Peter Russell is a very smart guy. I took a class with him at UCLA (script development) and it was just amazing. Up to this day, I use his tips to analyse stories. Every movie I watch, I think about his lessons..about the core wounds.
wow this was the most honest , straight forward , clearly explained class for me on writing. Every aspiring writer please watch this before you decide to write
stuck on a script, watched this series, really gained some perspective. Thanks. Subscribed and will recommend. My agent doesn't know it but he owes you a thank you
Loved this interview. He's great - honest, perceptive and thoughtful. He talks about motivation and the pschology of writing a screenplay. A great teacher.
6 minutes in and I love the way he's developing the story idea, very much on the same thread as John Truby in terms of story structure/character development.....you guys know how to pick em! Nice.
Guy Jamieson Guy, thanks for visiting and your comment. We just posted a video today that you may also like, "Writing Character For Film & Television" ruclips.net/video/13KcN-fRLFI/видео.html - It features Peter Russell, Michael Hauge, John Truby, Pamela Jaye Smith and more sharing their best insights on character. We think it's our most informative video yet.
I like Peter Russell, and his Facebook page for How Movies Work is always thought provoking and fun. I also enjoy disagreeing with him in the comments from time to time, because he'll fight for his point of view inelegantly. You always want to know people like that.
This guy is right about "Shorts" the short of "Sling Blade" is a black and white of the feature's opening and the Short is actually more dynamic and sinister than is was in the release.
This is pure genius, so much more than knowledge, it’s truth. It’s a window into the soul of creativity & a way into yourself, carful while your in there. Such a great interview, really fantastic job ❤️ 🖊
I've learned screenwriting for six monthes , and that interview was way, way better in every fuckin way - and taught me more than few thing I didn't know . thank you Film Courage
+Ryan Sloan Thanks Ryan, we actually met with Peter again at this year's Story Expo. We have a new series to post, he still emphasizes "core wounds" but we talk more about Television. Look forward to sharing soon.
_Please, please_ upload something on script-writing for *family friendly* movies? At 13, I fell in love with the 1980s movie _Anne of Green Gables_ and have longed for similar movies ever since. The closest have been _Love Comes Softly_ (if it were from the child's POV) and _The Fox and the Child,_ however I have it in my head that no studio/producer will be interested in anything that doesn't push away from traditional social norms or have characters jumping off the walls (since the audience includes children). I wonder if AoGG would ever have been made if it weren't a classic novel, already endeared to hearts. Some advice on this would be fantastic!
Hey, great Account. Can you provide something for non-fiction narrativ like biopics. How to approach the line of fiction-story-telling and real biographie?
Im late to the party, he sounds smart, but once a person in any field says " noone has ever discovered it" I stop watching. Humility is the true power. Time to watch Masterclass of Aaron Sorkin now.
Some of my favorite movies have characters that do not change. The first three that leap to mind are by the ohen Brothers ... Fargo, No Country For Old Men, The Big Lebowski. All of those have great characters that do not change throughout. The compelling thing about Marge in Fargo is the very fact that she is steadfast. In an odd way, the same is true of The Dude.
I'm a comic and I love when people tell me I suck. It does make me laugh and it allows me to reflect on my inner demons. I end up writing much better material like this. I must've been a sadomasochistic in my last life.
I jumped on your website, hoping for a lecture on script-writing for family-friendly movies, to know if a script that doesn't push away from traditional social norms or that doesn't have characters jumping off the walls (since the audience includes children) is viable. For instance, I wonder if 1985's _Anne of Green Gables_ script could be sold today, if it weren't a classic novel.
I would guess the screenwriter he mentions is Diablo Cody. The first movie - Juno which was followed by Jennifer's Body. Although I don't think it was that unanimously panned.
Film Courage Hi, not a screenwriter, but I so enjoy dissecting film, talking story, and dabbling on a sitcom idea. Love Film Courage. Thank you so much..
People must actually be noticing my lips because they're way bigger than his. I also hate talking to people. Maybe that's why I like to work alone. That's why I have to work alone.
"You send your scripts to producers." Not unless they ask you to -- unless you want it immediately sent back unopened. Sending scripts on an unsolicited basis is the hallmark of a rank amateur.
Shakespeare over-wrote habitually. Even in his own time, The Globe Theater would edit some of his extravagant dialogue out. It's certainly done in films of his plays. None of his scripts have ever been done in their entirety, and I do mean their ENTIRETY, to my knowledge on stage or in film.
Peter says "hero does not change in a compelling way" That word needs expounding because it has so many possible different meanings in this context or he could even mean all of these: evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. "his eyes were strangely compelling" synonyms: enthralling, captivating, gripping, riveting, spellbinding, mesmerizing, absorbing, irresistible "a compelling performance" not able to be refuted; inspiring conviction. "compelling evidence" synonyms: convincing, persuasive, cogent, irresistible, powerful, strong, weighty, plausible, credible, sound, valid, telling, conclusive, irrefutable, unanswerable "a compelling argument" not able to be resisted; overwhelming. "the temptation to give up was compelling"
He has talked about superhero stories. In superhero stories the same happens, but instead of hero it's the world that has a wound and has to change buly the actions of the heroes. Or in a tragedy hero tries to change and fails, crushed by the world
The advice is worthwhile. But he throws me off because keeps talking about disabilities or disadvantageous behavioral traits and calling them "wounds." (ugly, inability to connect) He mixes up cause and effect. A person can become ugly or unable to connect with others by having been wounded by something. The idea should be "every protaganist has a disability to overcome.", which may require healing a wound..
Wound is just a term. Wounds can be caused by wounds or they can cause wounds. Makki actually calles it The Ghost, which i think is even better fitting
It’s amazing that he likes Star Wars but he doesn’t understand superhero movies.Marvel movies in particular show all the major character is only going to change. And not quickly but over 10 fyears.
My bullshit detector kept on buzzing throughout the whole interview. Why does Hollywood make 80% of the world's entertainment revenue? Because they've managed to stronghold the film distribution business by demanding 75% of screen time in the rest of the world's film theaters. I suspect also they have a say in what type of films are aloud to be granted by the rest of the world's national film boards, to make sure no film comes out that would jeopardize that business. It has nothing to do with the type of stories it tells. No ones wants to see another godawful super hero movie for christ's sake.
![The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen - Erik Bork [FULL INTERVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8s45pNvEBIc/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen - Erik Bork [FULL INTERVIEW]](/img/tr.png)
![Script Secrets - William C. Martell [FULL INTERVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KXMx5OqydjQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Peter Russell is a very smart guy. I took a class with him at UCLA (script development) and it was just amazing. Up to this day, I use his tips to analyse stories. Every movie I watch, I think about his lessons..about the core wounds.
What's his email? I'd sooooo love to get in touch with him. But I read that he passed away. Is that true?
It was completely entertaining to see him improvise that hypothetical plot line into a movie that would probably become a Hollywood blockbuster.
We agree, love that part.
Yeah that
Was so cool to watch!
His improvised plotline was from the film -Up in the Air- 2009.
wow this was the most honest , straight forward , clearly explained class for me on writing. Every aspiring writer please watch this before you decide to write
Miss you, Peter. 😭
stuck on a script, watched this series, really gained some perspective. Thanks. Subscribed and will recommend. My agent doesn't know it but he owes you a thank you
We welcome you Lark!
Loved this interview. He's great - honest, perceptive and thoughtful. He talks about motivation and the pschology of writing a screenplay. A great teacher.
Wow, this is a brilliant interview
I learnt a lot
6 minutes in and I love the way he's developing the story idea, very much on the same thread as John Truby in terms of story structure/character development.....you guys know how to pick em! Nice.
Love the line: "This is an indie movie, this is a cool kind of movie." :)
thoughtful talk. Glad there is someone out care about interviewing them and sharing their decent experience with us
I love how he structured the bartender's story on the spot.
I really like your honesty Peter. I will definitely be inserting some of my "Core Wounds" into my characters :)
Guy Jamieson Guy, thanks for visiting and your comment. We just posted a video today that you may also like, "Writing Character For Film & Television" ruclips.net/video/13KcN-fRLFI/видео.html - It features Peter Russell, Michael Hauge, John Truby, Pamela Jaye Smith and more sharing their best insights on character. We think it's our most informative video yet.
One of the very best teachers of Screen Writing.
I like this guy. Feels like yes a authentic guy.
Russell is incredible. I'm new to the writing scene and literally every interview he gives is helpful.
I like Peter Russell, and his Facebook page for How Movies Work is always thought provoking and fun. I also enjoy disagreeing with him in the comments from time to time, because he'll fight for his point of view inelegantly. You always want to know people like that.
Great video, Peter Russel knows his craft and is very articulate and entertaining. I can see he is a great teacher.
This guy is right about "Shorts" the short of "Sling Blade" is a black and white of the feature's opening and the Short is actually more dynamic and sinister than is was in the release.
This is pure genius, so much more than knowledge, it’s truth. It’s a window into the soul of creativity & a way into yourself, carful while your in there.
Such a great interview, really fantastic job ❤️ 🖊
Brutally honest I love this guy
I've basically finished by script logline, because of the first 11 mins (approx) of this clip thanks guys and Russel!
*And Peter!
A channel with really good content! Thank you!
Wonderful interviews, thank you so much for doing this
Thanks Vladi, hope our work helps you in some way.
I just figured out the core of my current screenplay, something I haven't been mining deeply enough. Thanks for the advice!
That is great news!
I've learned screenwriting for six monthes , and that interview was way, way better in every fuckin way - and taught me more than few thing I didn't know . thank you Film Courage
I like listening to Sir Russell.. May be the way he explains or may be the way he talks about Wounds. I heal..
great teaching on story telling that stems from personal experiences and life lessons
46:38 ...wow... awesome awesome insight of this gentleman. Nugget of wisdom.
Can we talk if you don't mind.. can you share your insta handle ?
Awesome!! Good concise advise. Thank you, Mr. Russell and FC! 😃
This was a great interview Karen I learned so much from him....
Peter Russell is so inspiring!
Fantastic interview and great points. Excellent!
Merry Christmas Karen and Film Courage
He is such a great honest man 👍👍👍👍🍸🍷🍺🍻🥂🍁🌲
Amazing!! Invaluable advice...Thanks Guys
+Ryan Sloan Thanks Ryan, we actually met with Peter again at this year's Story Expo. We have a new series to post, he still emphasizes "core wounds" but we talk more about Television. Look forward to sharing soon.
This is an interesting interview. Thank you.
Cheers!
Enlightening
_Please, please_ upload something on script-writing for *family friendly* movies?
At 13, I fell in love with the 1980s movie _Anne of Green Gables_ and have longed for similar movies ever since. The closest have been _Love Comes Softly_ (if it were from the child's POV) and _The Fox and the Child,_ however I have it in my head that no studio/producer will be interested in anything that doesn't push away from traditional social norms or have characters jumping off the walls (since the audience includes children). I wonder if AoGG would ever have been made if it weren't a classic novel, already endeared to hearts.
Some advice on this would be fantastic!
Years ago Disney would have been your market. These days they just want to make cartoons (aka animated features).
"We pee in an alley; we are dead."
Love this guy!
THANKS '
and I Love 2nd question
Character wound - I agree with you.
Hey, great Account. Can you provide something for non-fiction narrativ like biopics. How to approach the line of fiction-story-telling and real biographie?
Im late to the party, he sounds smart, but once a person in any field says " noone has ever discovered it" I stop watching. Humility is the true power. Time to watch Masterclass of Aaron Sorkin now.
Some of my favorite movies have characters that do not change. The first three that leap to mind are by the ohen Brothers ... Fargo, No Country For Old Men, The Big Lebowski. All of those have great characters that do not change throughout. The compelling thing about Marge in Fargo is the very fact that she is steadfast. In an odd way, the same is true of The Dude.
23:00 proof that those who can't do it, teach it.
I'm a comic and I love when people tell me I suck. It does make me laugh and it allows me to reflect on my inner demons. I end up writing much better material like this. I must've been a sadomasochistic in my last life.
Great talk...
Want more Peter Russell, including his genre lectures? Go to peterrussellscriptdoctor.com
I jumped on your website, hoping for a lecture on script-writing for family-friendly movies, to know if a script that doesn't push away from traditional social norms or that doesn't have characters jumping off the walls (since the audience includes children) is viable.
For instance, I wonder if 1985's _Anne of Green Gables_ script could be sold today, if it weren't a classic novel.
Peter Russell I would love to write with you.
I would guess the screenwriter he mentions is Diablo Cody. The first movie - Juno which was followed by Jennifer's Body. Although I don't think it was that unanimously panned.
Master Class!
Howard Koor Thanks Howard, are you a screenwriter?
Film Courage Hi, not a screenwriter, but I so enjoy dissecting film, talking story, and dabbling on a sitcom idea. Love Film Courage. Thank you so much..
This is a great interview! How can you hire Peter as a consultant?
Thanks for watching. Best way to hire Peter as a consultant is through his website universityofstory.com
Anyone know what structure he was talking about where the main character has to go through 4 points during the movie?
Peter is the king of pain!
This guy's good.
one question if anyone knows the answer... in shorts 3-10 minute film, do character's still supposed to undergo a change?
Yes. He was mentoring a guy who did 6 minute music videos in one of these interviews.
12:56 - 13:05 without context is hilarious
Guys, want to see Peter's actual class lectures? After you've binged at film courage, go to peterrussellscriptdoctor.com
Funny how this guy Peter Russell's voice sounds just like Skip Bayless from ESPN when he talks. LOL! =)
People must actually be noticing my lips because they're way bigger than his. I also hate talking to people. Maybe that's why I like to work alone. That's why I have to work alone.
"You send your scripts to producers." Not unless they ask you to -- unless you want it immediately sent back unopened. Sending scripts on an unsolicited basis is the hallmark of a rank amateur.
Lol lol he’s giving the Audio tech the blues. He keep scratching the mic. Lol lol lol !
The guy in bed at the beginning of Jerry McGuire is a hockey player.
Shakespeare over-wrote habitually. Even in his own time, The Globe Theater would edit some of his extravagant dialogue out. It's certainly done in films of his plays. None of his scripts have ever been done in their entirety, and I do mean their ENTIRETY, to my knowledge on stage or in film.
Is this guy related to that Indian-Canadian comedian?
Sounds like a Julia Robert's movie.
Peter says "hero does not change in a compelling way" That word needs expounding because it has so many possible different meanings in this context or he could even mean all of these:
evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
"his eyes were strangely compelling"
synonyms: enthralling, captivating, gripping, riveting, spellbinding, mesmerizing, absorbing, irresistible
"a compelling performance"
not able to be refuted; inspiring conviction.
"compelling evidence"
synonyms: convincing, persuasive, cogent, irresistible, powerful, strong, weighty, plausible, credible, sound, valid, telling, conclusive, irrefutable, unanswerable
"a compelling argument"
not able to be resisted; overwhelming.
"the temptation to give up was compelling"
🙏🙏
"untherapized" writers. That made me laugh.
The hero must change? Really? John Wayne's characters didnt' change much. James Bond doesn't change. Experience a lot? Sure. But not change.
He has talked about superhero stories. In superhero stories the same happens, but instead of hero it's the world that has a wound and has to change buly the actions of the heroes. Or in a tragedy hero tries to change and fails, crushed by the world
I guess Star Wars is a one off European Great Story then?
The advice is worthwhile. But he throws me off because keeps talking about disabilities or disadvantageous behavioral traits and calling them "wounds." (ugly, inability to connect) He mixes up cause and effect. A person can become ugly or unable to connect with others by having been wounded by something. The idea should be "every protaganist has a disability to overcome.", which may require healing a wound..
Wound is just a term. Wounds can be caused by wounds or they can cause wounds. Makki actually calles it The Ghost, which i think is even better fitting
It’s amazing that he likes Star Wars but he doesn’t understand superhero movies.Marvel movies in particular show all the major character is only going to change. And not quickly but over 10 fyears.
"it's like porno for them, they rather watch it than do it".
^_^
My bullshit detector kept on buzzing throughout the whole interview.
Why does Hollywood make 80% of the world's entertainment revenue? Because they've managed to stronghold the film distribution business by demanding 75% of screen time in the rest of the world's film theaters.
I suspect also they have a say in what type of films are aloud to be granted by the rest of the world's national film boards, to make sure no film comes out that would jeopardize that business. It has nothing to do with the type of stories it tells. No ones wants to see another godawful super hero movie for christ's sake.
How to make movies boring and predictable.