by Jenna | Nov 21, 2024 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a writer about character naming, who says:
“If I have many characters of a certain group, Ninjas for example, too many to name individually in the story, though they have some dialogue, what do I call them? I’m using (Ninja) for all of them, even though there are many. Their faces are covered so can’t see each 1 anyway.”
I dug around for some extra links and resources for the article, including some nifty tips about naming characters from other writers, including John August, which should be useful for writers of all sorts, not just screenwriters.
In the main article, my answer included some tips about ways and reasons to differentiate even minor characters to make the script more interesting and clearer for readers and for potential actors.
One other opportunity to keep in mind here is that by naming them creatively, rather than keeping your characters in the background and/or generic, they may begin to differentiate themselves in your writing and storytelling too, stepping forward into the story a little more than they otherwise might.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
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by Jenna | Nov 17, 2023 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m addressing — with help from Screenwriter Jeff Howard (‘Midnight Mass,’ ‘Haunting of Hill House,’ ‘Oculus,’ ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil,’ ‘Gerald’s Game’) — two similar but separate questions from readers about character arc and character development:
Question 1: How to develop a character arc that is consistent with the story?
Question 2: How to continue developing your characters throughout the story?
Here are the main insights discussed in response:
- Character or plot first?
- Imagine your plot and character together from the start.
- Intertwine character and action early.
- Don’t worry about ‘core wounds,’ etc.
- Think of your character as a real human being — always trying to win.
- See character as living through the eyes of another person.
- Embrace action and character as one and the same.
To me, good character work is living within the moment of what’s happening — the actual moments of the story — not laying some construct of life-changing stuff on top of your story.
— Jeff Howard
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
by Jenna | Oct 19, 2023 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m addressing a collection of shorter questions from writers wondering about getting started with screenwriting, writing and learning screenwriting in another country, getting an MFA, and finding other screenwriters.
My responses include:
- Steps to begin exploring and learning screenwriting
- Tips for finding writing mentors
- How to evaluate whether an MFA program could be a good fit
- The challenge of the term thick skinned
- Where to find writing groups online, especially for screenwriters
There really are no “shoulds” with writing. There are so many paths forward, and it’s about choosing what resonates with you the most.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
by Jenna | Oct 14, 2021 | ScriptMag Articles
Welcome to the latest installment of my “Ask the Coach” column on Script Mag!
This month’s question is about fleshing out a story:
“My problem is, I grew up writing short stories, and now I am trying to write a screenplay. I ‘finished’ my script, and if it is true as they say that one page equals a minute of screen time, I have a movie that is roughly a little over 45 minutes. How do I expand my script without making it boring with just a lot of filler?”
Great question. Assuming you’re writing a feature, yes, 45 pages is short. In your shoes, I’d first focus on making sure I have a story with strong enough legs to last a full feature length, then, I’d dig into the specifics. Let’s discuss. [more…]
The big idea here is to look for ways to deepen the experience you’re creating for your audience, taking them on a powerful journey through the eyes of your primary characters.
Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels
by Jenna | Sep 17, 2021 | ScriptMag Articles
Welcome to the latest installment of my “Ask the Coach” column on Script Mag!
This month’s question is about finding the right reader for your script and genre:
“Hi, I’d like your advice on how to select a reader who will give you a fair evaluation. I’ve had my script ‘read’ several times by Pros who didn’t really enjoy the Fantasy genre. At least, that’s what seemed obvious to me from their comments. For example, one tried to talk me into writing a murder mystery using the bones of my story instead.
“Should I use a service like IMDB PRO for leads of studios who produce fantasy movies? My story falls into the Field of Dreams, Big, Groundhog Day type stories, each using a fantasy element. I feel that you have to like the genre first to give a fair evaluation. I know I wouldn’t be able to give the same respect to a war movie…”
I feel you on this one. As a sci-fi writer, I want someone who understands my genre expectations to give me feedback on my script, and someone who genuinely loves and appreciates the genre as well. I’m reading your question to mean you’re looking for a professional reader to hire for script notes, not for coverage, and not for a studio executive to query, however, given that you’re mentioning IMDB Pro, let’s look at that too. [more…]
“…while it is valuable to have a reader who understands the genre conventions and expectations, your script should still transcend genre and be transparent and legible enough to any reader to be able to understand its story, structure, character, and intent, and to appreciate your voice, tone, and writing…”
Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels
