I think he's talking about the spine of the story, and how they pan out. The importance of storytelling is what he is trying to say, because you can always add better jokes, and dialogues fitted for the actor who's going to say the lines. But, without the story of where they're suppose to go, however funny the jokes and the dialogues are, the story will never unfold, and nobody takes away some truth from the story itself. That's my interpretation of what he's saying, and it's true. The writer's need to start later in their life, after they lived a bit, I think. That's why their story lack substance, and a strong stands in what they are trying to say. I always thought he was an asshole on Adaptation, but I'm SO glad that I got to actually hear him talk, because I am learning a lot from him as well.
What he says is true, only by initially writing crap and criticizing what you write as the crap it is do you learn not to write crap. However, I think that the most important thing in developing one's craft is not writing but reading. Only by reading and understanding the greats do you really learn great writing. Only by attempting to compete with guys like Shakespeare will one get to his level...
So I’m on my 11th screenplay or so (I’ve really lost count) and recently got into an argument with a friend about writing. He hasn’t finished a Script yet and got mad when I gave him some notes, anyways he went on to say “great, you wrote almost a dozen screenplays where has that gotten you?” It’s gotten me the experience of a dozen screenplays. He didn’t get it. And now I’m going to send him this video lol. Thank you.
He's saying that actors will ad-lib and directors will edit. Therefore, you can't rely too heavily on your dialogue and description when in fact there will be other people who have a hand in changing the screenplay all the way to the final product.
This reminds me of Quentin Tarantino. He took his sweet time getting that first huge movie out and it turned into one of the greatest films known around the world (Resevoir Dogs). Then came Pulp Fiction and it's nothing short of a legendary man in the making from there-on-out. Listen to what this man is saying, it's very much true.
Partially. Why would a writer complain about changes that better the final product? I don't write a screenplay to admire the freaking paper. I write to help those who come after me do the best possible job. Especially in big projects, I think it's unproductive to expect a writer to come up with spot-on accents and a dozen different slangs while also perfecting the story. And if they change some words but the meaning of the line and of course the connectivity with the rest of the story remains as is, then I will still consider it mostly mine. Now if they f up the meaning or break the connectivity of the lines then it's common sense that the writer will not be happy about it and protest. The real issue here is that for these things to happen, the communication line between writer and director must be broken or virtual. Personally, I can't imagine a relationship more important than this one unless you have someone of Phoenix's stature starring the project.
Still I think it's true that some writers are able to write amazing dialogue which might be there biggest talent. And for that person writing dialogue probably is more than just 20% of his/her work.
Would be helpful to tell screenwriters how to get their scripts read and not stolen? Do not say it doesn't happen because there have been many lawsuits disputed in court. Most writers, especially newbies, cannot afford a lawyer to go after the unscrupulous.
doylestatus Not even that works. I don't know about the USA, but certainly in the UK, if an idea is stolen but heavily rewritten, you can do little about it.
This guy made me think, "hence, Twilight." Those were that woman's first books, and they SUCKED! So yeah, he's right. Do you think that the first songs the Beatles wrote were hits? No, they weren't. But they learned from them.
Effective communication is an essential skill for success. Therefore a link to this video and keywords have been added to the DR-KNOW website by IQ-2k Information Services
Screenwriters who believe exactly what they are writing is perfect are in for a huge letdown because no one interprets writing the same. Once the producers, actors, and directors get hold of it, it's no longer YOURS.
I think they are. As both a published and unpublished author myself, I had to learn the craft from the sum total of _all_ that I wrote -- published and not published. Every author and/or screenwriter started somewhere and, indeed, has written a *lot* more than they have published.
It's rather optimistic in a way. Keep writing, even if it's turning out to be utter shit and never sees the light of day because it has intrinsic value just in the writing of it, and is the stepping stones that will lead to that success down the road. It would be a far more cruel thing to tell you that your very first screenplay will succeed, only to have you fail, become disillusioned in your dream, and give up.
I think he's talking about the spine of the story, and how they pan out. The importance of storytelling is what he is trying to say, because you can always add better jokes, and dialogues fitted for the actor who's going to say the lines. But, without the story of where they're suppose to go, however funny the jokes and the dialogues are, the story will never unfold, and nobody takes away some truth from the story itself.
That's my interpretation of what he's saying, and it's true.
The writer's need to start later in their life, after they lived a bit, I think. That's why their story lack substance, and a strong stands in what they are trying to say.
I always thought he was an asshole on Adaptation, but I'm SO glad that I got to actually hear him talk, because I am learning a lot from him as well.
What he says is true, only by initially writing crap and criticizing what you write as the crap it is do you learn not to write crap.
However, I think that the most important thing in developing one's craft is not writing but reading. Only by reading and understanding the greats do you really learn great writing. Only by attempting to compete with guys like Shakespeare will one get to his level...
I learned more from him in 6 minutes than all 4 years as a Comm major... I wish I had known how green the grass isn't much earlier... LOVE this!
So I’m on my 11th screenplay or so (I’ve really lost count) and recently got into an argument with a friend about writing. He hasn’t finished a Script yet and got mad when I gave him some notes, anyways he went on to say “great, you wrote almost a dozen screenplays where has that gotten you?” It’s gotten me the experience of a dozen screenplays. He didn’t get it. And now I’m going to send him this video lol. Thank you.
Robert has had one screenplay turned into a movie and that was for TV.
He's saying that actors will ad-lib and directors will edit. Therefore, you can't rely too heavily on your dialogue and description when in fact there will be other people who have a hand in changing the screenplay all the way to the final product.
I think the main thing is that no one should ever be afraid to express themselves creatively.
This reminds me of Quentin Tarantino. He took his sweet time getting that first huge movie out and it turned into one of the greatest films known around the world (Resevoir Dogs). Then came Pulp Fiction and it's nothing short of a legendary man in the making from there-on-out. Listen to what this man is saying, it's very much true.
+Jeff Reyhd Amer So what happened with "Jackie Brown"?
He's also come out with some awful films. Often the soundtracks are better than the films.
Anon B What awful films? I think he has weaker films but in general I think he’s been pretty consistent.
He's harsh, but he speaks the truth.
Had me laughing out loud actually.
Partially. Why would a writer complain about changes that better the final product? I don't write a screenplay to admire the freaking paper. I write to help those who come after me do the best possible job. Especially in big projects, I think it's unproductive to expect a writer to come up with spot-on accents and a dozen different slangs while also perfecting the story. And if they change some words but the meaning of the line and of course the connectivity with the rest of the story remains as is, then I will still consider it mostly mine. Now if they f up the meaning or break the connectivity of the lines then it's common sense that the writer will not be happy about it and protest. The real issue here is that for these things to happen, the communication line between writer and director must be broken or virtual. Personally, I can't imagine a relationship more important than this one unless you have someone of Phoenix's stature starring the project.
Wise comments. Thanks for this post.
Amazing and funny 😅
Still I think it's true that some writers are able to write amazing dialogue which might be there biggest talent. And for that person writing dialogue probably is more than just 20% of his/her work.
Excellent advice at the end
Would be helpful to tell screenwriters how to get their scripts read and not stolen? Do not say it doesn't happen because there have been many lawsuits disputed in court. Most writers, especially newbies, cannot afford a lawyer to go after the unscrupulous.
get it copyrighted.
doylestatus Not even that works. I don't know about the USA, but certainly in the UK, if an idea is stolen but heavily rewritten, you can do little about it.
Thank-you, Robert McKee!
Excellent advice, thank you!
This guy made me think, "hence, Twilight." Those were that woman's first books, and they SUCKED! So yeah, he's right. Do you think that the first songs the Beatles wrote were hits? No, they weren't. But they learned from them.
This is great information for writers. Shouldn't Robert McKee's name be somewhere o in the title or on the info page of this vid?
This guy is such a boss.
Great advice
His point is those people are better off writing for live theater and novels, because movies and television will change their dialog.
therussmeister Yes to some extent, but if you can get into these, they pay better.
In the sense that failing at something is required to get better
Failed screenplays must be written so that you can develop your craft. Wow.
Great fucking words, another quarter for the jar.
Wow, this guy is great.
Akiva Goldsman writ "Batman & Robin"; I'll hazard a guess that that unpolished gem learned him before winning his Oscar award.
Effective communication is an essential skill for success. Therefore a link to this video and keywords have been added to the DR-KNOW website by IQ-2k Information Services
i like this guy
Screenwriters who believe exactly what they are writing is perfect are in for a huge letdown because no one interprets writing the same. Once the producers, actors, and directors get hold of it, it's no longer YOURS.
Unproduced or unpublished works are very important?
I think they are. As both a published and unpublished author myself, I had to learn the craft from the sum total of _all_ that I wrote -- published and not published. Every author and/or screenwriter started somewhere and, indeed, has written a *lot* more than they have published.
REALISTIC
"Nobody can change anything without your Say-So!!"
1:56 Mamet would disagree.
This guy is hilarious.
think evocatively. :)
And all of this comes out of words. A decent writer can say a huge amount in one phrase and an entire plot can hinge on it.
good
“immator”
"Screenwriting Guru"
What has this person written that is considered notable because he should turn the criticism to himself also
Buh-rilliant. Jesus.
"Don't understand this guy at all?? IF you really could write dialogue, you could turn most silent movie themes into master pieces!"
nearly all of this guy's videos are negative
It's years of experience.
If you take negativity away from this then I think your state of mind is negative. He's speaking about the reality of the business. He is a realist.
It's rather optimistic in a way. Keep writing, even if it's turning out to be utter shit and never sees the light of day because it has intrinsic value just in the writing of it, and is the stepping stones that will lead to that success down the road.
It would be a far more cruel thing to tell you that your very first screenplay will succeed, only to have you fail, become disillusioned in your dream, and give up.
jed52 Actually he is very negative.
William White yea