How important is story?

Very.

Once you've lured us into a darkened theatre, it's your job to entertain us. Unless you specifically advertise that, "No Storytelling Shall Take Place, Only Pretty Images and Disconnected Themes," you're wasting our time. Or at least mine.

I've attended a number of film festivals, screened several independent filmmakers' films as potential movies to use in my classes and workshops, and watched countless hours of films in theaters and in my living room. And if there's one thing that drives me crazy, it's trying to determine the story when the filmmakers clearly had no clue what their narrative was.

Which means that we have a job to do as scriptwriters. We need to tell a compelling story about our character. Returning to an earlier post, we're examining what our character wants and what she'll do to get it. And we're not just tossing random obstacles in her way, but weaving in an equal and opposite-minded antagonist whose own goal will make it difficult or potentially even impossible for our protagonist to achieve her mission.

We also need to know what's at stake; what is the character willing to give up in order to chase her dream? There better be huge risks, or you may bore us. Please don't bore us.

So, how important is story? You tell me. But please make it interesting.

So You Want to Write a Screenplay? (Take Two.)

You’re not alone.

This semester 15 students enrolled in my Intro Scriptwriting course at the University of New Hampshire. It’s a three-hour class that meets once a week. During that time we read scripts, talk films, screen movies, and discuss story-telling techniques and screenplay rules.

As a reader of screenplays submitted to various competitions over the years, I’ve grown to appreciate the scripts penned by writers who have obviously studied their craft. The tales that jump to the front of my queue are the ones that have compelling characters with clear and defined do-or-die goals.  Where they are up against believable odds, and find logical solutions to their problems.  The best screenplays also share one major trait: they adhere to proper screenplay format.

If you’re going to write a screenplay, it’s important to study screenwriting. Just as an architect must study for years before being able to create comprehensible plans for contractors, a screenwriter must learn the intricacies of the art form in order to pen a solid screenplay that can serve as a blueprint for a director and her crew.

There are many great books* and programs available to students of any age. I first studied in the Online Professional Programs at UCLA and later earned my MFA in Creative Writing with a focus in Screenwriting via the low-residency program at Goddard College. In addition to classes at UNH and at New England College, I’ve taught workshops ranging from two hours to two days for the NH Film Festival, the RI International Film Festival, and the NH Writers’ Project. So you see, there are countless programs to choose from.

So…you want to be a screenwriter? Second rule: study your craft.

*One excellent reference book is Paul Argentini’s Elements of Style for Screenwriters: The Essential Manual for Writers of Screenplays. Read that and as many screenplays as you can.

Short Film

How do we attract the super short (and the tall) filmmakers as we attempt to launch the New Hampshire 7DayPSA Competition?

The deadline’s tomorrow. Yet as of today we only have—gulp—one team registered. Yes. You read that correctly. One team. And seven fabulous New Hampshire non-profits are interested, three of which are prepping materials for this year’s competition.

What to do?

Get the word out like never before. And start advertising the one-week late, extended deadline now.

Okay, so here it is:

The New Hampshire 7DayPSA Competition deadline is tomorrow—Sept. 2, 2010. Teams can register for $120 (or $100 for Student Teams).

Or Teams can Register up to one week after the deadline—by Sept. 9, 2010—for the Late Registration Fee of  $135 per Team (or $110 per Student Team).

Note: NH 48-Hour Filmakers may deduct 10% off of their Registration Fee.

Information is available at the NH 7DayPSA blog; registration forms are available courtesy of our host organization, Red River Theatres.

Questions? Contact Dana.

Thanks!