The Central Line: Giri/Haji
One of my favorite concepts we discuss in our rewrite workshops is the central line. I challenge writers to find a line of dialog in their script that reveals who the protagonist is. Sometimes they are surprised to discover these lines in their work because, in avoiding on-the-nose dialog, they didn’t set out to write … Continue reading
The Queen’s Gambit: The Narrative Power of a Strong Character Arc
As we sat engrossed by the last episode of the marvelous Netflix limited series, The Queen’s Gambit, it hit me that one of the (many) reasons it succeeds is the strong character arc of protagonist Beth. Sure, the solid source material, the stellar acting, the mesmerizing production design, and understated directing help. But for me, from … Continue reading
Scene Transitions: A Secret Weapon for Story Momentum
You may already know the fundamental ways of increasing momentum and tension in your script: get into scenes late and get out early; craft scenes around your protagonist’s pursuit of a goal; hold onto your central mystery as long as you can; and so on. Another powerful way to increase the narrative flow of your … Continue reading
Motif! Adding Depth To Your Script With Key Details
You’re feeling good about your latest script draft. You’ve crafted a strong story structure and compelling character arcs. But there’s something missing that you can’t put your finger on. A little je ne sais quoi. Threading in a motif–a recurring thematic element–can be the difference between a solid script and a script that stands out. Consider French … Continue reading
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