Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Solve Them — Act One

This is the first video in a small series I'm doing looking at the different mistakes writers make in the different Acts of their screenplays. Today I'm looking at common mistakes in Act One and how to solve these problems.

Films Used:

Sicario
Zodiac
Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring
Get Out
The Matrix
Inglourious Basterds

#Screenwriting #CommonStoryMistakes

[spidavenom]

“Mistake #2 in Act One: The Story doesn’t set up the genre.”

Parasite: “Hold my birthday cake.”

[lucacaramani]

There is no better feeling than watching these videos and knowing you are doing everything right

[maybeitsceline]

about establishing the genre of the story, I feel like Bong Joon-ho's film Parasite didn't follow that trend but that's what made the film such a ride in the first place

[JackKirbyFan]

I honestly love how simplified and direct your teaching is. No pretentious details, no layers of complexity, no technobabble. You hit bullet points and make your reasons known. It's incredibly refreshing. Thank you.

[kioumaarstaeed]

I was in the middle of writing. Took a break. And saw this in my feed. I just subscribed. Keep this series going. Thank you!

[SheidaSheikhhas]

Your videos are the constant cure for my writer's block, every time I watch one I suddenly have the inspiration needed to write more. Thanks!

[dbchoobie]

I finished a whole script and just now I've realized how shitty it is.

I don't wish this on my worst enemies.

[lieutenantdiamond]

7:38 It's important to note that the Matrix's prologue, with Trinity sets up a vast number of questions, so the exposition dump feels like a reward for waiting.

[one_man_community]

6:25
As a watcher of movies myself. I like being confused, it gets me waiting and eager to find a reveal or explanation of what I was once confused about. If its in my face and thrown at me, I don't care, i'm not waiting for anything cause I already know everything.
Now I'm no screenwriter. I'm just a person who loves movies and this is my opinion.
EDIT: This is why something like Twin Peaks is so powerful.
EDIT AGAIN: Lmao I think I just realized David Lynch breaks all his rules and advice!

[ridwanshiddiq_]

You basically just giving us treasure. Thanks!

[avalasialove]

No joke, when you were talking about conflict and the inciting incident, I was like "Oh like Zodiac!" And then I see it as an example....lets just say I almost fell off my chair

[lbrtvlldr]

6:48 There's an even more important reason for The Matrix not to give any exposition at the beginning of the movie: the point of view. The audience can't be ahead of the main character. We know there's something going on, but we don't know what exactly it is.
Great video!

[AngelAlvarezCineTV]

Great video! Looking forward to your Act Two video, it's with what I struggle the most myself

[timtitus]

This and FilmCourage are my favorite channels on story. Great work brother!

[reminiscentfilms]

love your videos man. They add so much value to my writing process.

[SurajSharmaFilms]

Thankyou for teaching this, Love from India♥️

[matthewentwistle]

I'm hoping to be a novelist in the future, and though I'm not a screenwriter (or at least I hope to try getting into it at some point), I'm finding your videos about character and story-line to be very informative. Keep posting, please.

[josephschaab]

I got a 10 minute ad and watched the whole thing you’re welcome 😉

[NedBrannigan]

The only channel that I turn notifications on for. Every video is crammed full of valuable advice

[bradebronson]

Have you written any screenplay's? I'd love to read them if you have them up... Your content is awesome.