To summarize, most screenwriting fail to “engage” the audience with stakes. The stake doesn’t need to be literal life and death, but you must let the audience understand what exactly are at stake for the characters. Otherwise however intense the story is, the audience still wouldn’t care.
This was super helpful. I feel like subconsciously you pick up on the deeper meanings when you watch films, but having someone lay it out like that and direct your attention to it makes it feel like you've been given some tools to dig deeper and access a whole new level of appreciation for some of your favourite films. Thanks FC and Naomi!
I swear, every video you post improves my script. I had to stop writing because I know I don't know enough. I watch another video and get bombarded with valuable information I can put to use in the next scene. Thank you! Could you keep them coming?
What part of this video was most helpful? All parts! I knew (learnt it from another of your videos) that all my characters need an external goal and an internal goal, but I never thought of how important, and different, stakes and sacrifices towards that goal had to be if you want to keep your audience interested. Another wonderful lesson from you guys. Thanks Film Courage.
WOW. the thing where she says "especially when the stakes are not life and death" really clarified what she was talking about. so when the FATE OF THE WORLD is not at stake, if it's a smaller human story, the audience has to understand why this is important to the protagonist on a personal level. if the audience asks "so what? who cares?" and there's not a good answer waiting for them, then the crux of the story falls apart. so you have to really make sure that's clear - why does this matter - TO THEM?
I agree that the stakes in too many movies are anticlimactic, hence why it's important to build up the consequences of what will happen if the protagonist fails at their goal
Naomi has blown my mind. I love how she looks at story. My goal is to have my current script ready for review by May. I was looking for a consultant to give me comprehensive notes and I believe I have found her. Thank you for this amazing channel and wonderful videos.
Thank you film courage. I just learnt something else from this video. Knowing the stakes can actually give one more incite about their characters. That means the key to know your character personally is to know what the stakes and sacrifices is they're facing. Thank you.
Yes, every part. This lesson is very important for screenwriters, because I have to remind myself that I need to follow some kind of plan before I write, and identifying stakes is essential to coming up with a good story.
The content was great but even more so was the way Naomi explained her points. She made complete sense and super easy to understand. Thank you for teaching this tough old bird a new way of thinking about stakes!
I think she's saying Citizen Kane is not a good film because we never have any idea what makes the title character tick... Napoleon Dynamite would be a bad film for a lack of stakes...
But if your character has no purpose and makes a stupid decision that sets him into trying to fix it. It's funny. But if you delay the choice as the charater fights to avoid it, it's a thriller
I never comment on TH-cam videos but I’m just so impressed by how often you guys upload such thoughtful content
Hi Alex, your comment has been received and it is much appreciated. Our best to you.
Well said.
To summarize, most screenwriting fail to “engage” the audience with stakes. The stake doesn’t need to be literal life and death, but you must let the audience understand what exactly are at stake for the characters. Otherwise however intense the story is, the audience still wouldn’t care.
The 'why' really does matter. Very informative video.
Hi 👋I write ✍amazing superhero movies 🎥❤to sell
What makes your channel so good is that the information is timeless.
This was super helpful. I feel like subconsciously you pick up on the deeper meanings when you watch films, but having someone lay it out like that and direct your attention to it makes it feel like you've been given some tools to dig deeper and access a whole new level of appreciation for some of your favourite films. Thanks FC and Naomi!
I swear, every video you post improves my script. I had to stop writing because I know I don't know enough. I watch another video and get bombarded with valuable information I can put to use in the next scene. Thank you!
Could you keep them coming?
What part of this video was most helpful? All parts! I knew (learnt it from another of your videos) that all my characters need an external goal and an internal goal, but I never thought of how important, and different, stakes and sacrifices towards that goal had to be if you want to keep your audience interested. Another wonderful lesson from you guys. Thanks Film Courage.
WOW. the thing where she says "especially when the stakes are not life and death" really clarified what she was talking about. so when the FATE OF THE WORLD is not at stake, if it's a smaller human story, the audience has to understand why this is important to the protagonist on a personal level. if the audience asks "so what? who cares?" and there's not a good answer waiting for them, then the crux of the story falls apart. so you have to really make sure that's clear - why does this matter - TO THEM?
Amazing video, thank you so much!! I love you channel, it has helped me a lot. ❤
You're so welcome! Thank you for watching.
Great explanation, very helpful. Thank you!
Very enlightening! First movie that comes to mind when thinking of stakes (and sacrifices) is the 2011 film “Warrior” by Gavin O’Connor
I agree that the stakes in too many movies are anticlimactic, hence why it's important to build up the consequences of what will happen if the protagonist fails at their goal
Naomi has blown my mind. I love how she looks at story. My goal is to have my current script ready for review by May. I was looking for a consultant to give me comprehensive notes and I believe I have found her. Thank you for this amazing channel and wonderful videos.
Cheers! Our full interview with Naomi goes up one week from today.
@@filmcourage brilliant. Thank you
Thank you. Useful in my sales and marketing work also
Really good stuff, if the external stakes are not tailored to a character's internal conflict (desire, misbelief and fear) it won't be as impactful.
'A new griddle.' Love it!
Great content!!
The Steak I’m the Stakes should stick right!✌🏽🖤✌🏽
Thank you film courage. I just learnt something else from this video. Knowing the stakes can actually give one more incite about their characters.
That means the key to know your character personally is to know what the stakes and sacrifices is they're facing.
Thank you.
I too can not totally remember what Lady Bird was even about. I think that says a lot.
Thanks!
Insightful. Thank you
Which part of this video was most helpful?
Every part. Thanks for the upload.👏👏❤
Yes, every part. This lesson is very important for screenwriters, because I have to remind myself that I need to follow some kind of plan before I write, and identifying stakes is essential to coming up with a good story.
Three parts. Separate treatments of stakes and sacrifice. Emphasis on investment in the stakes, subtle, very useful.
The content was great but even more so was the way Naomi explained her points. She made complete sense and super easy to understand. Thank you for teaching this tough old bird a new way of thinking about stakes!
Thanks Kim, great to see this video was helpful to you.
I never knew that Bridesmaids was so deep until i start watching this channel. But yeah you are right. Its brilliant in its storytelling and execution
Oh, I never understood the point of Lady Bird until now. Thank you for the clarification.
I m from india and this channel help me alot ❤️❤️❤️
Love to see you finding value here!
My takeaway is that external stakes must be deeply tied to internal stakes.
I don't think they have to be. BUT when they are - wow - does it make for something special. Excellent point.
Yeah...but why? I think this is the most important question in crafting a story.
I agree with her
best video with the best end:
_You know?
_Right! OK.
_Yeah
She's complicating something very simple.
Yet so few screenplays execute it well. So clearly there's something more here
So the bigger the Dumpster Fire...the better. :)
I think she's saying Citizen Kane is not a good film because we never have any idea what makes the title character tick... Napoleon Dynamite would be a bad film for a lack of stakes...
wow, the ring and bridesmades, what a film junkie - lol she only has 1 film credit on IMDB.
i love this channel but damn
Gosh first I read it as Naomi beauty it always happens
But if your character has no purpose and makes a stupid decision that sets him into trying to fix it. It's funny. But if you delay the choice as the charater fights to avoid it, it's a thriller
So opportunity cost.
Hi 👋I write ✍❤amazing ✍superhero movies ✍🎥to sell
I'm most likely part of the 99% so I'm just going to give up.
🗿
Why does she continue to repeat the same lesson...yall need to re edit