Biggest Mistakes Writers Make With Subplots - Shannan E. Johnson

Shannan E. Johnson, a native of Houston, TX, is a former creative executive at The Syfy Channel turned CEO of the first black-owned script consultancy in the entertainment industry, The Professional Pen. The Professional Pen is a writer-centered service provider helping emerging and established creatives develop their stories for the screen.
SUBSCRIBE TO SHANNAN E. JOHNSON’S KZbin CHANNEL
/ shannanejohnson
MORE VIDEOS WITH SHANNAN E. JOHNSON
bit.ly/32pCWAF
EVEN MORE VIDEOS WITH SHANNAN ON FILM COURAGE 2
bit.ly/2MxiQx2
CONNECT WITH SHANNAN E. JOHNSON
www.awriterfor...
/ shannanejohnson
/ theprofessionalpen
/ shannanejohnson
/ theprofessionalpen
/ shannanejohnson
(Affiliates)
►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) - buff.ly/3rWqrra
►WE USE THIS EDITING PROGRAM (ADOBE) - goo.gl/56LnpM
►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) - amzn.to/2tbFlM9
►WRITERS, TRY FINAL DRAFT FREE FOR 30-DAYS! (FINAL DRAFT) -
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER
/ @filmcourage
CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE
www.FilmCourage...
#!/...
/ filmcourage
/ filmcourage
/ filmcourage
/ filmcourage
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE KZbin CHANNEL
bit.ly/18DPN37
LISTEN TO THE FILM COURAGE PODCAST
/ filmcourage-com
Stuff we use:
LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - amzn.to/2tbtmOq
AUDIO
Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post amzn.to/2t1n2hx
Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - amzn.to/2tbFlM9
LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - amzn.to/2u5UnHv
COMPUTER - Our favorite computer, we each have one and have used various models since 2010 - amzn.to/2t1M67Z
EDITING - We upgraded our editing suite this year and we’re glad we did! This has improved our workflow and the quality of our work. Having new software also helps when we have a problem, it’s easy to search and find a solution - goo.gl/56LnpM
*These are affiliate links, by using them you can help support this channel.
#writing #writers #screenwriting

[@LeightonReiley]

I love her, the way she explains everything so clearly with funny easy examples is amazing

[@kenten]

Oh wow, and there's over a dozen videos so far with Shannan! Queueing them all up now...

[@LukasiMusic]

Totally agree, what a vibrant woman!

[@youllhavetowait]

HEY, too late!!!!🤨I loved her first!!!! some people are fucking guud at their job(s) but this is fucking ridiculous

[@LukasiMusic]

@@youllhavetowaitseems studiohenge was before you though, it's easy to say you were first 2 months later.

[@constancemiller3753]

She's a good teacher. She took the Family Reunion/ cake delivery example and made me want to know what happened next.🍰

[@MamaRavensCreations]

You are, and probably will forever be, the greatest interviewer ever. Between the topics, questions asked, and your general energy and personality, you are exquisite. Please don't ever stop.

[@filmcourage]

Thank you for your kind words and support Mama Raven! Great to see you finding such value here on this channel.

[@MamaRavensCreations]

@Film Courage Thank you for the response!!!!! You have NO IDEA how much your channel has helped me grow as an artist and a person. The people you interview combined with your magic is like mental alchemy. Literally melting away barriers, making lifetime excuses inert, breathing oxygen into my struggling fire while also feeding it sustainable fuel so I may burn brighter on my own. I just got done listening to the compilation titled "Don't get it right, get it written". (I say listen because I was painting and crafting the entire time just absorbing.) I've learned how to reach some seemingly "impossible" goals, and they're more attainable than previously thought. I've gotten so much confirmation in our collective insecurities. We are all human with beautiful imperfections. We all struggle with similar, if not identical, mental hurdles. I appreciate knowing that we have more in common than differences when it comes down to the things that matter. Due to the genuine vulnerability and honesty, I have been freed from so much. Guilt. Shame. Anxiety. Fear. Thoughts of "I can't. I'm incapable. It's too much. It's not for me." are literally dissolved. The creative hacks. The logical loopholes that my inner critic/bully/b**ch CAN'T TOUCH because the knowledge gained here overpowers doubt. The logic paves a path and builds a bridge that I can rely on. I have gotten the missing pieces of a plethora of puzzles that have been causing me to loop and remain stagnant. Words cannot express the positive impact you, this channel, and your guests have had on me. I am forever changed and I have everyone involved here to thank. I look forward to seeing what's next. For all of us!!! Please never stop. And you're going to see this in a lot of video comments, but you're literally the best interviewer ever. I talk to my family about you and just gush at your skills. I'm so thankful for everything. I am in my "Origin Story" with a tremendous headstart and an arsenal of collective wisdom in my beginning steps. Thanks for the life changing channel💖

[@appledough3843]

0:40 - Subplot Characters Characters within a subplot that helps or hinder the protagonist goal. They also have their own lives so don’t forget that. 0:48 - Subplot (B, C, D stories) They push the A story forward. Their B story will eventually impact the A story. It can impact it multiple times. If they don’t impact the A story then it will feel like a completely disconnected story. Make sure it impacts the A story. 2:18 - Thematically Similar The A story and all sub plot stories should have the same or very similar themes. 8:20 - How Many Subplots? The A Story is in ALL acts of the story. The B Story has similar beats to A Story with beginning middle and end, but it’ll be shorter than the A Story. The more subplots you add the smaller each subsequent subplot will be. You can have as many subplots as you’d like as long as they tell a coherent story. 10:01 - Why Have A Subplot? It’s good to have multiple subplots (especially for Act 2) because it helps break up the lack of variety, helps push the story along and give it a good pace, helps make the story complex. Make sure not to have too many to the point where the story isn’t coherent or it’s messy.

[@simplyme922]

This is a Masterclass. Thank you 😊

[@RaoulEnoiu]

Great video! I’m finding that a lot more often I tend to find my subplots after I’m done with a draft of the script even if it’s very rough. Through the process of writing I find myself caring about at least one other person I’ve introduced. And sometimes you end up removing parts you loved for the reason in the video - they don’t actually change anything with your protagonist. Love it!

[@filmcourage]

Thanks for posting Raoul!

[@varkesh456]

A great breakdown of the concepts and loved how the man delivering a cake story got evolved to show guy in bar as both a sub charcter and a sub plot depening on goal

[@ComicPower]

I could listen to her talk all day. She is no BS but friendly and knowledgeable. Love it.

[@drjmapple5510]

If Shanon and Jill Chamberlain ever come into contact, the universe will explode. Can’t have too much genius in one place.

[@rebeccaoliver7977]

Shannan was terrific! Thank you for your ongoing work! I love the part of writing where I find more details to add to my minor characters that weave into the protagonist and other characters -- all fun complications.

[@filmcourage]

Great to see you finding value here Rebecca!

[@reginayfavors]

I learned there is a difference between the subplot (separate story line) and sub-character (catalyst for protagonist). This makes a lot of sense now. Thank you.

[@sanghitadey8475]

Can a story have two parallel plots?

[@ScoobyandShaggy5554]

@@sanghitadey8475 yes, just make it interesting and have differences on how your main characters handle the similar situations. How will they cross paths and what themes can you explore?

[@t.c.s.7724]

Shannon Johnson is a gracious and intelligent person. Thank you for this great interview.

[@mechtech220]

I really appreciate her breakdown of "guy at the bar". that's a classic "trickster/catalyst" character if used in the smaller capacity. like r2d2 in a new hope. I love it!

[@PixelateForWork]

This is exactly what I’ve been seeking some clarity on! What a refreshing and down to the essentials video. Thank you both!

[@filmcourage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kandoundou23]

Shannan is fantastic! she always says something useful for my script.

[@mattgray9297]

Ok so I can listen to her all day.

[@reginayfavors]

Me too!

[@aaronsanders6162]

I feel like the people that hate Crash don’t realize it won best picture for it’s theatricality and presence, not for it’s plotting

[@aaronsanders6162]

@@DD-zh4by you the one with the unoriginal opinion lol thank YOU for contributing nothing

[@chrisjfox8715]

I definitely love its presentation

[@thepurcellagencyllc4409]

All of Shannan's interviews are so engaging! I love learning from her.

[@happyclassygirly]

Learned so much from this interview, one of my favorites

[@filmcourage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimatlastlooks2915]

Shannan is fantastic. Y'all need to write this BBQ story.

[@filmcourage]

How is this video helpful to you?

[@leahgodson2319]

This really helps me understand how subplot fits in with the main plot. Thank you for sharing.

[@filmcourage]

@@leahgodson2319 Great to hear Leah!

[@cheappurposes2904]

I love how she delivers her explanations.

[@avtpro]

She solved one of the most complex problems of story writing. Even more so, she mentioned pacing, so inevitably it has to lead to actual cutting or when to cut scenes. I take it as how to blend the stories or how to integrated them for balance. This was difficult to understand on my own but she really screwed it down tight. Thank you. Amazing, now my subplot are running like a refrigerator with the door open. ;-)

[@petehealy9819]

Holy cow, that is one *great* interview and conversation! So clear, so concise, so insightful! Bravo!!

[@filmcourage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@murrynathan]

Breaking Bad did meeting a random dude in a bar the best, when Walt shared a drink with Jane’s Dad!

[@honeyluv32690]

So needed this right now. So clear! Thanks for posting!

[@CareerDropout.]

I’m grateful for this channel. It’s been helping me as a musical artist, keeping story telling in music alive

[@mikemcardle7466]

This is talent, this is Shannan E. Johnson. It's obvious she is the "real" creator of story. Awesome!!

[@anitawilliams5944]

It's so simple when Shannan explains it.

[@reginayfavors]

I swear I gain more brain cells listening to her.

[@adavis5926]

Thanks for the video. I've been tweaking the subplots to my novel right now.

[@shakesbeerzz2367]

She is so good at explaining everything in a very simple way

[@Thenoobestgirl]

Movies with great sub plots: Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) She's Funny That Way (2014) Mean Girls (2004) Inception (2010) Finding Nemo (2003) The Princess Bride (1987) Casablanca (1942) Books with fantastic subplots: (mostly fantasy because I'm a fantasy addict) "Throne of Glass" series by Sarah J Maas (I can't stress this enough!!! Splitting storylines begin in book 2 and keep getting more and more epic!) "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V. E. Schwab

[@reginayfavors]

Would you consider He's Just Not That Into You film filled with subplots? That's something I need to study now that I have thought about it.

[@Thenoobestgirl]

I imagine that when the father brings in the cake and sees his son he not only stops short, but also drops the cake. Gotta add the extra little conflict, ya know? :)

[@OlgaKuznetsova]

This was such a good conversation about subplots! I got so much out of this clip, thank you!! This made re remember how brilliantly Crazy Stupid Love was set up with intermingling subplots.

[@filmcourage]

Great stuff Olga!

[@TheJadedFilmMaker]

love this channel.

[@TheJadedFilmMaker]

she doesn't 'love' my comments anymore lol. not even my nice ones lol. I'm just sick of bad films/writing due to reasons like identity politics. and I'll say it!! ...and ill keep saying it! .... and I'll keep reminding people. but, yes. love this channel.

[@misst1078]

I am doing a screenwriting course for my masters and this video is so helpful.

[@anhleroy]

These are my fav types of videos on this channel. Clear sensible technical advice with examples.

[@kingconan4crom]

She made it so easy to understand the difference. This was very helpful thanks for sharing.

[@filmcourage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markalleneaton]

The 12:00 comments made me think of films like "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels" - you had something like 25 characters to keep track of, but they were mostly grouped in twos (Barry the Baptist & "Hatchet" Harry; Big & Little Chris, etc.), fours (Tom, Soap, Eddie, & Bacon), and fives (Rory & gang; Dog & gang; the "Chemists" (+ Gloria), etc.) for the most part. You could follow all the subplots if you could keep the groups straight. Films like "Gosford Park" I found more difficult, since general groupings of "upstairs & downstairs" were stacked with so many individuals & relationships that, though cast with very recognizable actors, it was harder to keep track (not impossible, but definitely needed multiple viewings).

[@BThings]

This was such a helpful video! Thank you for clarifying this (and confirming to me that my one college professor had no idea what he was talking about).

[@laronwilliams801]

This is incredibly helpful. I really appreciate the explanation of dovetailing the subplot(s) into the A plot and the how to efficiently use sub-characters, making sure they push the protagonist. Great video - thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Glad it was helpful LaRon!

[@oluwafemitoyinbo3189]

Great Exposition

[@aliabbasrajani2499]

Thank you ❤

[@filmcourage]

What struggles do you have with subplots?

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Her advice was helpful. Thanks for having her on!

[@1monki]

This video pretty much answered my questions. She knows her stuff

[@AB-ii8st]

Not me, but Rian Jonson obviously didn't have this knowledge when writing Star Wars 8.

[@UniverseofDominion]

Daamn, Shannan Johnson is brilliant! Great interview!

[@costerra9953]

So grateful for this channel! I'm going to invest in Shannon's course.

[@romanabanin2216]

I've never thought I tie my life with screenwriting sphere, I had simply wathced advices for D&D and some improvements. You never know where you will find a solution

[@Grimtheorist]

This lady is great

[@pratiknarayanan6586]

This quite an informative video, and the insight regarding the difference between A, B and C storylines within the plot is GOLD. Just one little thing, Shannan mentioned horror films usually consist only A stories. What I'm struggling to understand is, in a horror film, typically the ghost/victim/ antagonist seeks revenge/ thrill from tormenting the protagonist... can be considered as a B storyline? I mean say the boy from The Sixth Sense or the the Armitage family member (Get Out) who creates a cult after losing an important race. I mean an antagonist with a backstory is considered a B storyline? or are they a sub-character acting as a catalyst to challenge the flaw of the protagonist? Or does an antagonist get bracketed under the A-story?

[@gojira387]

Maybe this will be helpful, maybe not: James N. Frey in his book; "How to Write a Damn Good Thriller," would define that as "The Plot Behind the Plot." In the Thriller, Action & Horror genres especially, the Villain is the one who CREATES the plot of the story. Because the Villain always has a goal that they are trying to achieve. Examples: WAIT UNTIL DARK - The goal of the villains is to get their drug shipment from the clueless blind woman. HALLOWEEN - The Shape's goal is to kill Laurie Strode & all of her friends around her. DIE HARD - Hans Gruber's goal is to steal Bearer Bonds & to achieve that, the hostages were always going to have to die for his escape plan to work. The goals of the Villain don't need to be focused on too much or given much screentime or none at all (The Shape's motives & goals in HALLOWEEN are more inferred than ever explained) BUT they have to exist in the mind of the author if no one else. Their goals are the catalysts that create the conflict that that Hero has to overcome. The Hero's entire purpose in any of these plots is to frustrate & foil all of their best laid plans. WAIT UNTIL DARK & HALLOWEEN - The vulnerable woman proves more clever & resourceful than expected. DIE HARD - One unexpected party crasher becomes "The monkey in the wrench" to everyone's plans. In both WAIT UNTIL DARK & DIE HARD, the efforts of the Hero create tension & conflict among the teams of villains, which adds more drama to the story BUT it only exists because the villains have to REACT to the Hero's ACTIONS. So, just my opinion, but I would say the Drama of the villains is the other half of the A Plot. I hope all of that at least points you in the correct direction.

[@yomama211]

wow never seen it described so well

[@sloansabbath7117]

Shannan is the GOAT

[@renelvital]

Thank you as usual!!!

[@ferrarriohh]

Im oddly more interested in Shannan’s Avengers family bbq than the current mcu.

[@mechtech220]

lol

[@chrisjfox8715]

Which character's working the grill?

[@mechtech220]

@@chrisjfox8715 gotta be Hawkeye. he's the only one that I'd expect to have a handle on that.

[@Ruylopez778]

It's phase 5, it's all building up to the birthday cake reveal.

[@mechtech220]

@@Ruylopez778 LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!

[@ToomStuntTeam]

Good one.

[@therunawayrascal]

super helpful! thank you, ma’ams

[@Matt71439]

She’s great!

[@sanghitadey8475]

She explained it well.

[@billarybanks2725]

“I’m getting my family back” 😭 classic

[@alb1009]

great energy , enjoyed it and learned ! Great stuff !

[@filmcourage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnfowler5332]

What a great speaker!

[@jamesbromfield9070]

Very interesting

[@ButterCookie1984]

Wouldn't the cake deliverer be the main character rather than the sub character? I love your masterclass!!

[@happyclassygirly]

The main character could be the ex wife or the kid

[@conaldarssword2499]

Shannan is a walking, talking Masterclass in screenwriting! I'd marry her just to get an Oscar/Emmy 🥰

[@xGNxk3g0]

I definitely didn't like crash but I should rewatch it after this, see if I can't find what I'm missing

[@akim6098]

I really love your work. It is so supportive. But. Please give some footnotes what are the people referring to f.e. which crash movie was she talking about....It would help a lot.

[@FireflyCasual]

Modern movie makers should take note of the first few minutes of this interview. Side stories that don't progress the main plot ruin a story for the audience.

[@hiplessboy]

this person knows everything

[@deandreglover1158]

Helpful tips 🙏🖊

[@BlueSideUp77]

First three minutes - right on the button!

[@NateAlbro]

If I have this right, in the movie Alien, the plot is the crew trying to survive the alien on the spaceship. The subplot is Ash, who ends up being an android, is trying to bring back the alien lifeform to be studied further with the crew being expendable. Does that sound about right? The subplot adds depth to the story (and in this case tension) in what would otherwise be just a pure cat-and-mouse plot.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

La La Land handled Mia and Sebastian's story arcs well. It certainly wasn't their story all the time together.

[@rodschmidt8952]

How does a subplot fit into the plot-beat structure?

[@NV-oi9ov]

Omg.. u almost saved me I would say

[@chuysontest4425]

Crash was a bad ass movie, just like “Babel” with brad Pitt, that movie was really good too, people were connected in that one, and “identity” with ray liotta, John cusack, that’s one of my favorite horror thriller ones too

[@Ruylopez778]

Family BBQ, the sequel to The Sheltered Librarian

[@civilwarfare101]

I am probably going to get a crapload of hate this for defending this movie but I always prefered the Attack of the Clones over the Phantom Meance because of the multiple subplots. In the latter movie Obi Wan barely does anything where in ATOC, he is given more to do and the overarching conspiracy involving the Clone army eventually ties in Padme's attempted assassination and the Confedracy of Independant Systems involvement with that. ATOC's plot is more layered and has more going on than TPM and certainly anything in the original trilogy.

[@Ruylopez778]

You might like the channel "So Uncivilized". He analyses the PT and OT from an editor's perspective.

[@jamesrogers9056]

Glad she is talking professionally. No laughing

[@Sharath275]

Can u please make an interview with Jeffrey Alan Schechter..and I sometimes wonder why u don't interview with screenwriters becoz it questions are deep into the craft of screenwriting..if u can get taika Waititi...I love to watch it 😁

[@geddykrugerthealt-leftover2237]

Freddy Krueger is going to kill everyone, all the superheroes and subheroes...it's a shame but it's true. *YOU ARE ALL MY SUBCHARACTERS NOW!*

[@ButterCookie1984]

😎

[@leebishop7591]

It seems that working with a team for YOUR story may be better than working alone.

[@matthewlavagna6080]

In my opinion, even if the B story is linked to the A story, if the A story works fine without the B story, then the B story is unnecessary and should therefore be jettisoned. Keep it simple.

[@OnyxCrystalRabbit]

Game of thrones had a major problem with subplots like fucking oh wow the guy you built up gets tally whacked by the Dragon…. not lazy at all…

[@civilwarfare101]

Tommy Wiseau would have a hard time understanding this video. I wonder if she ever watched the Room.

[@retiefgregorovich810]

I hear "subplot" but I just see depth or width, a story that just doesn't involve one character. I guess I'm still missing something.

[@cinemadrone1]

So in Psycho would Norman Bates be a subplot to Marion Cranes issues robbing her boss?

[@ButterCookie1984]

I would say Bates is actually the main character, where Cranes' character is the subcharacter- her role serves to lead you to his life

[@cinemadrone1]

@@ButterCookie1984 but if Marion Crane doesn't decide to steal the money there would be no Norman Bates so she is still the main character. In my opinion..there is no Norman without Marion

[@ButterCookie1984]

@@cinemadrone1 Crane is simply introduced first. Think of a prologue, and how a random (subplot) character makes a decision that eventually introduces the reader to the main character/ main plot. When its done in this order, it adds instant suspense- thus Hitchcock's use for it.

[@ButterCookie1984]

@@cinemadrone1Ehhh, however, another clue to determine this is seeing who is casted as the main character. Bates is listed as such because Cranes and everyone else simply lead us to him and his "mother".

[@cinemadrone1]

@@ButterCookie1984 I get what you're saying. It's just interesting how the discussion of subplot popped up in my head with this movie. Maybe Crane is a main plot and transfers her job as the main character after death to Norman/Mother

[@21copyCat]

but… subplot is not the story line of the sub characters

[@troglodytezero1697]

It's only a mistake if it doesn't work in the story

[@kennedywilliams2280]

"the first black-owned script consultancy in the entertainment industry" ....Okay and?

[@murk4552]

Hollywood rarely supports Black creatives as writers, having your own script consultancy means you have more freedom.

[@DominoZenii]

A lot of their hypotheticals are about men…#CisGendered