12 Things A Producer Looks For In A Screenplay

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
  • In this Film Courage video, filmmakers/screenwriters/producers weigh in on 12 things a producer looks for in a screenplay.
    1) 0:40 - Emotional Response
    2) 1:52 - Genre
    3) 3:00 - The Hero
    4) 4:49 - What Hollywood Needs
    5) 7:10 - Twelve Questions
    6) 10:35 - It's Personal
    7) 14:46 - Red Flags
    8) 19:21 - Strong Voice
    9) 22:11 - Relevancy
    10) 25:07 - Budget
    11) 32:25 - Personal Relationship
    12) 33:16 - The Business Side
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ความคิดเห็น • 267

  • @roxannejanisewski894
    @roxannejanisewski894 4 ปีที่แล้ว +280

    I would love to see people who are asked:
    "Since getting a script made is so difficult, how come so many awful and forgettable films get made.?"
    In these videos, they always talk about how scripts need to leave lasting emotions, scripts get rewritten dozens of times until they are unbelievably tight and polished, numerous people read and oversee the script, etc. However, a vast majority of new movies that get released never create emotion, are super predictable, and have laughable dialogue.

    • @Thiccwaifusinc
      @Thiccwaifusinc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      On god bruh

    • @thereccher8746
      @thereccher8746 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      Because those are made by established industry professionals that are above the rules. They produce their movies, or they get a pass from a higher up because they're known, and they can do what they want.

    • @mattdehavensorensen
      @mattdehavensorensen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +39

      A lot of those movies are "made by committee" meaning that it may have started with a good script, and then that script got passed around and everyone got a say about what needs to stay and what needs to go. It's the "too many cooks" problem. Especially if a movie has a big budget, the studio will make that once exciting script as safe as it can be, appealing to the widest audience they can in the hopes of maximizing profit. The problem is that modern audiences want to go to the movies to see something different and unexpected, but most movies these days tell you everything you need to know from the trailer. Get Out was not a movie that any big studio would have taken a bet on. That's why it was only made with $4.5 million which is an indie budget in Hollywood. But it was something that hadn't been done before while still adhering to the traditions of its genre. So it was something new + something familiar and the creative vision wasn't watered down because of it's budget so it worked (though I will say don't watch the trailer before seeing it, it kinda ruins it).

    • @citizenbobx
      @citizenbobx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Go make your own movie.

    • @Fireeater-rl4ep
      @Fireeater-rl4ep 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Well, now, Hollywood producers are looking for twelve slightly different things:
      1. Inclusion of Blacks.
      2. Inclusion of Homosexuality.
      3. Inclusion of social change.
      4. Inclusion of Leftist policies.
      5. Inclusion of sex, any form being acceptable as long as its erotic.
      6. Inclusion of other minorities, especially Mexicans and American Indians.
      7. Inclusion of common, overused clichés.
      8. Inclusion of potential sequels.
      9. Inclusion of known actors, regardless of talent.
      10. Inclusion of Inclusion.
      11. Inclusion of Oscar Bait.
      and finally...
      12. Inclusion of quality, a solid, wholesome story, and what the audience actually wants to see.

  • @themightymattp
    @themightymattp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +88

    Why are there so many more experts on great screenplays than people who write great screenplays?

    • @jawhoney
      @jawhoney 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      “Those who can’t, teach”

    • @Mr.Monta77
      @Mr.Monta77 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@jawhoney Nonsense. Many of the writers interviewed in this series are successful screenwriters.

    • @jawhoney
      @jawhoney 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@Mr.Monta77 but have they written GREAT screenplays. Being successful just means getting work which is great in itself, but it’s not exactly brand name defining

    • @Mr.Monta77
      @Mr.Monta77 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jawhoney It depends on your definition. In youtube commentaries people are more interested in scoring points and insulting others, than actually achieving new insights and increasing their knowledge. To me, a commercially succesful screenwriter is a great screenwriter. It’s bloody hard to write and sell a successful screenplay. How you choose to define ‘great’ is a personal choice. Some people would say Ben Stiller is a great comedy actor. I wouldn’t.

    • @Mr.Monta77
      @Mr.Monta77 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jawhoney Besides, history is full of extremely successful inventors who were also successful teachers. Albert Einstein at Berkely for one. You are just dumb.

  • @danbee998
    @danbee998 4 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    *Quick-Reference Guide*
    1. 00:40 - Emotional Response
    2. 01:52 - Genre
    3. 02:59 - The Hero
    4. 04:50 - What Hollywood Needs
    5. 07:10 - Twelve Questions
    6. 10:35 - It's Personal
    7. 14:46 - Red Flags
    8. 19:21 - Strong Voice
    9. 22:11 - Relevancy (spelled wrong in the video as "revelency")
    10. 25:06 - Budget
    11. 32:25 - Personal Relationship
    12. 33:16 - The Business Side

    • @MelbourneShorts11
      @MelbourneShorts11 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Legend

    • @malcolmdrake6137
      @malcolmdrake6137 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They do much worse than get the spelling wrong, in this useless video.

    • @markfox7764
      @markfox7764 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Is the answer to what Hollywood needs: CPR?

    • @hehunches
      @hehunches 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'd work with Dan B. just saying. anyone who indexes for fun has my attention

    • @tequila5106
      @tequila5106 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      baby, bless your heart ❤ i appreciate whenever someone does this

  • @WillBrigham
    @WillBrigham 4 ปีที่แล้ว +81

    I’m an actor in London who’s had my work cut due to corona, so currently isolated and spending time looking into all the aspects of what goes into the wonderful creative productions I get to play a part in. So much work goes in by you guys way before I get a script, so I just wanted to say I appreciate you guys!! Keep writing, follow your passions and let’s make some stories 🙌🙌

    • @josephrohland546
      @josephrohland546 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Corona is so really real, so….IT IS…REALLY…

  • @oldproji
    @oldproji 4 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    There are only three things a producer wants to know: Can we get it cheap? Can we change it out of all recognition to the original draft? Can we make a huge profit out of it? Going by the junk that's on TV and Netflix, I don't think producers are looking for well crafted storylines.

    • @red_killa7302
      @red_killa7302 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Facts

    • @dirus3142
      @dirus3142 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      How can we chase fashionable social ideological extreme viewpoints, and look virtuous doing it?

  • @Rubrick23.
    @Rubrick23. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    This really helped me understand why films suck for the last twenty years thanks guys.

  • @bkcuba
    @bkcuba 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    It sounds like a writer should be mindful yes, but we should also follow our vision because depending on the person reading it they'll either like it or not.

  • @mattdehavensorensen
    @mattdehavensorensen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    "Make money first by writing Christmas movies with dogs. Do that for awhile then go back to your good idea." If you want to burn yourself out writing garbage that you can't stand behind, follow this guy's advice. Don't forget that everything you write that gets made will be attached to your name forever. So don't ever write something that you don't believe in, unless of course writing is just a job for you. There's nothing wrong with that. But if you want to write because you enjoy writing, don't follow that advice.

    • @brianmurphy7372
      @brianmurphy7372 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This person is a true writer and knows the score!!

    • @nickbosi3017
      @nickbosi3017 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This is idealistic. The truth of the matter is that you probably have to write some effective commercial films to actually 1) make any money if you want to be a professional writer and 2) fortify the connections necessary to make what you actually want. Noah Baumbach wrote a Madagascar movie. Jordan Peele worked in sketch comedy for years before becoming the face of contemporary upmarket horror. Damien Chazelle sold some commercial thrillers and wrote 10 Colverfield Lane (and he came out of Harvard’s film program, so not even those who graduate from well regarded film schools are exempt). Besides, learning what makes those genres tick will probably make you a better writer because you’ll learn how to effectively play with audiences’ expectations. And you can make good stuff within commercial frameworks-Stephanie Rothman, the feminist exploitation horror director, for instance.

    • @mattdehavensorensen
      @mattdehavensorensen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@nickbosi3017 All of your examples are examples of well regarded, successful works. Jordan Peele's sketch comedy is phenomenal and 10 Cloverfield Lane is a great film, not a straight to DVD Christmas movie with dogs like the advice given in this video. I don't think Jordan Peele felt like he had to do sketch comedy so he could one day do what he really wanted. He has a deep love for comedy and is really good at it but he developed other interests as his career progressed. His success as a horror writer/director doesn't make his comedy any less good or important in its own right.

    • @nickbosi3017
      @nickbosi3017 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mattdehavensorensen That’s all besides the point. You have to be willing to do something that may not be exactly what you want to do first before you’re able to make that special movie (unless you already have connections or care nothing for the Hollywood film biz). Sorry if that sounds didactic, but I think that’s often lost on a lot of people interested in breaking in.

    • @shadeburst
      @shadeburst ปีที่แล้ว

      Go ahead. Do it your way. Nobody's stopping you.

  • @vernonkroark
    @vernonkroark 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The moral of this video:
    Producers suck and Hollywood has no desire to make creative art.

  • @joaquinhernandez6940
    @joaquinhernandez6940 4 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    I recently finished a screenplay, and I am hoping that I will get it made, whether I get help from a studio or not.

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Congrats on finishing the screenplay Joaquin! We hope you get it made too.

    • @amirrachid9611
      @amirrachid9611 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Good luck bro, I just started

    • @clinton7846
      @clinton7846 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Can I read it?

    • @clinton7846
      @clinton7846 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I just finished my first draft in three weeks

    • @joshuagarner4677
      @joshuagarner4677 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Do well, brother 👍🏾. I hope we all make it.

  • @illegitimateotaku794
    @illegitimateotaku794 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I honestly disagree with the man at 7:00. How are those types of films more popular than for instance, a drama or comedy coming of age story?? I'm pretty sure these sound more interesting and entertaining to most people and would be more popular...

  • @duckie3691
    @duckie3691 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I appreciate the ones who encourage writing what you love.

    • @dirus3142
      @dirus3142 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      True. Write what you love. However learn why people love other things. Expand your horizons.
      That is how you get a Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or Philip Marlow.

  • @homer_thompson5090
    @homer_thompson5090 4 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    12 things a producer looks for in a script: a dollar sign followed by 11 digits

    • @MrSupdup
      @MrSupdup 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      "I have the perfect script for you! 11 zeroes are still 11 digits... right?"

    • @maxabramson4781
      @maxabramson4781 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Damn. Took me a sec.

    • @Rubrick23.
      @Rubrick23. 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Right.

    • @fhajji
      @fhajji 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They'll call it Dollar's Eleven.

  • @KaceyBakerFilms
    @KaceyBakerFilms 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love that you counter balance advice, one woman says genre must stay in its own corner, the guy following explains genre is merely a consumer identifier and as long as story works genre doesn’t matter.

    • @jehudawson7373
      @jehudawson7373 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      He said for him genre doesn't matter.

  • @lonjohnson5161
    @lonjohnson5161 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    One thing I like about these compilation videos is that it shows there are many points of view. All have been successful to some degree, but not all are compatible with each other. If there is someone who rubs you the wrong way (there is one in this compilation for me), ignore him and pay attention to the others. Also, if there is something that is echoed across many voices, maybe it is a less mutable rule than you might hope.

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      As always, thank you for the insightful comments Lon. Words to live by!

    • @liquidbraino
      @liquidbraino ปีที่แล้ว

      You must be GenX or older because all that millennials and GenZ ever do is criticize people who are doing what they can't. They literally think that if you can't beat them or join them then criticize them - as if that's their only formula for success.

  • @OlgaKuznetsova
    @OlgaKuznetsova 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh man, such good questions and points! The section about the budget really got me thinking! Thank you all so much for putting these videos together and making them available, this is such good stuff!!

  • @kevinreily2529
    @kevinreily2529 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I agree with a lot of what these people are saying, as far as story and what appeals to them in a script, but almost none of them have made any movies I've ever heard of. These are the people who cannot take your script to the next level, or to produce a studio film. Anybody can be a producer in Indie films. There is a big difference. You need someone higher up the food chain to move your story along.

    • @maxsdad538
      @maxsdad538 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How many "higher up the food chain" movies have YOU produced or written? And claiming that "almost none of them have made any movies I've ever heard of" only shows your own level of ignorance.

    • @liquidbraino
      @liquidbraino ปีที่แล้ว

      Funny how they're all being interviewed by Film Courage and you're not.

  • @chipkornrumpf6318
    @chipkornrumpf6318 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A fantastic documentary I would recommend to any movie enthusiasts is "Tales From The Script".

  • @filmcourage
    @filmcourage  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Which of these is most helpful to you at this time? Anything you strongly disagree with?

    • @uanime1
      @uanime1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I didn't find any helpful as it was an unstructured list of random people saying contradictory things.

    • @gabrielmachadobsb
      @gabrielmachadobsb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What Hollywood Needs seems very shortsighted. If you're doing what everyone else is doing, you're not likely to stand out to pitch your own ideas
      Instead of fitting your ideas for a production company, try shopping for a production company that fits your script. Got a killer horror idea? Try to get it into Blumhouse. After that, you let producers get involved and change what you need changing

    • @taylornixonsmith833
      @taylornixonsmith833 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The guy that said if you only make family block busters that realistically you’re script will never see a day of production is the reason the last five years have been absolutely horrendous, things are just starting to turn around. Fucking hell if it’s that far out that 20th century won’t pick it up at least you can go to A24 if it’s half decent they’ll pick it up.

    • @bokane3491
      @bokane3491 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Very good series, very helpful. From this particular video I believe that Jay Silverman is a guy I would like to work with; same with Heidelberger. Silverman isn't as much nuts and bolts but has a feel, the same feel that I've put in to two scripts of mine (one finished, the other is in first draft but both have similar themes). When the second one is done I will try to find and pitch to Silverman. (ps...at #9 you misspelled relevancy)

  • @SirGriefALot
    @SirGriefALot 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I wish they would of give some concrete examples of the things they're talking about. If you're going to say that a movie was really good but came out 2 years too early and people weren't ready for it... GIVE ME THE NAME OF THE GODDAMN MOVIE so I know what the hell you're talking about!

    • @vaughnamir.6457
      @vaughnamir.6457 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s about the idea man. You’re not going to write your masterpiece going off other’s

    • @fearlessarchangel
      @fearlessarchangel 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hear that "The Thing" wasn't well-received when it first came out.

  • @seekingthemiddleway4048
    @seekingthemiddleway4048 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    There I was feeling resigned to having to write a Christmas Dog Movie and then later on I'm not supposed to write just for the market. Oh well....

    • @chrisoliver3642
      @chrisoliver3642 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Now's the time to ask ourselves: who is Christmas Dog _really?_ How did (s)he become Christmas Dog? What does Christmas Dog really _want?_

    • @alexpollock6932
      @alexpollock6932 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      maybe that's why Tarantino called It reservoir dogs, so he could trick Hollywood into producing his movie

  • @Danny-fs1hk
    @Danny-fs1hk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is an excellent MasterClass. Thanks for the post!

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Danny, we appreciate you watching.

    • @Danny-fs1hk
      @Danny-fs1hk 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Film Courage I have NO background in film and you’ve done an excellent job of asking the right questions and getting the right people to answer those questions and expound in a simple, understandable way. Thanks again. I’m already a sub and looking forward to watching more of your videos and passing them along.

  • @symbolmonkey23
    @symbolmonkey23 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This kind of explains the state of movies today. Make something generic, guaranteed to make money, make us like 10 of those and we'll consider your actual ideas

  • @jackwwalsh
    @jackwwalsh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I'm not buying into any of this. The most interesting films break the rules almost constantly. Just a bunch of opinions. Everyone's got one.

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks for the comment. How far into your writing career are you? Have you had anything you've written produced?

    • @jackwwalsh
      @jackwwalsh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@filmcourage Yes, three produced features. It's just my opinion.

    • @Ruylopez778
      @Ruylopez778 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      "The most interesting films break the rules almost constantly."
      The counter argument to that would be that those films don't break rules just to break the rules. The most interesting movies are still finely crafted to manipulate the emotions of the audience aren't they? Also a lot of great movies weren't a massive success at the box office, which is why most studios don't want to take a chance on them.
      It would be more worthwhile for you to give constructive, practical tips to viewers of this video.

    • @jamesargyll4226
      @jamesargyll4226 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Annemarie Hollywood makes plenty of original ideas, you need to watch more Hollywood films. I could name a hundred original films that are celebrated globally. I'm not going to bother because what's the point. But try telling people who really know US cinema as well as non-English spoken cinema that Wes Craven, David Lynch, The Cohen Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Woody Allen, Tim Burton or Wes Anderson's films aren't original and they won't have much time for your views on cinema. I think you have a lot of cinema to catch up on, you're lucky. I wouldn't insult Hollywood writers either, it doesn't advertise authoritative knowledge as they make up some of the greatest writers in the history of cinema.

    • @jamesargyll4226
      @jamesargyll4226 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jackwwalsh What's your IMDB page?

  • @YM-ow1jx
    @YM-ow1jx 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Someone wrote a script about Sharks in tornadoes.
    And it got made into a movie.
    Someone wrote a script and called it shark boy and lava girl.
    And it got made into a movie.
    Someone wrote a script called Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.
    And it got made into a movie.
    Someone wrote a script with Randy Travis in it.
    And it got made into a movie.
    So don't give up guys, lol

  • @filmidioten
    @filmidioten 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    What is producer Wendy Kram on about!? Maybe she is terrible at conveying what she really meant, or she's full of contradictions. First she claims that a screenplay with lots of dialogue on one page is the sign of an amateur, and the screenplay goes in the trash. Which is just a ridiculous thing to say, considering all the great writers that include long dialogue scenes. Then later on she hails writers like Greta Gerwig and Quentin Tarantino for their unique voice. Two writers who write screenplays that contain long dialogues. Sheesh. I'm hoping ms Kram just used the wrong words...

  • @howardkoor9365
    @howardkoor9365 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great interviews. Thank you

  • @tess303
    @tess303 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You guys are legends!

  • @user-zd1jh5zz9n
    @user-zd1jh5zz9n 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you very very much-- Film Courage.... Right on the nose..

  • @brianmurphy7372
    @brianmurphy7372 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I hate to say it but these people talk in catch words that they must have read or heard in a book or film class.The best writers put together a script from the seat of their pants after a life of hard earned experience and from their own heart and soul.

  • @cainster
    @cainster 4 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    To be completely honest, I'm going to write what I want to write, and if there's negotiations for a rewrite later, then that's just part of it. But I'm not going to let a single person try to poop on my creative vision or a potentially good storyline depending on their singular perspective. I mean, I know movie goers are morons, how else do you explains Transformers, but at the same time perhaps a good script written by a single individual is what counts first.

    • @jamesargyll4226
      @jamesargyll4226 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      You explain Transformers by describing it as a children's movie. Children are not going to critique Transformers in the same way adults are. The child and younger demographic make up the largest box office. Two pieces of advice - 1. Never say 'to be honest' it's bad English, nobody well versed in the highest form of language would use this expression. Millions say it but that doesn't mean it's good English. We expect you to be honest in everything you say, you shouldn't need to use this phrase to emphasise trustworthiness. Your grammar also needs work, you need to pay attention to that because if you can't write a simple opinion on youtube without multiple mistakes, what kind of reader do you think is going to pass your script to their boss? 'If there's negotiations' should be 'if there are negotiations' or 'if there's negotiation'....Starting a sentence with 'But' isn't good either. You talk about singular perspective, everybody's perspective is open to objective evaluation and you should look at critique as an opportunity to take a step back from your opinion and analyse it further to see if it holds merit or needs re-evaluating. You say 'I know movie goers are morons' - this tells me your thinking is shallow and you don't realise that just because a particular audience takes pleasure in something you don't, it doesn't make them 'moronic'. How do you know that somebody who enjoyed Transformers can't respect Schindler's List? You don't, you assume. Less assumption, more humility and more attention to detail would be a good start to understanding the 'business' of film. Best of luck.

    • @cainster
      @cainster 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@jamesargyll4226 TLDR. Lighten up, Francis. There's a movie quote for you.

    • @3rdvoidmen594
      @3rdvoidmen594 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jamesargyll4226 You need stick to being the English school teacher that you are. I think I am gonna get a lecture on how I shouldn't start a sentence with how I shouldn't have used "You" to start a conversation. Bring it on teacher, I have dealt with worse.

    • @krepes8685
      @krepes8685 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@jamesargyll4226 It's a TH-cam comment. Your analysis of this comment holds no value. Sorry.

    • @bluerabbit1236
      @bluerabbit1236 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It's not apparent to you, but you write for the moviegoers, not for yourself. You can write for yourself, but you'll never be a produced writer. If that's okay with you, then go for it. If not, you're the only delusional moron in this debate.

  • @robsandoval9677
    @robsandoval9677 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    FWIW here's my VERY limited experience. Wrote 2 scripts as a total beginner. A monster movie that's a variation on the werewolf story using an African legend. And a family film with an original take on the Kid & Animal genre.
    Both scripts did well in contests, attracted representation & the family film actually sold to a big production company in Canada. (still unproduced, however.)
    Conclusion: if you write a good script with an original take on an established genre & can pitch it well in a query letter, you & your work WILL get noticed. It might even sell.
    You don't need to know anybody in the business or have any special access or experience. Just a good script & a good query letter.
    People with access will request your script & try to help you sell it.

    • @Musicc101
      @Musicc101 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Did you copyright/protect your screenplays before selling?

  • @barrycook6603
    @barrycook6603 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    These producers / script readers have very diverse opinions. What am I supposed to take away from this?

    • @SirGriefALot
      @SirGriefALot 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Probably that even if you write an amazing script, you still have a one in a billion chance that the person reading it is the RIGHT person to read it.

    • @vaughnamir.6457
      @vaughnamir.6457 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      SirGriefALot dude you’re such a fucking downer

  • @AskAScreenwriter
    @AskAScreenwriter 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was VERY impressed by what John Paul Rice said (30:14 - 32:24). I don't recall many producers not only taking blame for a project not coming out to potential, but also saying it was because they had 'too much' money and didn't handle it well.

  • @zandrewsonnemaker5579
    @zandrewsonnemaker5579 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "If you're from Montana you'll never watch this" we are normal people who watch most films.

  • @ccwoodlands1565
    @ccwoodlands1565 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    There are 1.6 million members in the screenwriting subreddit. But, it is so difficult to get a script sold and it’s gig to gig. It looks exciting and it is but the likelihood of someone having a successful well paid career is like 5%.

  • @sweet_cinema9120
    @sweet_cinema9120 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brad Pitt starred in films where his character literally shows up a half hour into the movie, and he's done that with two movies. Killing them softly and Inglorious Basterds. Yeah, he's a well-known star, anyone who is a fan will watch his work, I think really it matters with a strong hook. Can you hook your audiences within the first five minutes of your film and make them care enough to go along with the journey?

  • @cmonz9
    @cmonz9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have an amazing plot for a story. Would make millions of dollars in the theatres.

  • @brianm8846
    @brianm8846 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Someone in the comments wrote "too many cooks" and that is correct.
    And yet a movie requires those half a hundred cooks, with the actors, directors, lighting...

    • @brianm8846
      @brianm8846 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Is there another art form that requires so many perfect performances to align?

  • @josephl9619
    @josephl9619 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have watched so many of these type of interviews and they never say anything that isnt completely obvious. we all know when it works and when it doesnt work. Its just that most people hand in scripts that are no good (and deep down they know it)

  • @goldeneddie
    @goldeneddie 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm often confused by some aspects of writing labelled as 'Red Flags', such as 'a big block of dialogue'. Does it apply just as much to novels or is it only for screenplays? I'm just reading The Bourne Identity and reached a point in one chapter that consists of 22 pages of dialogue straight through.

  • @jordanhenshaw
    @jordanhenshaw 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    8:00 Oh you can definitely state your thematic question overtly. Nothing wrong with it. Some of the best uses of the thematic question technique overtly state their thematic question multiple times. HBO's Chernobyl miniseries for example. Its thematic question is, "What is the cost of lies?" That question is stated verbatim in the very first line and in the very last line of the script. Every last scene in that entire series is about that thematic question.

  • @amonifinau4048
    @amonifinau4048 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

  • @williampowell3378
    @williampowell3378 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great content

  • @curtiscaliber
    @curtiscaliber 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My script is more of a black film involving a couple of poetry scenes. Great story but don't know if under or over budget. Does a scene out of town in a script compared to other locations over budget considering all mentioned from a monetary standpoint? Only around 14 characters.

  • @c.w.johnsonjr6374
    @c.w.johnsonjr6374 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What are the 12 Questions? At 7:10

    • @111Phoenix777
      @111Phoenix777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      1. What's the genre?
      2. Is it studio or independent?
      3. Who's your protagonist?
      4. What's their goal?
      5. What's their flaw?
      6. Who's the main relationship with? What's driving the story?
      7. Who's your audience?
      8. Who's the antagonist?
      9. What's their goal?
      10. What's their flaw?
      11. What's the narrative question driving the film? Be able to sum it up in one main question.
      12. What's your theme? Why are you telling this story?

  • @amymccleary460
    @amymccleary460 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Red box! Do the still exist! Hahah

  • @redringofdeathgamer
    @redringofdeathgamer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "Like, tested the thermometer on...". Does this young lady have power over people trying to make movies?!

  • @adventuresinportland3032
    @adventuresinportland3032 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I immediately read that as "Things a Predator looks for in a Screenplay."

    • @mikeyounis80
      @mikeyounis80 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😂😂

    • @filmidioten
      @filmidioten 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Producer / Predator. Tomatoe / Tomato. No real difference.

  • @dimitrikorsakov2570
    @dimitrikorsakov2570 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What's the name of the guy in the blue/pink Ralph Lauren polo shirt?

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/Mrx7JWEuRkc/w-d-xo.html

  • @the_konami_kid
    @the_konami_kid 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can an antagonist and protagonist have similar (if not identical) core wounds and goals?

  • @Wordsley
    @Wordsley 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    These Rock!

  • @KingKhan-fc3dj
    @KingKhan-fc3dj 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey , can anyone guide me about the word count of a screen play. Mostly people say it should be around 110 to 150 pages. So is there a standard of per page word count also?

    • @jamesargyll4226
      @jamesargyll4226 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Word count is irrelevant. General guideline for features is 90-130 at the top end. Different genres have different average page lengths, but rule of thumb - keep it under 130 and most people won't ignore the submission. Good luck.

    • @KingKhan-fc3dj
      @KingKhan-fc3dj 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jamesargyll4226 Thanks for your advice. I might be doing it wrong, since word count on my script is exceeding 200 per page. Actually I read script of “The Dark Knight” and word count per page is over 200 in it. But, then I read script of “Eternal Sunshine…”, word count per page is far too low there. So, I am confused.

    • @jamesargyll4226
      @jamesargyll4226 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      King Khan no worries. Let me repeat - word count is irrelevant. Nobody looks at it, nobody cares about it, it is not a consideration for anyone outside of journalism, full stop, period, the end :-)

    • @KingKhan-fc3dj
      @KingKhan-fc3dj 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jamesargyll4226 Sigh...! I am so grateful for your advice. I was getting worried over it. Thanks.

    • @KingKhan-fc3dj
      @KingKhan-fc3dj 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jamesargyll4226 Dear can you please also advise me on standard length of a scene. I understand , there is no rule of thumb, but is there something regarded as two lengthy? Some of my scenes are extended over 5 and 6 pages, and I wonder if they are too long?

  • @lathamlfilms
    @lathamlfilms 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’ve been writing one for months

  • @frozen1762
    @frozen1762 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Its interesting listening these people not for what they are saying but more as a character study of people in the business on decision making positions, what's their mindset. They all look to me like drones and have very little to do with actually making something with substance. Its more a business of manufacturing fast food type of content, like a craft, fabricating generic things by the book. No wonder most movies are boring.

  • @hdpmrr
    @hdpmrr 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    5:40-6:04 AND 6:04-7:09 --- how the business works

  • @hhhpestock951
    @hhhpestock951 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Revelancy?

  • @hehunches
    @hehunches 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    lol Christmas movies with dogs

  • @TheJennfie
    @TheJennfie 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The header for the section on relevance is written REVELENCY. Or am I missing something?

  • @piticfilms
    @piticfilms 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    No.4 - What Hollywood needs... Even if you do not like what "Hollywood" does? Is Noah Baumbach, for example, doing what Hollywood needs? This is a legitimate question to every writer.

  • @aslankarnuf
    @aslankarnuf 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I wouldn't work with half of them.

  • @josephrohland5604
    @josephrohland5604 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "To me, a good story transcends genre, mm-kay?"

    • @daybeau7819
      @daybeau7819 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Example: The 6th Sense. Horror? Thriller? Fantasy? Coming of age? Psychological drama? Journey of self-discovery? Bruce Willis once called it a musical comedy (with tongue firmly in cheek). I hear it was somewhat popular at one time whatever its genre.

  • @seanfrost2509
    @seanfrost2509 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    At about 27 minutes in, what is meant by the question “where are you going?”

  • @josephrohland5604
    @josephrohland5604 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    "The story needs something I can hang my hat on, until the next movie comes out..."

  • @ivanstokolias1051
    @ivanstokolias1051 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    All right, if scriptwriting is a very complicated occupation, there is such a long list of requirements for the script, and the writer have to be a genius of this craft for being simply read by producer, why the hell we see in our cinemas Cowboy vs Aliens, Emojie movies, The Red Sparrow, The 50 shades, batman vs superman, the Circle, Slender man and etc. Like really, scripts for these films can't be accepted and sponsored by adequate people.

  • @abdokalta1931
    @abdokalta1931 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    they should have a stupid script to read in front of the camera, some of them cannot continue a sentence without interrupting them selves many times!

  • @francoisleveille409
    @francoisleveille409 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Item #4 does not contribute to give a stellar image of how Hollywood works. I'm glad Ed Harris more or less put aside some of that to create 'Pollock' in 2000 because it's an extraordinary film and it wouldn't exist if Harris hadn't first followed his heart.

  • @KVNGFreeIndeedNetwork
    @KVNGFreeIndeedNetwork 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love this channel and I love this video absolutely but I just had to point out that the word revelancy is actually not even in the dictionary... I think you meant relevance instead or perhaps relevancy. Lol...

  • @artlist5372
    @artlist5372 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "international countries" as oppose to National countries?

  • @pinchebruha405
    @pinchebruha405 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    its Hollywood Who you know or who you blow HW or not its still gonna be that way, same with banks and small business, you got to have money to make money. its never about if your idea is good, its if you want to spend your own money then go ahead and spend it on your idea period!

  • @janedavis5131
    @janedavis5131 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Revelency???

  • @jabrilyousef
    @jabrilyousef ปีที่แล้ว

    “Revelency” 😂😂

  • @shadeburst
    @shadeburst ปีที่แล้ว

    Heidelberger may be good at his job, but he's almost incoherent at explaining it. Ofori is great. She thinks about the whats and whys.

  • @konradsuderchatterjee3931
    @konradsuderchatterjee3931 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Genre is key but genre I don't care about... LOL
    .

  • @massiveboyentertainment4048
    @massiveboyentertainment4048 ปีที่แล้ว

    The relevancy is a tough discussion. Many greats seemed far fetched disconnected or to cerebral and won.

  • @filmsofgilbert
    @filmsofgilbert 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    #9 is down as 'Revelancy', meant to be 'Relevancy' I think. First rule of screenwriting: Learn how to spell! ... it happens to the best of us!

  • @su7301
    @su7301 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    22.13 Revelency?? what the...? This is a vid about writing! Trust in this spiralling

  • @rickwitten
    @rickwitten 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Revelency?!

  • @starbright6579
    @starbright6579 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wonder if Screenwriters write movie trailers?

  • @omegalpha777
    @omegalpha777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    No wonder hollywood movies are getting worse and worse. These producers have more Egos issues than a lot of crazy people. They feel so entitled "because we have the money and you don't". Now with the Pandemic, a lot of them are now out of business and many more are not millionaires anymore.
    Their system is very outdated. Want to experience a better story? read a Book (how about Greek Mythology, Encyclopedias of Social Problems, Disorders, Diseases, Disasters, Biographies, why? because in every conflict there's a story with emotions) or a Manga (Death-Note, The Promised Neverland, Monster, Wolf Children, A Silent Voice, etc.)
    Also that's why Videogames are getting more traction in the younger generations, and the market is growing exponentially, it's a mix of Storytelling, Interaction and Being inside the mind of the characters but also being inside a virtual tournament if they want to compete, adding awesome Soundtracks, SFX and VFX. In the movies, books or mangas you just consume and that's it.
    The new generations are not watching a lot of movies like older generations used to. What are they really watching in their spare time? other people doing the same stuff they like or doing stupid or intelligent things, how they react (neuro mirroring)
    Good TV series (Breaking Bad, GoT S1-S6) are more engaging to the public, because if they like the story and the characters, they want to see and experience more of it (again neuro mirroring).
    I'm a big fan of WB and HBO, but they keep repeating the sames mistakes over and over again (like Wonder Woman 84 atrocious script) sooner this industry will get hurt very bad and fast.
    Also there's the Korean Film Industry, I'm not saying all their movies are good, but most of them are very engaging and sparkle your curiosity, so that means they have a good system in place.

  • @ShadowManV3
    @ShadowManV3 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Rachel is super cute and intelligent

  • @luigi_border
    @luigi_border 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    If they can’t work around all these standards nowadays, they might as well only accept star wars scripts

  • @stuckinchaselandia6427
    @stuckinchaselandia6427 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Pro Tip: It's Relevancy not Revelancy.

  • @sebaceous
    @sebaceous 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    they want to make a profit. they copy everyone else. just listen to your heart.

  • @myNarrator
    @myNarrator ปีที่แล้ว

    The only part of this video that irks me is when Mark Heidelberger says, "...the potential for me to put my fingerprints on it." (14:23) I'm sure he does a fine job, but the thought that a producer has to change it no matter what, is why Hollywood films are garbage today. Too many uncreative executives worried about how they're gonna put their stamp on it. Most likely because they haven't contributed anything tangible, so they want to be able to point at the screen during the premiere and say, "That was my idea. Or, I wrote that joke," instead of just letting the real creatives make a great film.

  • @MegaRockstar48
    @MegaRockstar48 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I’m sorry but Hollywood is now a group of connected friends each massaging each others egos. The reason for a lack of quality and success in Hollywood in 2024 is because it’s impossible for new writers to break into the party. It’s members only!

  • @Darkwaterrebellion
    @Darkwaterrebellion ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Lost me at "Revelency" 🤣

  • @johnmeaney511
    @johnmeaney511 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The dude that tells people to write scripts for Hollywood completely contradicts what Quintin Terentino tells people to do. If you write a script for someone else it’s going to be dog 💩. And your going to lose interest in it. Never will I do that. I’ll write something unique for my audience and can relate to the story like me and I’ll be respected for it. What he’s saying is just sell out and then write what you want. Just sounds sad

  • @josephrohland546
    @josephrohland546 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The writer NEEDS to have an AGENDA….pssst…that's the point of the story being written in the first place….

    • @jeremiahnoar7504
      @jeremiahnoar7504 ปีที่แล้ว

      No it's not. The point of a story is to explore interesting ideas. If you know exactly what you're trying to say then you're not really exploring anything. You could have just written a Ted Talk or website article instead.

  • @radonpq99
    @radonpq99 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    All very superficial people who wish to enjoy their few moments of superiority over aspiring writers. They would go at great lengths to advise actual writers though never have written a story themselves, but hold on they have advice on how to impress them with the opening line , first page first chapter just a tag line even , or few paragraph synopsis. The author must do a trick to grab these people's attention fast otherwise they are doomed. If they are so good and put every script through their rigorous laser eyes, how come Hollywood and Netflix are producing trash after trash. I am sure the formula these people are using is missing some great stories and great scripts which failed to impress their straightjacket approach in one line , one page, one chapter......

  • @redringofdeathgamer
    @redringofdeathgamer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    These interviews are a window into why Hollywood makes garbage today.

  • @VannyARTS
    @VannyARTS 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Na! Everything nowadays is to be made fast! And Cheap! With the goal to make a lot of money.
    And changing gender roles like in many movies are not new ideas more less creative nor innovation

  • @shethewriter
    @shethewriter 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    hopefully "women in peril thrillers" will come to my keyboard to DIE, sir

  • @leonardodalongisland
    @leonardodalongisland ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Film Courage, I really dig the content you post but I need to give you a little filmmaking advice; only show the "lower third" (LT) once time for each person you're presenting. And NEVER show the LT back-to-back. For one, it says, you think the audience is so stupid that they forgot who this person, that we saw thirty-seconds ago, is. And it shows how unschooled and amateur you are.

    • @jeremiahnoar7504
      @jeremiahnoar7504 ปีที่แล้ว

      I forgot who a couple of them were, so I found it useful.

  • @vedadalsette1453
    @vedadalsette1453 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    9. Relevency (see 22:13). Relevency??? Really??? Looks like a professional writer didn't read the text graphics of this clip first!

  • @DMAPDX
    @DMAPDX 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Write to genre; don't write to genre. Give the market what it wants; write for yourself. So I guess part of being a success is parsing the distances between them. But for God's sake, it's relevant, not revelant.

  • @vincesierra555
    @vincesierra555 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Who cares about the current culture or lack thereof? Movies SHOULD NOT be political unless that's the whole point of the script.

    • @morganwwww
      @morganwwww หลายเดือนก่อน

      Why shouldn’t movies be political? lmao

  • @unanonymousjones
    @unanonymousjones 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    "It's the kind of films you see in a Redbox machine [...] tween girl family films, Christmas movies with dogs, women-in-peril thrillers..."
    I've heard of people being basic, but I've never seen someone be Basic Cable before. When Scott Kirkpatrick manages to tear himself away from Disney Channel, Hallmark Channel, and Lifetime, and finds himself in front of a Redbox, he only looks at the bottom three rows.

  • @Matt_Mosley1983
    @Matt_Mosley1983 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    17:37 Art on the title page unprofessional? #Disagree #ProducedScreenwriter

  • @dirus3142
    @dirus3142 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Scroll through social media? OH god no. Social media giving ideology megaphones is why Hollywood thinks it's a great idea to destroy the heroes in film created in the past 40+ years.