Internal Contradiction Externalised
Sometimes, especially in fables, the divided self is represented by two separate characters. This post extends the argument in Sequences: How they Work and it's accompanying Sample Sequences [...]
Six Illustrations of the Social and Philosophical Story Questions
Six worked examples of how films fit the ‘Three Key Questions’ paradigm. Narrative, Social/Psychological, Philosophical Questions Almost every screen story is constantly asking three core questions, [...]
Write for the Story, not the Production Manager
Introducing standard script formatting too early undercuts clear cinematic storytelling. You don't need formatting software. You need a pen and paper, ideas, and a clear idea of what the audience [...]
Truth, Reality, and the Story World
Navigating and exploiting the multiple realities of story worlds. The three “realities” Stories sit at the intersection of three “realities.” the world as it is, the [...]
The Kuleshov Effect
How a cinematic experiment led to a fundamental element of cinematic language. The Myth At some point every acting teacher quotes the oft-told story of [...]
Cinema: Truth or Reality?
What’s the relationship between reality and truth in cinema? Truth vs Reality in Cinema Cinema is the most “realistic” of the art forms. Not because it [...]
Stories without Psychology
The less you explain the underlying psychology behind your characters’ actions, the more the audience will engage. So, keep it to yourself. In 1936, German [...]
Weak Villain, Weak Hero
Weak villains make for weak heroes. That applies to the argument your story is telling as well. Powerful stories need powerful counterforces, across all arenas. Make your story earn [...]
Built-in Failure at the Circus
Writing lessons from a visit to the circus. When Failure Is a Feature, Not a Bug If success looks easy, it feels empty. Every night [...]
Don’t Impose your Ending. Discover It.
Don’t decide what your story must say and reverse‑engineer the plot to get there. Embark on a genuine open-ended journey of discovery. Start with a [...]
