Harsh Truth About 99% Of Screenplays - Gary W. Goldstein

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#writing #screenwriting #movies

[oopsallbeets]

This is a hard truth that I had to face before. It's important for people to know just how difficult it is to make a career out of screenwriting but if you truly love it never ever let that stop you

[scottslotterbeck]

Another bit of advice: Come late into a scene, and leave early. Don't explain things, let the audience become involved in the mystery you are setting up.

I read a short story once about a young couple walking a dog. They describe on occasion the dog doing better than they expect, scrambling down a hill to the creek, and so on. Only at the end of the story do we find the dog only had three legs. The story wasn't really about the dog, but what a delicious surprise at the end. Re-reading it, the dog's behavior made sense. That little bit was so well crafted. Be that subtle.

[Ruylopez]

Behind this harsh truth is really encouraging advice; understand that the writer can easily develop blindspots when working on a project for a long time, and get quality feedback (don't show the work until it's ready). Then seeing what conclusions you can make to improve the story (not just change it). Gary doesn't exclude 99% of writers or scripts for 'lack of talent', he focuses on the mindset and process that delivers the best results. That's the kind of writer a producer wants to work with. And the approach every writer can adopt.

[rockfan]

The other harsh truth for beginning screenwriters is that some of the worst screenwriters get constant work because they conform to cliche storytelling. Sometimes thinking too out of the box isn’t the best idea.

[hiplessboy]

What a warm and generous man. He approaches stories wanting to be swept up into them. And hes right that we dont read with our brains, we read with our hearts.

[thattimestampguy]

1:15 Not the right guy for it.
2:43 Script through someone I know
4:40 Same issue - bad, Different critiques - good
5:48 If it does not grab you early with a hook, you sort of see the quality of the craft. 9:20 Let people know what you are inviting them into.

10:20 Storyteller

[scottslotterbeck]

If you do this for a living, you must work hard. If you do this as a passion, you can work with editors to make the best version of your story.

AND...tell a story only you can tell. You are unique. Only you have your experiences. Don't follow trends, or write what you think will sell. Write the story that MUST be told.

[kingconancrom]

The best advice given to me many years back was to write a book before trying to make my story a movie. True, it's a lot more work but the pay off is priceless. Create your own buzz, and the producers will come to you instead of you having to go to them. With your product being successful on its own you will also have more negotiating power. I believe that's why actors get more respect than screen writers; they themselves are a pre established product that producers can see insurance worth investing in . No one, be they producer or common 9 to 5 worker wants to take a gamble on their money if they are wise. They want to know if their investment is secure. Therefore you must establish your own buzz and make fans out of potential investors. You and your story will be respected and appreciated so much more. I hope this helped someone.

[shantcheetah]

I wish people would stop trying to recreate successful films.. just write what your heart desires & then make it entertaining after you finish writing it ;) I think there are TONS of sequels and remakes being made & I really miss the Hollywood of the early 2000’s

[Loufilmmaker]

Could someone explain me the purpose of that question about him reading Pretty Woman : "So it was a friday?" ??

[MOTIVATIONCINEMA]

It is not a matter of technics it is a matter of finding people of influence that see potential in your work

[ZekiLaurentSadic]

I really like this guy. I have used much of his advice.

[theglanconer]

What amazes me is the lack of talent these days. Especially people who try to adapt existing books. Almost everytime it fails because they think they are better writers than the original source, are convinced existing fans are just a nuisance and have to insert modern sensibilities and their own political stance, experiences and feelings in the story. It almost never works and the result is that all these movies and series have started to resemble each other (instead of the books they are based on). One amorphous mass. It is possible though; think for example Shawshank Redemption where the script and movie are superior to the (short) novel.

I also miss the (real!) diversity in movies we used to have in our cinema. We used to have a constant stream of superb drama, comedies, crime, historical drama, mystery, adventure, sf, superhero, westerns, action-movies, horror, thrillers, romance, war, epic movies on a grand scale, kids movies and so on. And many of them of exceedingly high quality, still loved by millions, if not billions. These days it has become all so bland, so predictable. If you don't particulary like superhero movies and don't subscribe to the religion of woke (the dominant religion in Hollywood these days it seems) the pickings are slim indeed.


So my hope is a new generation of talented screenwriters will arise to push the current lot from their pedestals. It is even possible they will come from other parts of the world seeing the huge succes of a well written animation series such as Arcane (France) (a prime example of diversity well done without all the obnoxious preaching and grandstanding and fan bashing) or the wonderful and populair series and movies from Korea and Japan. There are good screenwriters out there but maybe no longer in L.A.

[ronaldmayle]

The bottom line is, the viewers decide what they want to see. And if they want crap, then the writer and filmmaker must deliver crap.

[paulcrowder]

The harsh truth about this video is I watched the first 10 seconds, but it didn't grab me so I stopped watching.

[Thenoobestgirl]

Your videos always make me want to write but I currently have a migraine so I can't 😭

[dleonardrandom]

It’s all subjective. It’s executives that turned down some of the biggest hit films at times. It’s all in who’s reading the script. Scripts are boring, but if it’s a category you like, it’s interesting. Like the old saying in hollywood, nobody knows S…t. It’s luck and if a person likes you. The script is getting a rewrite anyways unless you own the studio

[lionstarnorth]

With features I give them the 1st 30 minutes (30 pages). With shows I give them the pilot. I think that’s a decent gauge for me at least.

[Ailieorz]

Nailed it with the feedback part. The industry just seems full of people who will blow wind up your rear for appearances

[nikolausbaker]

Entertainment starts in the 1st moments. 🤝