Going through film school, poring over every screenwriting book I could find, and sitting through seminar after seminar was definitely helpful. But, man, stumbling upon your series on TH-cam? Game changer. It's like you've got this way of breaking things down that's just... spot on. It's clear, hits close to home, and you've got this knack for cutting straight to the heart of what makes a story work. It's like you're a guiding voice, reassuring me that those gut feelings I've had about my story are on the right track. Now I'm all fired up to dive even deeper into crafting my script, feeling more pumped and ready than I've ever been. You know how they say, 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear'? That's exactly what it feels like. It's as though you've handed me a lit torch, lighting up this dark cave of creativity I've been trying to navigate. Makes the path ahead a whole lot less daunting. Alright, enough chit-chat. Back to work!
Totally love your channel. You got me hooked with the right brain and left brain way of creating a story. This is me...right brained while not feeling constrained.. Yet, your glitter glue visual aid for spine totally gives me strength in sticking with the spine. And your "z" pivot points graphic is the best I've seen. Will help me tremendously. You are doing the industry a great service. Selfless service.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude for this course / class / seminar / lesson...... I have never FELT the craft like this. Thank you so much for sharing your tools and your invaluable insight into the craft.
Sometimes, just out of the blue while doing laundry or some house chore, the first thing i think of is an idea for a great ending to a movie and then i start to think about what story will get me to that great ending.
Eh mate I recognize your name...... You’re a wise man. I’ve read books that reference you. I’m glad you’ve made a youtube channel, as a young millennial, I follow many youtube screenplay channels. I do enjoy reading books, but the internet is just more my medium. Thanks for your lessons. A producer from Britain says: all the lessons screenwriters spend 50k in college to learn are all just as accessible for free to those who know how to self-teach. And you are one of the utilities that allow us that opportunity. Sitting down for an hour with you is LITERALLY what college students do. This. An hour of study. Like I’m saving 50k because of your channel, not that I’d ever go to postsec for writing-something I’ve developed since age 9. I am real excited to enter my first screenplay contest which I would stand by saying is one of the easiest ways with highest returns (for the winners) of all other avenues for new writers in todays environment. I’ve finally committed to getting Final Draft 12, and proper software for my novels. But been in development and have been writing for decades now, I’ve just never had the right software. Frankly, right, most basic lesson in novel and screenplay: if its not in the right format and style, no one will read past the first line or sentence, irregardless how good. So, I feel in my heart, its time to fully commit to the right software cause I dont feel its just a hobby or feeling anymore, I’m 31 yrs old and have had no other interest in my entire life besides developing my stories and screenplay. Been self-studying for over a decade now with teachers like yourself and endless lesson books. Anyway, thanks for saving me thousands. I’ll remember your name when my name becomes something-said ‘not’ every writer to ever exist. 🤐
I think each of you bring your own uniqueness. I couldn’t downplay any of you. Lots of you are professionals in the industry. I just really really appreciate your long-form style. I appreciate the 10-15 min point form of other channels and industry pros. But yours is like... Post Sec levels. A full 60-90 mins of solid... professional professor teaching. Thanks!! 🙏🙏
Man, thanks for talking about the impossibility of ironing out every detail. I'm stuck on my story because of one part that didn't seem realistic and it's bugging me so much lol.
I recently stumbled on this channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience to us. They are immensely valuable. On one of the videos you mentioned to writ the action only if it affects a character, a scene, or the story. I have tough time differentiating between a scene action and a scene description/stage blocking. For instance, I've read in many scene descriptions something like - Jason and Sarah walk towards the garage - Isn't this just a plain dull description? I understand that there is a difference between Jason stands up and leaves the room vs Jason leaps onto his feet and rushes out of the room. But where is the line between a scene action and stage blocking?
We always must always ask ourselves the question: am I describing something that affects the story or just the style? Sometimes those distinctions blur, of course, but it's still the best tool to use. For example, if it's important that Jason move into the garage because he's about to drive away or something, then of course write it in. But if there's no particular reason for him to go in the garage, then it's unlikely I would write it in. I just wrote an extended dialogue scene with two characters having a conversation that grows increasingly heated and personal. I chose to have them start in a hallway, then move it into their bedroom as one character tries to retreat from facing the truth, then finally I had her retreat into the bathroom, because she wanted to get away from those painful truths, but her partner followed her in, where the scene concluded. I felt that was an effective way to depict the characters' emotional arc and provide the scene with movement. But it was rooted in story and character, not just an arbitrary choice to move the scene to a new location.
Great content! Thank you so much for this series. Making my way through the whole thing. It’s right up there with the best guides and advice for screenplay writing that I’ve found on TH-cam. I’m writing an audiobook but I find screenplay guidance to be quite helpful.
No, but it can be a helpful tool to keep your story from wandering astray. If it's confining, (like any advice I give) don't do it. Do what works for you.
37:30: interesting i wonder if they are exemples from the recent live action adaptations of Disney’s classics where they had to change some jokes or scenes cause the cartoon logic wouldn’t apply anymore ?
That's a great thought. I'm sure there were, but I haven't seen any of those CGI versions of classic cartoons (the very idea is repellent to me)., so I personally can't say.
Not quite sure what you mean by "granular level." Try using the "so" and "but" method: the beats should connect with the those conjunctions, because they suggest one beat causes the next one. Most importantly, you should be tracking your character(s) emotional journey through the story. The beats are the means - like a path - by which that emotional journey progresses.
@@TheGoDraft Appreciate you took the time to reply us Andy, thank you. Noted on the so and but method and also keeping track on the character's emotional journey. But a lot of things can happen in between beats when I start writing the screenplay. I only started writing screenplay 3 years ago. Does a beat represents a scene or a sequence?
Quick question: first enjoying the channel. Lots of interesting advice. Last year I took a screenwriting class. As a former newspaper reporting writing in a very tight, economical way comes natural. My question: I wrote an entertaining coming of age sports story with a black teenage protagonist. Now I want to get some coverage to figure out what to change and improve upon before sending to contests ect. Through research I learned most of the big coverage companies like We Screenplay merely scan the screenplay. Do you recommend anyone? Is there anyone you know that specializes in script coverage for teen movies? Thank you?
I love this definition of the theme. Everything I've been taught is that the theme is a message. But, yeah, maybe the message is good for children films, not so good for films for adults.
I can't help asking: Have you ever read Shane Carruth's PRIMER screenplay? I couldn't find it anywhere. I'd love to hear your take on that movie/screenplay--for several different reasons, lol. Alongside "12 Angry Men" and "The Man from Earth," it makes my top 03 low-budget contained thriller/ mystery. Lumet's debut masterpiece has been overanalyzed, as Bob knows quite well. However, Bixby's intriguing "The Man from Earth" falls short of proper discussion, IMHO. By the way, do you enjoy Bixby's adaptation of the film as a film? (sic) I happen to dig it-I actually watch it more than a couple of times a year; it's my "comfort tale." Many folks would claim it is just a theater play on the screen--which I'm not sure I have an issue with, for starters. Do you think the film could have been a "proper" movie-with action and flashbacks, etc.? I see no need for that; the story was masterfully told, in my layman's regular viewer opinion. My pleasure to have another imaginary conversation with you, sir! The real good news is that by the time I finish my script, a couple months from now, I'll very likely be able to afford a proper consultation. Back to work now! Cheers!!!
Hah... I am writing a story on a kid that has to clean up his room. It is definitely not a lecture. It will be a tough sell, but is a comedy. Learned lots. Thanks
Thanks. I am not joking. The cleaning up the room is a metaphor and I do have my UR moment which is my ending. I have both an ending and a beginning. I gotta work on the middle part I do have a theme as well. I just recently found your videos and found them enlightening.@@TheGoDraft
All episodes are still posted: th-cam.com/video/y7YmkXPGBos/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qO7PfMG3_rIW8zhP Some of them have copyright issues for certain countries because of the clips that I use. That might be the problem.
hey Andy can you share with us the steps of writing a script on a more practical level? I know that there are diffrent approaches but when does the treatment comes? before first draft? what is it's aim? to get my screenplay pitched? thank you!
Treatments are written with the purpose of interesting a producer or investor in the the film or series idea without having to write the full script -- or because the producer is too lazy to read a script. I'll try to do a deep dive on the "system" later in the series.
Never saw it, but a lot of learning to be a professional screenwriter is learning to focus on the story, scene structure, character, etc. and not get distracted by other elements over which the writer has no control.
You mention the attempt to make people realize injustices they didnt see before. It was amusing when i found the Sid Davis productions piece warning kids about the dangers of the homosexual. I put it on my channel with the title "The police warn people about the dangers of homosexuals in america" if you wanted to see it. Funny because they make it sound like homosexuals are all out stalking kids in the park everyday. Also, even though it is not a hollywood movie production, the videos made by sharkonline woke me up to the fact that rodeos are horrific animal abuse, something that i never noticed even though i had been to rodeos over the years.
Andy, in that the audience is asked to indentify with him and he has the primary character arc. But I haven't seen it in a long time, so it's possible it's co-protagonists.
@TheGoDraft and in Andrei Rublev, the named character is just observing things throughout the entire film. We,new writers, are terrorized to Absolutely define who the main character is, otherwise our script is called unfocused. Or one actors performance overshadows the given protagonist, and then the reviewers call that "accidental protagonist" and the writing is blamed. In many good films and especially tv shows the lines are blurred. I aol9gise if this question is something a rookie would ask:-)
Actually, Andy - Can you explain the plothole from Vertigo? I think my favourite movie ruining plot hole is from Toy Story. If Buzz Lightyear doesn't consider himself a toy, then how come he freezes and lets a little boy play with him all the time? If I was writing Toy Story, that would be very hard for me to ignore.
I'd rather not in a public forum because I don't want to ruin the film for people who haven't seen it. Write me at thegodraft@gmail.com and I'll tell you privately. Again, the point is not "Aha! We found a flaw!" but "Wow! How cleverly they tricked us!"
for me it's the 1st mission impossible film. i found, pretty much everything some what plausible. until, he jumped from the helicopter to the train in the tunnel.
Well, everyone has their own logic breaking point. For me, when characters hit each other with fists and feet and pipes and never even bleed, I'm out, unless it's a cartoon.
forget that word versi.....whatever.........as a kid i always KNEW i was watching. A MOVIE. DUH. !!...that's WHY i WENT TO THE MOVIES. TO GET AWAY FROM REALTY AND CATCH A GLIMPSE OF A the beauty of ANOTHER kind of existence,,,,
The world is Verisimilitude. And it's the very reason why you enjoyed watching those movies. Verisimilitude does not mean reality. It is a writer's term that means the level of naturalism determined by the storyteller based on the requirements of each individual story - from THE BIG LEBOWSKI to THE LITTLE MERMAID and every other movie in between (as well as every novel or play). It's a craftsman's term, like the word "plumb" to an architect. You may not get it, but your house would fall down without it.
Going through film school, poring over every screenwriting book I could find, and sitting through seminar after seminar was definitely helpful. But, man, stumbling upon your series on TH-cam? Game changer. It's like you've got this way of breaking things down that's just... spot on. It's clear, hits close to home, and you've got this knack for cutting straight to the heart of what makes a story work. It's like you're a guiding voice, reassuring me that those gut feelings I've had about my story are on the right track. Now I'm all fired up to dive even deeper into crafting my script, feeling more pumped and ready than I've ever been. You know how they say, 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear'? That's exactly what it feels like. It's as though you've handed me a lit torch, lighting up this dark cave of creativity I've been trying to navigate. Makes the path ahead a whole lot less daunting. Alright, enough chit-chat. Back to work!
Great to hear that what I'm blabbing about is working for you. That's why I'm doing this. Good luck to you.
Thank you again. Hope the channel grows. And please, please, keep on teaching.
I plan to. Thanks for watching.
“Being John Malkovich” as an example of verisimilitude is enlightening.
Thank you.
Yeah, he really pushed the envelope on that one. But that's what he does.
Totally love your channel. You got me hooked with the right brain and left brain way of creating a story. This is me...right brained while not feeling constrained.. Yet, your glitter glue visual aid for spine totally gives me strength in sticking with the spine. And your "z" pivot points graphic is the best I've seen. Will help me tremendously. You are doing the industry a great service. Selfless service.
I'm very glad to know I'm helping you. Good luck on your work.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude for this course / class / seminar / lesson...... I have never FELT the craft like this. Thank you so much for sharing your tools and your invaluable insight into the craft.
I'm delighted that you're getting something out of the series.
@@TheGoDraft More than something! :) :) :)
Greetings from China! I've read and watched a lot of lectures on screenwriting and this channel helps me understand the most.
I'm delighted to hear it. Welcome. More episodes are on the way.
So glad you’re continuing to make videos 🙏
Glad to do it. More to come.
Sometimes, just out of the blue while doing laundry or some house chore, the first thing i think of is an idea for a great ending to a movie and then i start to think about what story will get me to that great ending.
A spark for a story can come from anywhere.
It is a joy finding this channnel. Im so glad i did and your lecture is gold.
Great to hear. I'll keep turning them out.
You are a treasure, thank you!
You're very welcome.
Outstanding content! Pro level! The best I've seen! Thank you very much!
You're very welcome
This channel and Film Courage are my go-tos on writing, specifically screenwriting.
Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!
Keep ‘em comin’!
I will. Thanks for watching.
Eh mate I recognize your name......
You’re a wise man. I’ve read books that reference you. I’m glad you’ve made a youtube channel, as a young millennial, I follow many youtube screenplay channels. I do enjoy reading books, but the internet is just more my medium.
Thanks for your lessons. A producer from Britain says: all the lessons screenwriters spend 50k in college to learn are all just as accessible for free to those who know how to self-teach. And you are one of the utilities that allow us that opportunity.
Sitting down for an hour with you is LITERALLY what college students do. This. An hour of study. Like I’m saving 50k because of your channel, not that I’d ever go to postsec for writing-something I’ve developed since age 9.
I am real excited to enter my first screenplay contest which I would stand by saying is one of the easiest ways with highest returns (for the winners) of all other avenues for new writers in todays environment.
I’ve finally committed to getting Final Draft 12, and proper software for my novels. But been in development and have been writing for decades now, I’ve just never had the right software. Frankly, right, most basic lesson in novel and screenplay: if its not in the right format and style, no one will read past the first line or sentence, irregardless how good. So, I feel in my heart, its time to fully commit to the right software cause I dont feel its just a hobby or feeling anymore, I’m 31 yrs old and have had no other interest in my entire life besides developing my stories and screenplay. Been self-studying for over a decade now with teachers like yourself and endless lesson books.
Anyway, thanks for saving me thousands. I’ll remember your name when my name becomes something-said ‘not’ every writer to ever exist. 🤐
Glad you're getting something out of the videos. I think (hope) they're different from most other screenwriting channels.
I think each of you bring your own uniqueness. I couldn’t downplay any of you. Lots of you are professionals in the industry. I just really really appreciate your long-form style. I appreciate the 10-15 min point form of other channels and industry pros. But yours is like... Post Sec levels. A full 60-90 mins of solid... professional professor teaching.
Thanks!! 🙏🙏
Another excellent lesson. Thank you so much 💓
Glad it's helping. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for valuable teachings of screen writing craft through You tube Videos.
I'm happy they're working for you. Thanks for watching.
Man, thanks for talking about the impossibility of ironing out every detail. I'm stuck on my story because of one part that didn't seem realistic and it's bugging me so much lol.
Cool. The goal is to make the audience not notice.
Dude, these are awesome. Thank you so much!!!
You're welcome. Hope they help.
Thank you sir. It's more helpful than some screenwriting course.
Glad to know it's helping. More to come!
Thank you so much. I t all makes sense now.
Glad it's helping.
Right!?
I recently stumbled on this channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience to us. They are immensely valuable. On one of the videos you mentioned to writ the action only if it affects a character, a scene, or the story. I have tough time differentiating between a scene action and a scene description/stage blocking. For instance, I've read in many scene descriptions something like - Jason and Sarah walk towards the garage - Isn't this just a plain dull description? I understand that there is a difference between Jason stands up and leaves the room vs Jason leaps onto his feet and rushes out of the room. But where is the line between a scene action and stage blocking?
We always must always ask ourselves the question: am I describing something that affects the story or just the style? Sometimes those distinctions blur, of course, but it's still the best tool to use. For example, if it's important that Jason move into the garage because he's about to drive away or something, then of course write it in. But if there's no particular reason for him to go in the garage, then it's unlikely I would write it in. I just wrote an extended dialogue scene with two characters having a conversation that grows increasingly heated and personal. I chose to have them start in a hallway, then move it into their bedroom as one character tries to retreat from facing the truth, then finally I had her retreat into the bathroom, because she wanted to get away from those painful truths, but her partner followed her in, where the scene concluded. I felt that was an effective way to depict the characters' emotional arc and provide the scene with movement. But it was rooted in story and character, not just an arbitrary choice to move the scene to a new location.
@TheGoDraft wonderufl answer. Thank you Sir 🙏
Great content! Thank you so much for this series. Making my way through the whole thing. It’s right up there with the best guides and advice for screenplay writing that I’ve found on TH-cam. I’m writing an audiobook but I find screenplay guidance to be quite helpful.
I'm glad you're finding value in the series. Good luck with your project.
Im learning a lot, i love so much this videos and hope the next ones come soon
Thanks. It's on its way soon!
Looking fwd to next video. When is it going to be released?
Coming in a few days. Thanks for watching.
thanks for this!!
You're most welcome.
Hi Andy! Do you think a screenwriter already has to know the ONE word of theme ( tradition, privacy etc) when writing his script?
No, but it can be a helpful tool to keep your story from wandering astray. If it's confining, (like any advice I give) don't do it. Do what works for you.
@@TheGoDraft thanks!
37:30: interesting i wonder if they are exemples from the recent live action adaptations of Disney’s classics where they had to change some jokes or scenes cause the cartoon logic wouldn’t apply anymore ?
That's a great thought. I'm sure there were, but I haven't seen any of those CGI versions of classic cartoons (the very idea is repellent to me)., so I personally can't say.
I have trouble connecting the beats in granular level. Any tips?
Not quite sure what you mean by "granular level." Try using the "so" and "but" method: the beats should connect with the those conjunctions, because they suggest one beat causes the next one. Most importantly, you should be tracking your character(s) emotional journey through the story. The beats are the means - like a path - by which that emotional journey progresses.
@@TheGoDraft Appreciate you took the time to reply us Andy, thank you. Noted on the so and but method and also keeping track on the character's emotional journey. But a lot of things can happen in between beats when I start writing the screenplay. I only started writing screenplay 3 years ago. Does a beat represents a scene or a sequence?
Quick question: first enjoying the channel. Lots of interesting advice. Last year I took a screenwriting class. As a former newspaper reporting writing in a very tight, economical way comes natural. My question: I wrote an entertaining coming of age sports story with a black teenage protagonist. Now I want to get some coverage to figure out what to change and improve upon before sending to contests ect. Through research I learned most of the big coverage companies like We Screenplay merely scan the screenplay. Do you recommend anyone? Is there anyone you know that specializes in script coverage for teen movies? Thank you?
Yes, I know qualified script readers who do critiques. Contact me at thegodraft@gmail.com, and I'll give you a couple of names.
I love this definition of the theme. Everything I've been taught is that the theme is a message. But, yeah, maybe the message is good for children films, not so good for films for adults.
It's not even good for children's films/stories. Roald Dahl's beloved stories for example have no overt message.
You're very welcome.
I can't help asking: Have you ever read Shane Carruth's PRIMER screenplay? I couldn't find it anywhere. I'd love to hear your take on that movie/screenplay--for several different reasons, lol.
Alongside "12 Angry Men" and "The Man from Earth," it makes my top 03 low-budget contained thriller/ mystery. Lumet's debut masterpiece has been overanalyzed, as Bob knows quite well. However, Bixby's intriguing "The Man from Earth" falls short of proper discussion, IMHO.
By the way, do you enjoy Bixby's adaptation of the film as a film? (sic) I happen to dig it-I actually watch it more than a couple of times a year; it's my "comfort tale."
Many folks would claim it is just a theater play on the screen--which I'm not sure I have an issue with, for starters.
Do you think the film could have been a "proper" movie-with action and flashbacks, etc.? I see no need for that; the story was masterfully told, in my layman's regular viewer opinion.
My pleasure to have another imaginary conversation with you, sir! The real good news is that by the time I finish my script, a couple months from now, I'll very likely be able to afford a proper consultation.
Back to work now! Cheers!!!
No, sorry. I try to stay current as much as possible, but I haven't seen it. There's just too much stuff out there!
Hah... I am writing a story on a kid that has to clean up his room. It is definitely not a lecture. It will be a tough sell, but is a comedy. Learned lots. Thanks
I can't tell if you're joking or not, but wither way, best of luck to you!
Thanks. I am not joking. The cleaning up the room is a metaphor and I do have my UR moment which is my ending. I have both an ending and a beginning. I gotta work on the middle part I do have a theme as well. I just recently found your videos and found them enlightening.@@TheGoDraft
Hello, did-you delete the episode 5 ?
All episodes are still posted: th-cam.com/video/y7YmkXPGBos/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qO7PfMG3_rIW8zhP Some of them have copyright issues for certain countries because of the clips that I use. That might be the problem.
hey Andy can you share with us the steps of writing a script on a more practical level? I know that there are diffrent approaches but when does the treatment comes? before first draft? what is it's aim? to get my screenplay pitched? thank you!
Treatments are written with the purpose of interesting a producer or investor in the the film or series idea without having to write the full script -- or because the producer is too lazy to read a script. I'll try to do a deep dive on the "system" later in the series.
Where is the episode 5 ???
Where are you watching from? The video might be blocked by TH-cam for copyright.
@@TheGoDraft Greetings from Poland, Andy! I admire Your chanell. Great stuff here.
I remember being distracted by Ben Affleck wardrobe in live by night. Couldn't tell you what all else was wrong with that movie.
Never saw it, but a lot of learning to be a professional screenwriter is learning to focus on the story, scene structure, character, etc. and not get distracted by other elements over which the writer has no control.
You mention the attempt to make people realize injustices they didnt see before. It was amusing when i found the Sid Davis productions piece warning kids about the dangers of the homosexual. I put it on my channel with the title "The police warn people about the dangers of homosexuals in america" if you wanted to see it. Funny because they make it sound like homosexuals are all out stalking kids in the park everyday. Also, even though it is not a hollywood movie production, the videos made by sharkonline woke me up to the fact that rodeos are horrific animal abuse, something that i never noticed even though i had been to rodeos over the years.
shawshank redemption: WHO is the protagonist? Red or Andy?
Andy, in that the audience is asked to indentify with him and he has the primary character arc. But I haven't seen it in a long time, so it's possible it's co-protagonists.
@TheGoDraft and in Andrei Rublev, the named character is just observing things throughout the entire film. We,new writers, are terrorized to Absolutely define who the main character is, otherwise our script is called unfocused. Or one actors performance overshadows the given protagonist, and then the reviewers call that "accidental protagonist" and the writing is blamed. In many good films and especially tv shows the lines are blurred. I aol9gise if this question is something a rookie would ask:-)
Actually, Andy - Can you explain the plothole from Vertigo? I think my favourite movie ruining plot hole is from Toy Story. If Buzz Lightyear doesn't consider himself a toy, then how come he freezes and lets a little boy play with him all the time? If I was writing Toy Story, that would be very hard for me to ignore.
I'd rather not in a public forum because I don't want to ruin the film for people who haven't seen it. Write me at thegodraft@gmail.com and I'll tell you privately. Again, the point is not "Aha! We found a flaw!" but "Wow! How cleverly they tricked us!"
To protect himself?
@@TheGoDraft Thanks so much for keeping it a secret... you are a wonderful teacher and just very cool.
for me it's the 1st mission impossible film. i found, pretty much everything some what plausible. until, he jumped from the helicopter to the train in the tunnel.
Well, everyone has their own logic breaking point. For me, when characters hit each other with fists and feet and pipes and never even bleed, I'm out, unless it's a cartoon.
I thought it was the explosion that pushed him towards the train.
Uh sir I think you reuploaded the same video
Just double-checked it and it seems to be the new slightly tweaked version. I'll check with my assistant, though.
Sir where is Episode 5 ?
forget that word versi.....whatever.........as a kid i always KNEW i was watching. A MOVIE. DUH. !!...that's WHY i WENT TO THE MOVIES. TO GET AWAY FROM REALTY AND CATCH A GLIMPSE OF A the beauty of ANOTHER kind of existence,,,,
The world is Verisimilitude. And it's the very reason why you enjoyed watching those movies. Verisimilitude does not mean reality. It is a writer's term that means the level of naturalism determined by the storyteller based on the requirements of each individual story - from THE BIG LEBOWSKI to THE LITTLE MERMAID and every other movie in between (as well as every novel or play). It's a craftsman's term, like the word "plumb" to an architect. You may not get it, but your house would fall down without it.
Sorry, I'm not sure what this emoji means, so I'm going to choose to assume it's something incredibly positive.