I have to say this is one of the best interviews I have seen. Corey is so candid with his answers. He is willing to dive deep into his own flaws to present a lesson for others. This is a mark of a wonderful teacher and the fact that he did this is a mark of a great interviewer. He admits that he did not have the career he wanted but it had perks, and he ended up loving teaching more. He was a working industry vet who knows the pitfalls and the launching platforms. His enthusiasm leaps off the video for his love of the craft and teaching, and for setting up a wonderful frame of reference for getting better. I in particular loved where he talks about "I taught for the 2 of 18 and then I learned that talent could be learned" and then he changed his style of teaching. He still did not just give unwarranted support to students but actual honest feedback with methods for turning 18 no ways into 18 possibilities. I wish I knew more teachers like that. The best teacher I ever had was an honest one that said I see the potential in you but you are phoning it in, he told me It was after reading one paragraph a C paper, he did not read any further. That made me say well let me show you what I can do, got an A. Honest, Critical, Provoking and placing ownership where it needed to be on the students shoulders, Corey is like that teacher. Thanks again for such a wonderful interview.
Screenwriting is the only thing I ever wish I went to college for. I thought I didn't need to learn screenwriting and that I could just direct and find great scripts, but of course I was dead wrong. Only in the last few months have I realized I must become a student of screenwriting on my own, and I've been watching these videos on Film Courage, reading books, scripts, and going to writers' groups. I could have gotten a big headstart, though even if I did, I might have been too stubborn and arrogant to want to learn it. But I'm very glad I'm studying it and writing now.
Be wary of groups. I find most organizers of such groups are themselves cocky idiots who write poorly, like to incessantly argue about formatting (snore), who adjudicate themselves masters. (One guy made every action sentence its own paragraph, so the entire page looked like a To-Do list, very ugly and stressful to the eye - but of course he was right and everyone else was wrong.)
When I win my first of many Oscars for a screenplay I'm gonna say: "There are so many people I need to thank, but there's one person in particular who really transformed me from a prolific amateur to the master you see before you... and that person is... [uncrumple the piece of paper]... me." And then I'll go on to talk about how amazing I am for a while BUT EVENTUALLY I'll come back and say a huge thanks to Screen Courage and all the wonderful contributors. This channel is pure gold and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Let's be honest, basically none of the people in this comment section will ever win a writing oscar. The winning oscar writers are currently writing, not watching youtube videos
I write and listen at the same time. Obviously I was kidding - I doubt I'll win an Oscar. In fact - I flat out won't. But skill wise I think I'm capable or certainly will be in a few years. It's not alchemy - it's a good idea mixed with structure and practice, a billion redrafts and then you need the film making side to get a little lucky. I'm capable - as are you. Christ, if that hilariously untalented gross bully Weinstein is capable of forcing his way to winning dozens then a couple of actual artists have a shot in hell, right? I'll see you there in a few years ;)
So much good stuff in this interview! I am a teacher and at my school we have been using fixed mindset/growth mindset to lesson plan and grade, so Corey is on point with this discovery. I also appreciate his candor about his career- refreshing and honest. Exciting to learn from him.
I'm currently taking Corey's course. I HIGHLY recommend it if you have the means. It is both mind blowing and liberating doing this course. I used to cling to certain formulaic books to write, but with Corey's course it so much more compelling and authentic writing than what these books can offer, plus you will have a shot at a career because you will not launch one basing your script off of these books out there. No disrespect to any of the authors, it's very admirable what they've achieved, but they just don't have important tools like compelling conflict etc. Great interview.
This is the most useful video I've listened to yet! I have read Carol's book "Mindset," but I probably wouldn't have recalled it for application to screenwriting. Now I need to go back and read it again! I loved Corey's example of the guy (manager, I think?) who gave him the tough advice that he didn't want to believe and then worked with him for over a year to perfect his writing.
Corey adds great insight for writers then as now in 2021. Streaming media has surpassed networks & corporate entities. Who knew? Netflix, Amazon Prime, Showtime, and Hulu are hungry for authentic, pitch-perfect content. Check. Attention to authentic story design. Check. Attention to every aspect of story execution. Check. This interview reflects a still relevant, welcoming chat with an expert.
I don’t write for work or for anyone but I really enjoy how each day it’s like reading a book I didn’t write, “I wonder what’s going to happen today” or as Ray Bradbury says of re opening a project from years ago he says “so, What have you all been up to since I last wrote you?
I really needed to hear this because I know structure but my characters are not good I can push them through a story but no one van feel anything I need this class, thanks for the video.
I have recently been researching writing to finally get the characters and universe I have had in my head onto the page. There is a lot of knowledge on TH-cam to help get your direction on what you need to improve on or learn to get you started. Thanks for the informative video. I’m hoping my outline will see life in the near future, but I got a lot more to learn before I feel like I can do my idea justice.
Wow this is good stuff. I’m working on a first draft, currently at about page 87 and the stuff he’s talking about at 26 min about integration of the story components (story logic, escalation, pacing...), all these things are things I’m more keenly aware of as I push to finish this draft. I like the artist example and how the artist teaches the different components of drawing (contrast, shape, color...) separately. I get it.
Corey, Maybe your pitch perfect authentic 'script from the heart' is yet to come. I'm sure many of your students would learn from reading your new work and would love to see it on the screen. A brilliant interview. Thank you for being so honest and entertaining!
Great interview! He really went into detail about the parts of the business that nobody really discusses like the other side of being a TV writer including the politics and the expectations. 👏🏾👌🏾
This isn't pseudo-neurobiology. There's a lot of research and work done to back what he's saying.People approach the same task with different measures of what success is. If success to you is the greatness of your concept, you're likely to face ___ issues. If it's the love of your characters, you're likely to face ___ issues. If you're aware of your standpoint, you'll write with more balance. I'm a writer and I was so conceptually obsessed that my stories were unreadable became more self-aware.
Thank you for sharing such useful core advice here, and practical Timely industry advice! beyond just the conventional wisdom you can hear over and over anywhere. and from such thoughtful experienced pros. Great content! [more and more, the internet is makin me wish I hadn't payed all that for NYU lol,.. ugh.]
Love the part at like 1:35-1:40 where he talks about writing what you like to do and be a part of not something you don't like doing!!! I'm working on sticking to Sports Biography (FICTION) or even Non-FICTION down the road. I love skating and surfing and pretty much all sports stuff so I fig this is what I enjoy!!! As always love all the videos guys!!!
This video is on point. To learn, we must be uncomfortable. We must get out of our comfort zone to learn something new. I'm hoping I'm in the Growth mindset, how can I get better. I wonder how I can do this without a manager? I'll keep writing and try to have an open mind. I put "Mindset" in my Amazon cart. LOL
Corey's insistence on not giving free compliments reminds me a bit of parenting expert Alfie Kohn and a general idea in psychology about intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. The former is the motivation that comes from interest in a task itself, the latter is about what we can get from the task - like compliments or money. Psychologists generally agree that the former is the better motivator (a finding sometimes cited to counter free-market ideology). Kohn, while allowing that a parent should certainly acknowledge when a child has done something good, advises strongly against trying to positively motivate with compliments, especially compliments that 'define' the child, e.g. as strong or a winner or a good person etc. I believe I remember experiencing such attempts at motivation and actually feeling frustrated by precisely the fact that the parental or authority figure was unable to really engage with me at the level of my interest in the task. I felt sort of patronised by the assumption that I needed to be bigged up myself, when what I would have liked to share was how interesting the task was and what I'd figured out about it or wanted to figure out.
Yeah! You're correct. I finally know that I am one of the intrusive writer indeed. I love to write without outline. So i am a pantsier too. I don't care what other people think about my characters and my stories. My ideas or fantasy ideas purely came from my own fantasy. I love to observe life surround my friends and family. I am new in this writing. So i always think that outlining or follow the rules of writing or more to conceptual is the correct way to go forward that makes me always have a writer blocks so i stop my writing for awhile now because i can not accept this conceptual writer idea.. now i know what kind of writer i am, so i will go forward. Hopeful i am able to publish my books in series next year. I have so much ideas that i ended up doing multiple genres including romance in the second series. And also a non fiction book. Too much work but i heard Nora roberts even published 4 books in a year. And i am still a newbie.🤞🤞 Thank you so much!^^
I totally connect to his thoughts on tools. 35:22. I used to be a flight instructor and I would say this to my students...If I asked you to build me a desk and all you knew how to use was a hammer, you COULD build me a desk, but it's going to like crap and probably just fall apart if I tried to use it. However, should I show you HOW to use a saw, a screwdriver, a measuring tape, you SHOULD be able to build me that desk. However, it's up to you to become skilled in the tools AND know when to use them. ...Of course, you can extend the metaphor about how every desk is different, for different purposes, but are all made by the same tools. Thanks to Corey and Film Courage for this gold mine of information. Cheers.
Thumper Nope, different script. Corey wrote the spec for Ridley Scott but it didn't go into production. 4th Paragraph coreymandell.net/the-life-of-a-professional-writer-breaking-in/
Okay, after thinking about it a bit, I realized that I am both and they are fighting each other haha. I have intuitive characters to begin with inspired from real life and a conceptual end of the story that I want to get to and I'm stuck, I think I'm more conceptual than intuitive. I'm going to apply Corey's advice, I'm going to try to write short story exercises using only the intuitive part ^^ Thank you film courage for this eye opening interview.
That "inside out v. outside in" thing... We talked about that a lot in acting school, but I've never heard it put quite this way for writers. The Explorer and the Decider. The Strategist and the Natural Genius. Mugin v. Jin.
What a gift! Thanks! I'd seen his website and a blog article offering his services and I flagged it. Fantastic to sit and listen to such great insight. Thanks so much for digging into the details!! I'm at the beginning of writing an adaptation of my novel about a horse-loving teen's spiritual visit to a future age of World Peace. Blessings to all!
I am working in the Healthcare field, but my passion is screenwriting, so I am sitting at my desk and writing. I find your interview so helpful, because I know what it's like to be lead by your horse, allowing your character to lead .you. I had a nurse sitting beside me and she keeps asking me why was the character's doing certain things and that helps me to think deeper about my characters. I think I can be both intuitive and conceptual. I enjoy my ptotaganist. I wish I could join your classes. I wll be entering a competition with this screenplay. All the best!
I really laughed out loud when the interviewer is talking on and on about how to reign in an intuitive thinker and Corey is trying to actually reign her in, and he can’t get a word in. He’s laughing inside thinking how ironic the situation is. I love this channel, keep up the good work!
One question.. Now that he has the money, contacts and a better understanding of the skill, what stops him from writing what he want to write?. slightly confused on why he thinks he can't write what he really wants, contradicts with his growth mindset.
Agree, but have you ever heard the phrase, "a bird is not an ornithologist"? This guy can't write, sadly. He's obviously very good at understanding & teaching writing, though!
He said something (@15: 10), that I always trying to tell my outside world, when I write and they disturb me: (Leave me allone,) ... "I'm spendig time with my friendes" (right now).
This interview turned into a therapy session towards the end 😅 Corey's regrets are our biggest lessons people! Never do it for money and have a growth mindset! Thank God, I prioritized investing and set myself up for a stable career so I can freely write and not give a shit about money and even the outcome 💁♀️
Makayla Lysiak They're all over the place anymore. Even online, if it comes down to it. But do realize (and I get this from Karl Iglesias and it's so accurate), the more you learn about screenwriting, the more the magic of movies will be lost for you, and it will never come back. So this is ONLY something those who really want to be Screenwriters should pursue! Well, unless to don't care about the affect movies have on you. The disclaimer on that is the will still be able to enjoy them, but very differently. It's like hearing a beautiful song in Japanese, and then though learn Japanese. The song is completely changed and you'll never hear it the same way.
Thank you so much. But I basically already know how movies are made and produced, because I'm an actress. Even if the magic of movies isn't so magical anymore, I love looking at them from a director's, editor's, and screenwriter's point of view because I know about everything that goes into making a project. I just would like to strengthen my skills in this area, thanks for the feedback.
What do you think would be different is what is taught to a teen that is taught to adults? I'd say there is no real difference, except for maybe how to relate adult situations to teens that they yet don't understand. Otherwise, there is only one way to write/tell a story in film. Visually. Beyond that, use proper format, structure, etc. Your style will develop the more you write. Watch more videos like this. Blogs. Podcasts. Share your work with trusted writers to critique small samples to get feedback to adjust your writing skills.
jjkhawaiian Well it's not the difference between adult and teen teaching im saying that people don't offer a lot of class for people my age. For some reason there's a restriction sooo yeahhh
I do understand. I'm not sure where you live, but I just googled: www.google.com/search?q=screenwriting+classes+for+teens&rlz=1C1AOHY_enUS764US764&oq=screenwriting+classes+for+teens&aqs=chrome..69i57.15645j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Unfortunately the movie was never made. Corey tells more of the story in this video - th-cam.com/video/F49CIVxkgKk/w-d-xo.html If you search Metropolis and Corey's name we believe you can find the script online.
This guy is so right about creative integration. I am a conceptual guy. A rigid rule-based thinker. Not at all the character-centered writer. I can't write anything without an outline and tons of prep work and I love working a novel concept that sounds like a slick pitch. But my characters, in the past, have always been, frankly, terrible. One-dimensional and inconsistent on-the-nose-dialogue spouting machines. I hated them and it made writing extremely unpleasant. Lately I got out of my comfort zone and have been working character exercises that I used to look down on as a pointless pseudo-serious waste of time. But I was very wrong about that. With my weakness of integration I need to do what I can to get into the heads of characters and follow them around in a more spontaneous less planned out way. I have to let go of my vise-like grip over a process that I had insisted on being more logical and planned than intuitive and emotional. Since I've been doing this the writing has become more natural and even exciting. Likewise for you character-centered types, doing the bird's eye view concept and plot exercises will probably free you in ways you hadn't anticipated. Our rigid ways of thinking are our greatest enemies when we are stuck. I am a big believer in shifting tactics when things aren't working out for you and I have done that a lot with screenwriting, shifting from one guru to the next. The truth is they probably all have bits and pieces of insight that are useful and Mr. Mandell helped me with a big piece of the giant 3D puzzle that is story.
Is it possible to be a little bit of a conceptual writer and intuitive writer mixed together? I'm a novelist, but I've learned a lot how to put a manuscript together based on listening to videos about how to write a screenplay.
15 minutes in. Oh my gosh, the “conceptual writer” describes me to a T. Though I think when I create a character, they start as an intuitive concept that I pour the darkest parts of my soul into, but then I retrofit them into an existing story somehow. In other words, I don’t necessarily create a lot of my characters to fit into a particular world or scenario. I create people who have fleshed out personalities; people I would want to write about… but I have a story concept that want to throw all my best character ideas into, almost like two different processes.
Dont we sometimes just like characters no matter what they say? Or don't we just like how they deliver? Some shows are repeatative ,but we just are enamored with the actor!
An agent takes ten percent of your cut but is harder to get than a manager, who takes about twenty. A manger is more apt to hold your hand through the process, and while has access to producers, doesn't have the same relationships or legal options as an agent does.
Film Courage, Thank you! The things Corey Mandell explained here opend my mind greatly. I wish if he had written anything, like in-depth stuff; that I could buy and study. Thank you very much again this was a lot of help.
So I'm leaning more on the intuitive writer, huh. I will have a rough outline. But as the story goes on, the characters will slowly deviate from the outline. In my head I'm like, 'Wait, this character's personality is Y so it wouldn't makes sense for him/her to choose the X outcome.' And then it will end up creating a new plotline, story arc or whatever you want to call it that I've never intended or imagined to go to. And the scariest or most problematic part in my opinion? Going in too deep with the intuitive writing route will only end your story into a completely different genre. And then you're just lost, like completely lost because instead of going from point A to B, C or D, you end up going at point J. And if it ends up in a genre you're not familiar with, you need to do tons of research in order to still maintain the quality of the story or you backtrack to where you made the huge deviation from the original outline and start there once again. Really messy, but it can be fun sometimes. --- What about writing for someone where they assign you a topic or an ending with specific character traits? All I can say is good luck if you're an intuitive writer 😅
That John Truby audio class for TV is now redundant. Okay, maybe not all of it. Even so, if not for that audio class, I would never have bothered to watch Breaking Bad :-)
Don't ask others if you have what it takes to be successful at anything. Imagine if Tyler Perry asked those in the industry if he had what it took. Many still believe he doesn't have what it takes. He may not be the best writer or director, but he owns his own studio, material, and is worth over $600 million.
This is such a strange industry. Four years ago, what he's saying about the market felt true. It probably wasn't true. But it felt true. Now, in the summer of '21, it sounds like nonsense. No one wants the next "Mad Men" or "Orange is the New Black". And they'd like the next "Game of Thrones" as long as it's almost totally like GOT ... but different. But really it's back to franchises driving the industry. Pretty much the conversations about streaming shows begins and ends with Disney+. Of course, that doesn't mean that's what people are buying. And in a year or two, it will be different yet again. So, write what you feel passionate about and trust that you'll find others who feel just as passionate about it as you do.
This one's hit me like a bomb, like no other FC interview. Corey's nailed the key issue for me in fiction writing. I'm usually someone who hates these kind of pigeonholing categorisations - introvert/extrovert etc. - but perhaps that's precisely because I'm an intuitive writer, which I so clearly am, and I've really struggled with it over the years. God, I'd think, what am I supposed to do with this mind of mine, able to create great characters and write piles of sparkling dialogue that simply have no purpose? (I wrote a whole, boring novel like this.) What a shame I have no talent for storytelling and my stories always end up in a tangle or simply not there. How...unfair. Jesus. I could have done with Corey's help years ago and I wish I could take his classes now, but I'm an ocean and a continent away and it's lockdown and anyway I don't have the money. Still, it gives me a pointer and, very much against my instincts, I'm going to work like hell at whatever structure exercises I can find or cobble together. This is sort of a process I'd already begun, but I'm going to ramp it up and, as per Corey's instructions, tie the intuitive hand behind my back for a while. If anyone has any exercises to suggest, that'd be very welcome, thanks.
@@JM-gd3hr Thanks. I found that out just after I wrote the above and the price was lower than I expected, so I signed up. First class was last night and I already feel pretty rocked by it.
Am I the only one here who thinks this guy is somewhat dubious, and his story doesn't add up? If you look him up, his most recent 'screenplay' is a the gem of the ages, Battlefield Earth. I'm not kidding, look it up. Now the movie is based on a novel, so he didn't even have to come up with the story himself. In this case, I am not sure if this makes it better or worse. His credentials are somewhat dubious. ImdB lists a total of two movies, whereas on his own website, he lists "projects for Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Harrison Ford, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, John Travolta, Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Family, Working Title, Paramount, Live Planet, Beacon Films, Touchstone, Trilogy, Radiant, Kopelson Entertainment and Walt Disney Pictures." Ok, but which ones? If he was involved on all of those things, he should be credited on those projects, which is not the case, otherwise he and ImdB would name them Honestly, who is this guy kidding? I mean, Charlie Sheen doesn't open up a rehab clinic telling everyone how to get sober. How did this guy get his job? Show less REPLY
NickInBerlin, there are many writers who get tons of work and make lots of money, but never get one spec script made or any credit for any of their work. If Corey was all talk with nothing to back it up he never would've worked for UCLA, not would he be interviewed by Film Courage - they vet their people. (I had to edit this because my stupid phone thinks I want to say stuff that didn't make sense instead of what I tell it to.)
Like Beanie Green said. You can make alot of money and work alot, and never see your material made, or not get credit when it gets rewritten or reworked in development.
![Business and Craft Of Screenwriting - Corey Mandell [FULL INTERVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cj5tlCDEdcE/mqdefault.jpg)
![Essential Story Tools Required For Screenwriting Success - Corey Mandell [FULL INTERVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CWfcjN8ajHg/mqdefault.jpg)
I have to say this is one of the best interviews I have seen. Corey is so candid with his answers. He is willing to dive deep into his own flaws to present a lesson for others. This is a mark of a wonderful teacher and the fact that he did this is a mark of a great interviewer. He admits that he did not have the career he wanted but it had perks, and he ended up loving teaching more. He was a working industry vet who knows the pitfalls and the launching platforms. His enthusiasm leaps off the video for his love of the craft and teaching, and for setting up a wonderful frame of reference for getting better. I in particular loved where he talks about "I taught for the 2 of 18 and then I learned that talent could be learned" and then he changed his style of teaching. He still did not just give unwarranted support to students but actual honest feedback with methods for turning 18 no ways into 18 possibilities. I wish I knew more teachers like that. The best teacher I ever had was an honest one that said I see the potential in you but you are phoning it in, he told me It was after reading one paragraph a C paper, he did not read any further. That made me say well let me show you what I can do, got an A. Honest, Critical, Provoking and placing ownership where it needed to be on the students shoulders, Corey is like that teacher. Thanks again for such a wonderful interview.
This is one of the most valuable videos currently available.
Screenwriting is the only thing I ever wish I went to college for. I thought I didn't need to learn screenwriting and that I could just direct and find great scripts, but of course I was dead wrong. Only in the last few months have I realized I must become a student of screenwriting on my own, and I've been watching these videos on Film Courage, reading books, scripts, and going to writers' groups. I could have gotten a big headstart, though even if I did, I might have been too stubborn and arrogant to want to learn it. But I'm very glad I'm studying it and writing now.
I dig your journey...
Be wary of groups. I find most organizers of such groups are themselves cocky idiots who write poorly, like to incessantly argue about formatting (snore), who adjudicate themselves masters. (One guy made every action sentence its own paragraph, so the entire page looked like a To-Do list, very ugly and stressful to the eye - but of course he was right and everyone else was wrong.)
Three years later, I'm finally training in Corey's class. It's a great experience.
When I win my first of many Oscars for a screenplay I'm gonna say: "There are so many people I need to thank, but there's one person in particular who really transformed me from a prolific amateur to the master you see before you... and that person is... [uncrumple the piece of paper]... me." And then I'll go on to talk about how amazing I am for a while BUT EVENTUALLY I'll come back and say a huge thanks to Screen Courage and all the wonderful contributors. This channel is pure gold and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Let's be honest, basically none of the people in this comment section will ever win a writing oscar. The winning oscar writers are currently writing, not watching youtube videos
I write and listen at the same time. Obviously I was kidding - I doubt I'll win an Oscar. In fact - I flat out won't. But skill wise I think I'm capable or certainly will be in a few years. It's not alchemy - it's a good idea mixed with structure and practice, a billion redrafts and then you need the film making side to get a little lucky. I'm capable - as are you. Christ, if that hilariously untalented gross bully Weinstein is capable of forcing his way to winning dozens then a couple of actual artists have a shot in hell, right? I'll see you there in a few years ;)
I feel so blessed to have stumbled upon this interview. Thank you to all involved. 💜
Agreed.
Same here, although I am two years late 😁
So much good stuff in this interview! I am a teacher and at my school we have been using fixed mindset/growth mindset to lesson plan and grade, so Corey is on point with this discovery. I also appreciate his candor about his career- refreshing and honest. Exciting to learn from him.
He got real at the end. This is one of the most brutally honest interviews I’ve ever seen. Must watch.
I'm currently taking Corey's course. I HIGHLY recommend it if you have the means. It is both mind blowing and liberating doing this course.
I used to cling to certain formulaic books to write, but with Corey's course it so much more compelling and authentic writing than what these books can offer, plus you will have a shot at a career because you will not launch one basing your script off of these books out there. No disrespect to any of the authors, it's very admirable what they've achieved, but they just don't have important tools like compelling conflict etc. Great interview.
Where can one take his course? Is it online or presential? Where can one find info about it?
@@leonardotdias go to www.coreymandell.net for more info :)
Come the end this is def one of the top top greats on the channel, on the business side as oppose to the craft side. Excellent! Certainly! Thanks!!!!!
This is the most useful video I've listened to yet! I have read Carol's book "Mindset," but I probably wouldn't have recalled it for application to screenwriting. Now I need to go back and read it again! I loved Corey's example of the guy (manager, I think?) who gave him the tough advice that he didn't want to believe and then worked with him for over a year to perfect his writing.
Thank you, Jeanie. We feel honored to have spoken with Corey. Looking forward to reading Mindset soon.
Corey adds great insight for writers then as now in 2021. Streaming media has surpassed networks & corporate entities. Who knew? Netflix, Amazon Prime, Showtime, and Hulu are hungry for authentic, pitch-perfect content. Check. Attention to authentic story design. Check. Attention to every aspect of story execution. Check. This interview reflects a still relevant, welcoming chat with an expert.
I don’t write for work or for anyone but I really enjoy how each day it’s like reading a book I didn’t write, “I wonder what’s going to happen today” or as Ray Bradbury says of re opening a project from years ago he says “so, What have you all been up to since I last wrote you?
I really needed to hear this because I know structure but my characters are not good I can push them through a story but no one van feel anything I need this class, thanks for the video.
and I over write my characters, we might need to link up Mr. Isaac...
I have recently been researching writing to finally get the characters and universe I have had in my head onto the page. There is a lot of knowledge on TH-cam to help get your direction on what you need to improve on or learn to get you started. Thanks for the informative video. I’m hoping my outline will see life in the near future, but I got a lot more to learn before I feel like I can do my idea justice.
Wow this is good stuff. I’m working on a first draft, currently at about page 87 and the stuff he’s talking about at 26 min about integration of the story components (story logic, escalation, pacing...), all these things are things I’m more keenly aware of as I push to finish this draft. I like the artist example and how the artist teaches the different components of drawing (contrast, shape, color...) separately. I get it.
Cheers Rick! Great to see you finding value here. Best of luck finishing up your screenplay.
Corey, Maybe your pitch perfect authentic 'script from the heart' is yet to come. I'm sure many of your students would learn from reading your new work and would love to see it on the screen. A brilliant interview. Thank you for being so honest and entertaining!
Great interview! He really went into detail about the parts of the business that nobody really discusses like the other side of being a TV writer including the politics and the expectations. 👏🏾👌🏾
I cannot verbalize how thankful I am for Corey and this series.
This is brilliant--this guy is a genius!
This isn't pseudo-neurobiology. There's a lot of research and work done to back what he's saying.People approach the same task with different measures of what success is. If success to you is the greatness of your concept, you're likely to face ___ issues. If it's the love of your characters, you're likely to face ___ issues. If you're aware of your standpoint, you'll write with more balance. I'm a writer and I was so conceptually obsessed that my stories were unreadable became more self-aware.
totally agree.
These are very good interviews. Thank you for posting.
Thank you for sharing such useful core advice here, and practical Timely industry advice! beyond just the conventional wisdom you can hear over and over anywhere. and from such thoughtful experienced pros. Great content!
[more and more, the internet is makin me wish I hadn't payed all that for NYU lol,.. ugh.]
Great tutorial with loads of skill sets, I truly appreciate it. Thanks for these and many more.
Love the part at like 1:35-1:40 where he talks about writing what you like to do and be a part of not something you don't like doing!!!
I'm working on sticking to Sports Biography (FICTION) or even Non-FICTION down the road. I love skating and surfing and pretty much all sports stuff so I fig this is what I enjoy!!!
As always love all the videos guys!!!
This is a very inspirational interview. I've learned some new tips to help my hobby writing!
Keep creating Michael!
This video is on point. To learn, we must be uncomfortable. We must get out of our comfort zone to learn something new. I'm hoping I'm in the Growth mindset, how can I get better. I wonder how I can do this without a manager? I'll keep writing and try to have an open mind. I put "Mindset" in my Amazon cart. LOL
I just read the book, also discovered by watching this interview. I highly recommend it.
Corey's insistence on not giving free compliments reminds me a bit of parenting expert Alfie Kohn and a general idea in psychology about intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. The former is the motivation that comes from interest in a task itself, the latter is about what we can get from the task - like compliments or money. Psychologists generally agree that the former is the better motivator (a finding sometimes cited to counter free-market ideology). Kohn, while allowing that a parent should certainly acknowledge when a child has done something good, advises strongly against trying to positively motivate with compliments, especially compliments that 'define' the child, e.g. as strong or a winner or a good person etc. I believe I remember experiencing such attempts at motivation and actually feeling frustrated by precisely the fact that the parental or authority figure was unable to really engage with me at the level of my interest in the task. I felt sort of patronised by the assumption that I needed to be bigged up myself, when what I would have liked to share was how interesting the task was and what I'd figured out about it or wanted to figure out.
Whatever credits he has in the industry, this guy knows how to craft a good screenplay. Better than the "paint by plot points" gurus.
Great tutorials, these skills sets are real treasures, thanks, I truly appreciate these lessons.
Yeah! You're correct. I finally know that I am one of the intrusive writer indeed. I love to write without outline. So i am a pantsier too.
I don't care what other people think about my characters and my stories. My ideas or fantasy ideas purely came from my own fantasy. I love to observe life surround my friends and family.
I am new in this writing. So i always think that outlining or follow the rules of writing or more to conceptual is the correct way to go forward that makes me always have a writer blocks so i stop my writing for awhile now because i can not accept this conceptual writer idea.. now i know what kind of writer i am, so i will go forward. Hopeful i am able to publish my books in series next year.
I have so much ideas that i ended up doing multiple genres including romance in the second series. And also a non fiction book.
Too much work but i heard Nora roberts even published 4 books in a year. And i am still a newbie.🤞🤞
Thank you so much!^^
Well I guess that if you are an 'intrusive' writer you can't be a 'contraceptual' one. But what is 'Pantsier'? Keep going!
I totally connect to his thoughts on tools. 35:22. I used to be a flight instructor and I would say this to my students...If I asked you to build me a desk and all you knew how to use was a hammer, you COULD build me a desk, but it's going to like crap and probably just fall apart if I tried to use it. However, should I show you HOW to use a saw, a screwdriver, a measuring tape, you SHOULD be able to build me that desk. However, it's up to you to become skilled in the tools AND know when to use them. ...Of course, you can extend the metaphor about how every desk is different, for different purposes, but are all made by the same tools.
Thanks to Corey and Film Courage for this gold mine of information. Cheers.
I found a draft of Metropolis online and it's a great story. Thank you for this interview.
Thanks for watching Patrick. Where did you find the draft of Metropolis?
movie-scripts.net/M/Metropolis.pdf
Cool, thanks Patrick!
You mean the 2001 Anime. I was all set to read the script for a classic silent movie. Humphhh...
Thumper Nope, different script. Corey wrote the spec for Ridley Scott but it didn't go into production.
4th Paragraph
coreymandell.net/the-life-of-a-professional-writer-breaking-in/
Okay, after thinking about it a bit, I realized that I am both and they are fighting each other haha. I have intuitive characters to begin with inspired from real life and a conceptual end of the story that I want to get to and I'm stuck, I think I'm more conceptual than intuitive. I'm going to apply Corey's advice, I'm going to try to write short story exercises using only the intuitive part ^^
Thank you film courage for this eye opening interview.
That "inside out v. outside in" thing... We talked about that a lot in acting school, but I've never heard it put quite this way for writers. The Explorer and the Decider. The Strategist and the Natural Genius. Mugin v. Jin.
The fixed mindset growth mindset observations were so insightful!
Rewatching this months later. 👍
This channel is amazing. I need one like this for novels. I try to transfer as much as I can though.
What a gift! Thanks! I'd seen his website and a blog article offering his services and I flagged it. Fantastic to sit and listen to such great insight. Thanks so much for digging into the details!! I'm at the beginning of writing an adaptation of my novel about a horse-loving teen's spiritual visit to a future age of World Peace. Blessings to all!
Amazing interview
A clinic in screenwriting. Thank you
this is so amazing
thank you
Amazing!!! Great interview
Thanks Val! What was most helpful about this interview?
I am working in the Healthcare field, but my passion is screenwriting, so I am sitting at my desk and writing. I find your interview so helpful, because I know what it's like to be lead by your horse, allowing your character to lead .you. I had a nurse sitting beside me and she keeps asking me why was the character's doing certain things and that helps me to think deeper about my characters. I think I can be both intuitive and conceptual. I enjoy my ptotaganist. I wish I could join your classes. I wll be entering a competition with this screenplay. All the best!
If this guy was a superhero he would be called "Metaphor Man".
Tommy Trouble i was just coming to the comments to talk about his metaphors
I came for the metaphors and hand signals.
the metaphor about the horse litterally gives me an epiphany
Analogy, not metaphor.
This was SO helpful! Thank you‼️‼️👍♥️
I really laughed out loud when the interviewer is talking on and on about how to reign in an intuitive thinker and Corey is trying to actually reign her in, and he can’t get a word in. He’s laughing inside thinking how ironic the situation is. I love this channel, keep up the good work!
Excellent information!
Such an authentic person! Great!
One question.. Now that he has the money, contacts and a better understanding of the skill, what stops him from writing what he want to write?. slightly confused on why he thinks he can't write what he really wants, contradicts with his growth mindset.
Agree, but have you ever heard the phrase, "a bird is not an ornithologist"? This guy can't write, sadly. He's obviously very good at understanding & teaching writing, though!
He said something (@15: 10), that I always trying to tell my outside world, when I write and they disturb me: (Leave me allone,) ... "I'm spendig time with my friendes" (right now).
Amazing Advice!
So incredibly helpful!
This interview turned into a therapy session towards the end 😅 Corey's regrets are our biggest lessons people! Never do it for money and have a growth mindset! Thank God, I prioritized investing and set myself up for a stable career so I can freely write and not give a shit about money and even the outcome 💁♀️
I am an intuitive writer
Check out Corey Mandell's 2nd full video interview on TH-cam here:
th-cam.com/video/hZgWw5juPJ8/w-d-xo.html
After I watched and read pretty much everything of michael hauge I am totally addicted to script writing and great videos like this one. Thanks.
I know this is a year old so forgive the randomness haha, but best of luck with your work!
Does anyone know any screenwriting teachers that teach teens?
Makayla Lysiak They're all over the place anymore. Even online, if it comes down to it. But do realize (and I get this from Karl Iglesias and it's so accurate), the more you learn about screenwriting, the more the magic of movies will be lost for you, and it will never come back. So this is ONLY something those who really want to be Screenwriters should pursue! Well, unless to don't care about the affect movies have on you.
The disclaimer on that is the will still be able to enjoy them, but very differently. It's like hearing a beautiful song in Japanese, and then though learn Japanese. The song is completely changed and you'll never hear it the same way.
Thank you so much. But I basically already know how movies are made and produced, because I'm an actress. Even if the magic of movies isn't so magical anymore, I love looking at them from a director's, editor's, and screenwriter's point of view because I know about everything that goes into making a project. I just would like to strengthen my skills in this area, thanks for the feedback.
What do you think would be different is what is taught to a teen that is taught to adults? I'd say there is no real difference, except for maybe how to relate adult situations to teens that they yet don't understand. Otherwise, there is only one way to write/tell a story in film. Visually. Beyond that, use proper format, structure, etc. Your style will develop the more you write. Watch more videos like this. Blogs. Podcasts. Share your work with trusted writers to critique small samples to get feedback to adjust your writing skills.
jjkhawaiian Well it's not the difference between adult and teen teaching im saying that people don't offer a lot of class for people my age. For some reason there's a restriction sooo yeahhh
I do understand. I'm not sure where you live, but I just googled: www.google.com/search?q=screenwriting+classes+for+teens&rlz=1C1AOHY_enUS764US764&oq=screenwriting+classes+for+teens&aqs=chrome..69i57.15645j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I really appreciate you Corey Mandell , I have learned alots from you .
Fascinating.
What metropolis ridley scott was he talking about
Unfortunately the movie was never made. Corey tells more of the story in this video - th-cam.com/video/F49CIVxkgKk/w-d-xo.html If you search Metropolis and Corey's name we believe you can find the script online.
@ thank you for this and link! I am on it
I'd love to know what those training exercises are
This guy is so right about creative integration. I am a conceptual guy. A rigid rule-based thinker. Not at all the character-centered writer. I can't write anything without an outline and tons of prep work and I love working a novel concept that sounds like a slick pitch. But my characters, in the past, have always been, frankly, terrible. One-dimensional and inconsistent on-the-nose-dialogue spouting machines. I hated them and it made writing extremely unpleasant. Lately I got out of my comfort zone and have been working character exercises that I used to look down on as a pointless pseudo-serious waste of time. But I was very wrong about that. With my weakness of integration I need to do what I can to get into the heads of characters and follow them around in a more spontaneous less planned out way. I have to let go of my vise-like grip over a process that I had insisted on being more logical and planned than intuitive and emotional. Since I've been doing this the writing has become more natural and even exciting. Likewise for you character-centered types, doing the bird's eye view concept and plot exercises will probably free you in ways you hadn't anticipated. Our rigid ways of thinking are our greatest enemies when we are stuck. I am a big believer in shifting tactics when things aren't working out for you and I have done that a lot with screenwriting, shifting from one guru to the next. The truth is they probably all have bits and pieces of insight that are useful and Mr. Mandell helped me with a big piece of the giant 3D puzzle that is story.
What you wrote here is very insightful too! Thanks for sharing your experience!
"Pitch Perfect" the TV show? Maybe I'll check his site.
Is it possible to be a little bit of a conceptual writer and intuitive writer mixed together? I'm a novelist, but I've learned a lot how to put a manuscript together based on listening to videos about how to write a screenplay.
15 minutes in. Oh my gosh, the “conceptual writer” describes me to a T. Though I think when I create a character, they start as an intuitive concept that I pour the darkest parts of my soul into, but then I retrofit them into an existing story somehow. In other words, I don’t necessarily create a lot of my characters to fit into a particular world or scenario. I create people who have fleshed out personalities; people I would want to write about… but I have a story concept that want to throw all my best character ideas into, almost like two different processes.
Dont we sometimes just like characters no matter what they say? Or don't we just like how they deliver? Some shows are repeatative ,but we just are enamored with the actor!
Intuitive writer - by the seat of your pants - here. This is spot on!
Corey's the man!
Can anyone help me to find where to find these exercises to write?
Thanks.
Writing without integrating both feedback and new learning is simply replicating shortcomings and errors.
When you consider how many people he's helped, I'm not sure he made the wrong decision.
These Rock!
If I hear him say "pitch perfect authentic" ONE MORE TIME...
I dare you, I double dare you
I need to take his class
can someone tell me, what a manager is, what he does, how he is paid?
Google knows
An agent takes ten percent of your cut but is harder to get than a manager, who takes about twenty. A manger is more apt to hold your hand through the process, and while has access to producers, doesn't have the same relationships or legal options as an agent does.
A manager can produce. That’s what the pink cat said at any rate.
36:03 & 36:21, that starts at35:46
This is by far the best information I've received.
Does anyone know if he has written any books? Thank you.
Thank you Film Courage, liked. :^)
We know he had a 10 year career as a Hollywood screenwriter. Not aware that he has written any books. And cheers, glad you enjoyed this one.
Film Courage, Thank you!
The things Corey Mandell explained here opend my mind greatly. I wish if he had written anything, like in-depth stuff; that I could buy and study.
Thank you very much again this was a lot of help.
We should add that Corey does have a blog through his website. So this would be the closest thing to a book - coreymandell.net/blog-2/
So I'm leaning more on the intuitive writer, huh.
I will have a rough outline. But as the story goes on, the characters will slowly deviate from the outline.
In my head I'm like, 'Wait, this character's personality is Y so it wouldn't makes sense for him/her to choose the X outcome.'
And then it will end up creating a new plotline, story arc or whatever you want to call it that I've never intended or imagined to go to.
And the scariest or most problematic part in my opinion? Going in too deep with the intuitive writing route will only end your story into a completely different genre.
And then you're just lost, like completely lost because instead of going from point A to B, C or D, you end up going at point J.
And if it ends up in a genre you're not familiar with, you need to do tons of research in order to still maintain the quality of the story or you backtrack to where you made the huge deviation from the original outline and start there once again.
Really messy, but it can be fun sometimes.
---
What about writing for someone where they assign you a topic or an ending with specific character traits? All I can say is good luck if you're an intuitive writer 😅
'pitch perfect authentic script.'
This guys a genius, new to your channel. Love it so much and you ask great questions 💫👏😎
THIS WAS THE MISSING PIECE to advance my writing. Forever in your debt. Thank you.
That John Truby audio class for TV is now redundant. Okay, maybe not all of it. Even so, if not for that audio class, I would never have bothered to watch Breaking Bad :-)
Man... I need to save some money so I get take this guy's course...
lesson number 1: Dont write battlefield earth
Don't ask others if you have what it takes to be successful at anything. Imagine if Tyler Perry asked those in the industry if he had what it took. Many still believe he doesn't have what it takes. He may not be the best writer or director, but he owns his own studio, material, and is worth over $600 million.
there's a lot of "we" where he meant "I"
This is such a strange industry. Four years ago, what he's saying about the market felt true. It probably wasn't true. But it felt true. Now, in the summer of '21, it sounds like nonsense. No one wants the next "Mad Men" or "Orange is the New Black". And they'd like the next "Game of Thrones" as long as it's almost totally like GOT ... but different. But really it's back to franchises driving the industry. Pretty much the conversations about streaming shows begins and ends with Disney+. Of course, that doesn't mean that's what people are buying. And in a year or two, it will be different yet again. So, write what you feel passionate about and trust that you'll find others who feel just as passionate about it as you do.
🥰
If you still live in that house, you need a Chimney Sweep more than you know...
This one's hit me like a bomb, like no other FC interview. Corey's nailed the key issue for me in fiction writing. I'm usually someone who hates these kind of pigeonholing categorisations - introvert/extrovert etc. - but perhaps that's precisely because I'm an intuitive writer, which I so clearly am, and I've really struggled with it over the years.
God, I'd think, what am I supposed to do with this mind of mine, able to create great characters and write piles of sparkling dialogue that simply have no purpose? (I wrote a whole, boring novel like this.) What a shame I have no talent for storytelling and my stories always end up in a tangle or simply not there. How...unfair.
Jesus. I could have done with Corey's help years ago and I wish I could take his classes now, but I'm an ocean and a continent away and it's lockdown and anyway I don't have the money. Still, it gives me a pointer and, very much against my instincts, I'm going to work like hell at whatever structure exercises I can find or cobble together. This is sort of a process I'd already begun, but I'm going to ramp it up and, as per Corey's instructions, tie the intuitive hand behind my back for a while. If anyone has any exercises to suggest, that'd be very welcome, thanks.
His classes are available online
@@JM-gd3hr Thanks. I found that out just after I wrote the above and the price was lower than I expected, so I signed up. First class was last night and I already feel pretty rocked by it.
"you'll short circuit your fight or flight response"
Corey apologized for answering questions in so much depth, but what a loss it would have been if he edited himself. I hope he never learns too.
Gaha. 54:07 never fails ❤
Battlefield Earth
Thank you for this. Now, I wonder if George Lucas is left or right-handed.
He is great but he makes one doubt oneself.
This is why working a 'job' as creative is so devastating. So much energy is wasted switching modes.
I like how he can't say "pop" without snapping.
I can't believe you guys let him go the whole interview with that nasty blob of cat hair on his right shoulder. But it's a great interview!
Am I the only one here who thinks this guy is somewhat dubious, and his story doesn't add up?
If you look him up, his most recent 'screenplay' is a the gem of the ages, Battlefield Earth. I'm not kidding, look it up. Now the movie is based on a novel, so he didn't even have to come up with the story himself. In this case, I am not sure if this makes it better or worse.
His credentials are somewhat dubious. ImdB lists a total of two movies, whereas on his own website, he lists "projects for Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Harrison Ford, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, John Travolta, Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Family, Working Title, Paramount, Live Planet, Beacon Films, Touchstone, Trilogy, Radiant, Kopelson Entertainment and Walt Disney Pictures."
Ok, but which ones? If he was involved on all of those things, he should be credited on those projects, which is not the case, otherwise he and ImdB would name them
Honestly, who is this guy kidding?
I mean, Charlie Sheen doesn't open up a rehab clinic telling everyone how to get sober. How did this guy get his job?
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REPLY
NickInBerlin, there are many writers who get tons of work and make lots of money, but never get one spec script made or any credit for any of their work.
If Corey was all talk with nothing to back it up he never would've worked for UCLA, not would he be interviewed by Film Courage - they vet their people. (I had to edit this because my stupid phone thinks I want to say stuff that didn't make sense instead of what I tell it to.)
Like Beanie Green said. You can make alot of money and work alot, and never see your material made, or not get credit when it gets rewritten or reworked in development.
Genius!