Once you get the structure right, all the rest is details. This is how you construct a plot. Get the basic structure right, then gradually and systematically layer in detail as it becomes necessary. To learn the craft of the dramatist, check out my advanced writing program at script.kitchen
DILEMMA FOR CAMERON CROWE'S ALMOST FAMOUS
Cameron Crowe said the kid reporter's dilemma is what the whole movie is about. That's exactly what I teach--how to build an entire story around one good strong dilemma. I devote an entire chapter to Almost Famous in my book The Hero's Dilemma bit.ly/4gQwxn7
“Your plot construction technique, Sequence Proposition Plot, is singularly the best tool for screenwriting out there. Bar none."
Dick Lowry
Emmy nominated producer, writer, director
Train with me daily at script.kitchen
South Central is an extraordinarily powerful movie that calls out to be seen again. If you’ve never seen it, don’t miss it.
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TURNING STORY INTO DRAMA
There’s a critical distinction in using dilemma to turn a good story into a great script. While dramatic writing looks like normal storytelling, it’s quite different. You translate the story into something actors can perform that holds an audience riveted. bit.ly/4gQwxn7
Such a great classic film.
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BUILD A TIGHT EFFECTIVE DRAMA IN ANY GENRE by constructing your story around one good strong dilemma. Look at William's dilemma in Almost Famous. Cameron Crowe said his dilemma is what the movie's about. Learn to do this in my book as I build a story from scratch in THE HERO'S DILEMMA bit.ly/4gQwxn7
WOW! I just saw Becoming Led Zeppelin. It’s quite the most exhilarating movie I’ve seen in years, about the formation of this world-changing great band.
And it’s a full-on concert movie! I sat in the front row and rocked out. Don’t miss it in the theater. Take your kids.
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EXPLORE YOUR STORY MATERIAL BEFORE LEAPING INTO IT
A great story idea can be loaded with potential, so feel out its hidden recesses before you plot it. It can take real work to open up & develop the most dynamic options, so think deeply before you commit its final form. Train with me script.kitchen
THINK DEEPLY ABOUT YOUR STORY BEFORE YOU BUILD IT
The rich possibilities inherent in your unformed story begin to coalesce as you assemble its DNA. The raw elements & how you weave them constitute much of the story, so pay careful attention to them as you get started. Train with me at script.kitchen
“From within the swarm of gimmicky screenwriting seminars & trendy new how-to’s, it is Jeff Kitchen’s approach, relying heavily on the classic principles of dramatic structure & logic, that emerges as truly innovative.” Erin Quigley – Producer/Development Executive, 23 Red Productions script.kitchen
BUILD YOUR SCRIPT AROUND A STRONG DILEMMA
Core to the technique I teach is to trap your protagonist in a good strong dilemma that constitutes the full proportion of your story. In Training Day, Jake is caught between his ambition & his moral compass--and that's what the movie's about. bit.ly/4gQwxn7
CRAFTING A GREAT ENDING FOR A STORY
A great ending wraps up the power of a story into a complete, often satisfying and energizing conclusion. It should impact the audience and affect them deeply, staying with them, possibly forever. It completes a magic spell. Train with me at script.kitchen
PEOPLE SEEK MEANING AND CLOSURE
A great ending in a movie needs substance & real closure, which fills a deep need in people. Audiences hunger for transformation, & a great movie delivers it powerfully & well. The final effect is the principle effect, so work to make your ending great. script.kitchen
One of my best friends in the world, Neil Peart, gone five years now. He’s on to further adventures.
DECISION & ACTION IN THE FACE OF CRISIS IS THE STORY'S TURNING POINT
A crisis brings out the best in someone or the worst. When the Dilemma comes to its breaking point, the Crisis, it demands an immediate Decision & Action. The whole story turns on this major shift. Train with me at script.kitchen
TIGHT CAUSE & EFFECT IS CRITICAL IN SCRIPTWRITING
Getting at the steps that drive your story keeps it from meandering & prevents the Unnecessary from bogging things down. It makes it more actable & keeps the audience on the edg of their seats wondering what happens next. Train with me script.kitchen
YOU'VE GOT TO BE A GREAT STORYTELLER
Writing scripts is so much about getting the structure right to make every part of the story work dramatically. But applying all these structural techniques to improve the story don't work if the story itself is lame. Become a good judge of story. script.kitchen
LEARN TO HOLD OPTIONS OPEN AS YOU DEVELOP A STORY
The ability to tentatively explore options & stay fluid as you develop a story gives you much more freedom than crystallizing ideas right away. Play around with floating options as your story gels, staying fluid as long as possible. script.kitchen
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THE 36 DRAMATIC SITUATIONS HELP SEE WHAT'S ACTIVE IN YOUR SCRIPT, AND WHAT COULD BE
One complete spectrum of story elements gives you a dynamic array of possibilities to play with & build with. They're catalysts designed to shake loose new possibilities & to clarify what you've got. script.kitchen
RIGOROUSLY EXCLUDE THE UNNECESSARY FROM EVERY MOLECULE OF YOUR WRITING
Like running a clean room in a microchip factory, you must keep out the Unnecessary from every aspect of developing, constructing, & writing your script. Dramatic writing is the most stripped-down literary format. script.kitchen
THE CRAFT OF THE DRAMATIST
The technique & principles of turning good stories into a great scripts. It must be performed by actors & keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It's the most elusive of all the literary disciplines & is notoriously hard to get right. Train with me script.kitchen
THE WAY IN WHICH THE PROTAGONIST RESOLVES THE DILEMMA EXPRESSES THE THEME OF THE STORY
It's not WHAT the protagonist does to resolve her dilemma, but the WAY IN WHICH she does it. This provides a clear sense of the theme that's emerging organically through the story's complete action. script.kitchen
TO EVALUATE A SCRIPT, FIRST SEE HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL
When you finish reading a script, don’t just jump into the mental chatter of trying to figure it out. Sit with it. See how it makes you feel. Don’t rush it. There’s no right answer. You’ll feel its weak spots. Then figure it out script.kitchen
HAVING TROUBLE CREATING COMPLEX CHARACTERS?
This video is packed with practical know-how, showing how to use the Enneagram to create, develop, dimensionalize & flaw characters. I demonstrate the process in full detail by building a dynamic character for a real story.
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READING SCRIPTS IS AN ACQUIRED SKILL
It can be tricky to read a script because you have to learn all the characters & visualize everything, & the descriptions can be minimal. A great trick for beginners is to read the script for a movie you know well. It makes the read easy & fun. script.kitchen
We've crossed 900,000 views on my interviews on Film Courage. Check them out if you're interested in advanced tools in the craft of the dramatist, for writing films, TV, stageplays, or novels. youtu.be/4PzqL9oFiEE