Why I Hate Screenplay Beat Sheets by Larry Wilson

In this Film Courage video, screenwriter Larry Wilson (Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Tales from the Crypt) shares how he intensely dislikes screenplay beat sheets but will write one if obligated under contract.

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#screenwriting #writing #screenwriting101

[madnessbydesignVria]

This man is the spokesman for my soul. If beat sheets help you, then use them. If they don't, then don't. The idea that we all have to be creative in the same way is ridiculous. Do what works you. The worst advice I ever got was that I NEEDED to outline everything. I tried, and found that all the creative energy I'd had was gone. It was months before I could actually write anything again...

[marieb]

I stole my method from Alex Garland: open a new document, write down the story beats (10-15 short sentences), and start writing. As I reach a beat, I delete it. This way I have mile posts yet the path I take to get there can be reimagined a thousand times. I like that freedom. It's the same thing I do when traveling.

[calvinmusquez]

I find best sheets and outlines extremely helpful. Just because it gives you a general sense of where you’re going. Even if you change things, which you definitely will, it helps to know where you are generally headed in the next scene or the next act or whatever so you know you’re not completely derailing yourself and your story.

[lisazoria]

I'm a bit of a mix between architect and gardener. How much I plan also depends on what I'm writing, if it's a screenplay, short story, etc. Usually I only write stories about characters and ideas I've had floating around my head for a while, (sometimes, years), so I have some idea of the kinds of things I want to happen and when. I make a quick outline with some bullet points and notes about character motivation, backstory, etc. But once I get to writing, it comes alive in ways I don't expect, and I get to discover the story all over again. The next thing I know most of the outline I had is out the window. Everything just keeps evolving from there as I discover ideas and fix problems I never anticipated. As long as I have a strong idea of what the theme or ending is, the rest of the story just forms itself.

[clarkparker]

I believe the more you actively think about your story, the better it gets. An outline is just a precursor to your first draft.

[sarahkaake]

I can’t tell you how much I love this! I only heard of Beat Sheets a few months ago in a writing group. Since then, I’ve been feeling guilty, or like I’m not being all I can be as a writer, because I don’t use them, and when I think about using them, it fills me with absolute dread. I’m definitely a gardener and I’m thrilled to be one 😊

[AxelXJimenez]

It’s like what Darren Aronofsky said in THR Roundtable, screenwriting is like sculpture where you have to slowly chip away to reveal your art. I’ve been trying both ways and trying to find out what works best for me

[ShowCat]

I totally agree with this man. Mr. Beat Sheet will beat the sheet out of my creativity the same way painting by numbers will.

[zzzleepyhead]

I needed to see this. I was doing so well with getting a story out but once I tried using the beat sheets, it killed my motivation and passion behind my story. Having a basically map helps but a perfectly "8 beat sheet" ruins everything for me.

[geetanjaliiyer]

Thanks God, someone is teaching us to less mechanize the writing process. So many formulas and equation has done best to shut God know how many minds. With standard recipes everyone probably can cook a dish, yet despite all the brilliance of recipe gurus, everyone will cook the same dish with different tastes. The taste comes with love, with passion...out of some inner motives

[ClintLoweTube]

The best writers seem to not outline as much. It's more work to create as you go, but usually gets a better result. Or maybe it's just what suits your personality. I write and create as the story goes.🆑

[GridironMasters]

Structure is everywhere. Things cannot be built without it. Music has structure so does a painting, a house and a story. Even those that say they dont outline or have a story structure have a beginning middle and end. Its unavoidable. Some people deviate more from their outlines than others. Thats fine. Its a map to your destination but it wont tell you the fine details of the journey.

[tangobayus]

In worlds like software engineering design documents are adjusted to match the as-built. An outline is a design document for a script. The outline is the most creative part of the writing process- bringing in ideas from the void. Gardeners also work from a plan. Most of the people who make it up as they go get lost in the middle and never finish their first script. Even if he doesn't follow the outline he has it in his head as a result of making it. Ideas are always fleeting so outlining helps you capture things so you can work them in. For one thing, it's hard to build in fore-shadowing without an outline.

[bkjones]

I agree with every one of his points in this video. I hate outlining and I do agree it sucks the fun out of me writing a script. I prefer to come up with an idea / story, world for my characters and get to writing. Then rewrite as I go. Regardless the story will change but the fun is coming up with and creating the story. I tend to write better scripts when I just write but when I make an outline I get frustrated because I can't see the story as well. A detailed outline I have a face to a name but I still can't imagine the characters of their voices.

[Htrails]

I have to agree for me beat sheets and outlines are helpful in the beginning. But as I start writing, I essentially forget about them. Because if I didn't, I'd be spending more time updating my beat sheet and outline than writing the script. I love the adage ideas spark other ideas. As I put ink on paper I often get inspired in new directions. Then I have to make sure they work.

[meg-k-waldren]

I guess I'm a gardner. So good to hear there's nothing wrong with being one. I typically will just have 3 to 5 soft beats that I keep in my head as I write.

[OhtheSuffering]

He’s so right. I tried to make a beat sheet and it was a waste of time because just with the first ten pages of my script, my ideas for its direction had already drastically changed. Definitely take notes, sure, but personally I haven’t found usefulness in the beat sheet.

[scobrado]

"Why don't (beat sheets) work for you?" 2:18 FilmScourge, didn't Larry just tell you why?

[heliotropicsquirrel]

"Architects and Gardeners" - I can't tell you how well that explained why I get so frustrated with my own writing! Lol! I WANT the security of an outline, yes, but once I start putting pen to paper, the thing takes on a life of its own! I'm not lazy or crazy! But that doesn't mean my writing doesn't follow an inherent form, either. I'm a Gardener! :)

[thes]

I needed this. Thank you. when i outline i have a hard time to create the screenplay. But when i just know the theme and what i want to convey.. i write more freely and stay engaged. But i am also trying hard to understand the Structure of story telling to engage audience better