Storytelling Basics for Screenwriting

Introduction to Storytelling Questions

• Six Basic Questions for storytelling:
  1. Who is it about?
  2. What do they want?
  3. Why can't they get it?
  4. What do they do about that?
  5. Why doesn't that work?
  6. How does it end?
• These questions are essential for any narrative form, including features, series, narrative games, etc.

Detailed Breakdown of Questions

1. Who is it about?

• Stories are inherently about people.
• Focus on characters: individuals or groups.
• Importance of identifying who we are following and who we care about.

2. What do they want?

• Objective/Need/Goal: Knowing what a character wants engages the audience.
• It can be tangible (object), an accomplishment, an event, or even information.
• Specificity is crucial: Clear goals help determine when they achieve it.

3. Why can't they get it?

• Obstacles: Essential to create conflict and drive narrative.
• The presence of obstacles makes the story compelling (e.g., lake full of piranhas scenario).

4. What do they do about that?

• Characters' actions define them.
• The narrative is shaped by how characters respond to obstacles.
• These actions form the core of the story.

5. Why doesn't that work?

• Characters must try multiple solutions.
• Failures lead to growth or revelation.
• Drives the character to confront or change key aspects of themselves or their world.

6. How does it end?

• The ending provides meaning to the entire story.
• Shouldn't rely on standard genre endings or societal/business expectations.
• An ending that reflects the intended message makes writing choices clearer and more focused.
• The ending serves as a vision and reflection for the audience.

Importance of Vision in Storytelling

• Ending as a Guide: Helps align all creative decisions.
• Serve as a moral and artistic compass for the writer.
• Finding clarity in endings aids in overcoming creative blocks.

Conclusion

• Reiterate the six key questions.
• Encouragement to apply these principles in writing.

Additional Notes

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• Offers of one-on-one project collaboration through writingforscreens.com.

• Action Steps: Think about these questions as a toolkit or "wonder tool" for crafting compelling stories. They are the essence of narrative structure.