am. Also what you say in this about the rule book guys and so-called gurus is what really messed me up. It took me awhile to learn that what they're saying is off. Finally I got to where as you said...this doesn't feel right. And it didn't. I threw out the books and just started writing. Letting the character's goals unfold is structure so to speak, not hitting certain number. I just wrote. Now am I where I want to be yet? No. But I feel I will be soon.
Also not sure if you have seen the movie"1917" but something happens at the mid point that I didn't expect and the emotion that happens afterwards from that point is very emotional.
Throwing out the rulebook is fine, but you do have to structure your film. My theory is to structure a screenplay based on guessing what the effect on the audience will be, rather than just what some "expert" (including me!) arbitrarily says. But I advise you not to just sit down and write without a solid story structure.
Just discovered you man.. if you're a working writer that's good enough for me to at least begin watching and subscribing. Whatever the outcome for me personally thank you for your efforts 😎👍
Glad to do it. Thanks for watching, and I hope you get something useful from the series. I kinda think you will.
Do you wear that shirt to your AA meetings?
No, but I sometimes wear it to AAA meetings.
@@TheGoDraft 😁
Hi, watching your video for the third time. Great, thank so much! So, I have a question. I have a story. Two main characters, "A" wants something, and "B" just the opposite. Both goals are equally strong. Both goals clash with the other. "A" is active in pursue of his goals, and "B" reacts trying to restore balance. How can I know who is the protagonist? Because B is the one going to go all the way, and get what he wants. Even tought for B, getting what he wants it´s to destroy his very essence, and turn somehow in someone very like A. Hope you understand what I am trying to say. Thank you, very much. Looking forward for you next chapter.
Not sure I can give an answer to your specific scenario, but it's fine to have dual protagonists as long as both have a conflict which the audience can identify with and that they pursue their goal. Any character can theoretically be the protagonist, but only if the writer gives them those qualities. The flaw, for example, in KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is just that: you can make Leonardo DeCaprio's character the protagonist, but Roth and Scorcese failed to let us engage with and follow his emotional journey, and so the result for most audiences was confusion and boredom -- for 3 + hours.
Thanks you so much. Good advice. You are more than kind to take time to answer, thanks again. By the way, yesterday I saw The Fourth Story. Good script! @@TheGoDraft
Great acting requires great writing.
Yes, most of the great "performances" are actually great roles in great stories that the actor didn't screw up, and possibly enhanced. But if it's not well written, there no great performance.
Whether is porn or poetry the point is to feel something
Alright I’m sold
I hope you aim more for poetry but, I'm glad the videos are speaking to you.
@@TheGoDraft lol
90 wow's and a WHOAW 25:15
Did you ever regret becoming a screenwriter or even indulging in the film industry
No, not even when it's frustrating and unfair (and who ever said show business was supposed to be fair anyway?). Screenwriting has been good to me, the business is never boring, it's filled with the world's most interesting people, and every once in a while you get to do good work.
Thank you.
By the way, I also see a lot of similarities between sex and storytelling, same three acts, pacing, beats, "show (act), not tell"... it's just as important to be able to get the catharsis right, you can't try to start with it right away. Unless it's hard to think of where the darkest hour might be :)
Oh yes, and if everything went wrong, the "author" can say that the "audience" simply did not understand his brilliant idea, it was a tragedy from the beginning....
But I should note that the idea of rigid division of brain hemispheres by tasks has been obsolete for a very long time. It is a myth that is alive solely thanks to fiction and journalists. Just like the myth that the brain only works 10% of the time.
I'm sure you're right about the brain (certainly only 10% of my brain is usually working!). It's just a useful simplification for the purpose of teaching the complex mental concepts I'm trying to.
How much do I owe you already, sir? F-Cheers!!!
I'll send you an invoice (kidding!).
Hi Andy, have you read (or at least heard of) the book “Wired for Story” by Lisa Cron?
I feel like the thing was basically written for you haha, you might get a kick out of seeing your theories validated by actual modern neuroscience
I have not read it, but thanks for the rec. I'll try to get to it.
@@TheGoDraft
Enjoy 🤘☺️
Good video! But I have to correct you on something. Most MCU characters DO NOT WEAR CAPES! 😂
Point taken. Should've said "tights."
Your intro is a bit long, then when you enter the subject "create organically", I felt at home.
I can't create a story using rules or brain. Except logic, but logic is quite automatic for me. I use mostly intuition.
Whatever works, works. These are the methods that works for me.
But new star wars movies and new disney and marvel movies make me feel emotion of anger that they think i am an idiot. Why they dont have succes than? They made me feel at the end of the day
It's hard not to feel anger at something you don't like. I try to reserve that emotion for sloppy work, not just something that isn't to my taste (I've written a LOT of stuff I wouldn't watch). Most movies and TV are made by people trying their best; they may just lack guidance or experience or talent, but they mean no harm.
@@TheGoDraft I reserve the right to feel anger at people who pay for writers to write in a given universe (such as Star Wars) and then do not demand the writers fully immerse themselves in said universe before writing. To me, it is like hiring a plumber who has read about holding a wrench but has not spent time with real pipes and tools, and telling him to install the plumbing in your home.
It takes immersion to "get" the spirit that makes a universe popular. It doesn't diminish creativity. It focuses it like a magnifying glass focuses light.
🫵👍👍👍👍
Yes I agree Movies really suck especially Disney
Even established writers are struggling. That’s why they have programs and videos.
I guess so. Making a living at a creative endeavor has always been tough.
I loved Star wars but its so childish now it is more like a western series from My childhood
Yes, that was his original intent - to reconnect a jaded audience with their inner child. And it worked - better than anyone expected.
Just don't be an insecure writer asking questions like: How do I make the audience care about my characters? How do I make my villains hateful? How do I make my relationships shippable? How do I inspire people? How do I write something people will like?
Every audience member is different. There is not and never will be a one-size-fits-all universal solution for grabbing the audience by the heart. If you want them to care, stop caring about them. Have faith in your creative choices. Create for yourself first, then fix it later.
I agree that being insecure is not useful, but caring about what your audience thinks and feels is paramount to doing the job at a professional level. The greatest dramatic writers care passionately about how the audience perceives their work. "Screw 'em, that's just how I want to do it" is the fallback position of thousands of dilettantes who've failed in their goal.
@@TheGoDraft yeah self indulgence is bad too. But have you ever encountered a writer who worries too much about bending over backward for the audience? What is the compromise here?
@@BigToody I believe you misunderstood the idea of considering audience in the process of writing. It doesn't mean every person in the world who could possible see your work. You know who you are writing for. If no one, its you. Ultimelety, you are creating something to reach/touch people. Not to keep them in your toy box.
@@hsynsrky so when is toybox-mode justified? I thought raw imagination and creativity draws people in. They’ll be like “wow what a cool idea”. But I should avoid “wow what a shameless glorification of your fetish”?
Shout out to @Expert Fx channel.
They suggested me this channel with Great Informative videos and really good Teacher to teach the needed things for Better Movies
Cool. Hope it's helping you. More to come.
12:19 very important