Creative Spark: Dustin Lance Black

[@thusosibisi5835]

A Producer I was writing for, showed this to me when it came out 10 years ago. It's a decade later and I still come back to learn the lessons. A total master class in under 7 minutes!

[@LindseydeRoos]

when i watched this for the first time I didn't realise how much this truly impacted me as a writer. Now this is my guide for screen writing.

[@84MartyJ]

Wow the dedication to his craft is so amazing. No wonder he won an Oscar.

[@Paperbagman555]

Never heard of this guy until now, but I really like his personality. He doesn't seem egotistical or like his way is the 'right' way. I also 100% agree with him that you can still be original. There are still plenty of weird pieces of art coming out to show that

[@sequoiasempervirens6499]

You might enjoy this kzbin.info/www/bejne/rF66mp5om6mJeM0

[@cc_chapman]

I love that he calls his first draft his "vomit draft." An inspiring look behind the scenes of how one writer creates his screenplays.

[@ChristopherGronlund]

That just might be my favorite thing I've ever watched about the process of writing. Thanks for sharing it.

[@cc_chapman]

You are most welcome Christopher Gronlund

[@SamuelDaram]

A big thank you to 'Academy Originals' for this great film about the craft of screenwriting. Dustin Lance Black, you are a true inspiration.

[@bulepape1215]

He is such a brilliant writer who is also trying to change the world for good causes.

[@michaelwilliamson2255]

The tears started to well up in my eyes as the video faded to black...

[@Joiedeslivres]

Such an inspirational man. I could listen to him talk all day.

[@josetrinidad2787]

This is pure gold for writers. Thank you so much.

[@ysanchez14]

I have so much respect and admiration for this man. Thank you for being so inspirational Dustin Lance Black

[@emilygissendanner1670]

"A film is not what happened, a film is an impression of what happened."

[@JeamesGranger]

What a beautiful insight into one's creative process. I hope I live long enough to see DLB the person brought to film but I will be just as happy to read a biography about his life, may be lucky enough to get if on audio with his amazing voice. He could read a phone book and I would listen. He is one of the great storytellers of his generation and I can't wait to see what comes next from his mind.

[@sequoiasempervirens6499]

Would recommend his latest book, 'Mamas Boy'. The book is being made into a documentary by companies owned by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

[@soa71095]

This is so dang interesting. I wish it was longer.

[@H-ir8rs]

This video is my favourite out of all the videos available on youtube

[@lauriejillstrickland7302]

I love this so so much.... so much. Does anyone know where the longer outtakes are?

[@robertatkinson5548]

He is so on it, it's unreal.

[@fastscreenplay]

Great video, and highlights the importance of process, which is so under-represented in the industry. I think every writer should watch this. Thanks for sharing, Mr. Black.

[@karinr5168]

he is so inspiring

[@LathanMinich]

This video was shown to me in a screenwriting class. I found it so inspiring. I’ve watched it many times since.

[@thusosibisi5835]

SAME HERE! Shown to me when it came out a decade ago. 10 years later... I am still here to re-learn the lessons. Over and over and over again!

[@alexislopez2827]

He's so incredible!!

[@lmj4sprt]

"OUR PERSONAL STORIES CAN CHANGE THE WORLD" Life sands still for no one, but our Truth, may have meaning for someone who is lost!

[@Lolalai]

It sounds utterly exhausting. He has the work ethic of an ant. Blimey! He does deserve his Oscar and his beautiful house in Hollywood. Why aren't screenwriters paid more money for what they do?

[@Hyporama]

how much does he get paid?

[@MikeRoberts1964]

Because he's a 'name' writer; many in Hollywood toil for far less, if in face they get paying gigs at all.....It's a hugely competitive industry....Luckily the rise of cable 's 'cinematic TV' has opened up the field a little. Everyone is looking for the next "Breaking Bad" or Sopranos...

[@sequoiasempervirens6499]

@@Hyporama He was estimated to be worth about $6,000,000 5 years ago.

[@michaelsix9684]

writers are at the bottom of the food chain in Hollywood, even though without scripts, nothing could be made--writers do better now than in the past, but it's a very tough way to make money, it takes so much work just to get a good script to an agent, get signed, and shop it--you must start young, work at it for years

[@activeprotagonist9258]

@@michaelsix9684 the problem with starting young is you dont have much to say especially if you haven't been out there living and experiencing. you only have an outsider viewpoint. what is it like to be confident, approach women and flirt on the go instead of reading about how to flirt and be confident.

[@roman3773]

What a revelation not only for a screenwriter but also for an author writing a book. It's like first laying out the skeleton and then slowly building the body around the skeleton and finally bringing it to life. It's called creating. God did it. His creation can do it too. That's what an artist is all about. Thank you Lance for the inspiration.

[@TheSilentHamish]

Step 1: Have A Big Table.

[@SteveWeddle]

YES!! Or, you know, a floor.

[@zero15388]

Steve Weddle not with my bad back.

[@ginayajesmer2616]

I would be interested in seeing a blog post or something from him in which he shares his deleted scenes. Such an interesting writing process.

[@leezamastil]

Reading Mason Currey's _Daily Rituals: How Artists Work_ prompted me to note Black's own ritual which is: Get up at eight a.m. Start writing by eight-thirty or nine a.m. Break for lunch and exercise at gym Get back to writing until one a.m. Repeat six to seven days a week.

[@itsgrawkneeah]

So much respect for him and just screenwriters in general never knew quite how much effort is put into a play/film!🙊

[@Eli_B3000]

This is a fantastic and very dedicated process. Very commendable. Great video as well, thanks to all those involved!

[@JHParee]

I want that three-and-a-half-hour tutorial. Release it, Academy Originals. Now!

[@IamTheBuckethead]

Absolutely fantastic. I love the process he's talking about, I may have to implement it.

[@coilt]

Three and a half hours? It's just 6 minutes, where I can get the rest please?

[@SublimeTango]

Ditto! Is there going to be a longer version available?

[@consistentlychristy2991]

Alan Torn editing yo

[@BigOldBoats]

Such an inspiring video!

[@frederickporter8677]

When someone says a movie or a script is cliche or the "same ole thing" I always say it's not about the story similarity, it's about how the story is told.

[@stephenwaldmann4208]

Thank you for alerting us to this Dustin!

[@deltasquared7777]

This is a wonderful glimpse into the creative process---(of Dustin Lance Black)--it also demonstrates that bringing 'inspiration' to fruition requires a major obsessive-compulsive personality streak and extreme dedication to detail.

[@silversnow3186]

He’s so sexy. And his passion for what he does adds to that. Such an intelligent, caring and gorgeous man. I hope Tom realises how lucky he is and treats him well. Wasn’t too thrilled about Tom covering his face and making things worse for Lance on that recent CCTV clip with that woman who attacked him. Poor Lance he seems to have gone through so much. I hope he’s leading a good and happy life now.

[@gillbrecknell]

What an inspiring look into the works of Dustin Lance Black.

[@juliaunger913]

This brilliant, inspirational man.

[@LindaGrace74]

He is really an interesting and talented too. Wish I had the dedication he has with all his work.

[@hogpsking33]

I wonder if people who are fans of Under the Banner of Heaven know about this video. It’s crazy to see how far it has come now.

[@bunyaminburak]

thanks for sharing...

[@chrisstewz]

Is there a longer version ?

[@DanaBiscottiMyskowski]

Wonderful. Will share this with my screenwriting students. This is exactly how I wrote a 45-minute planetarium video for the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@SamuelDaram]

Thumbs up if you wish you a had a magnificent table like the one that Dustin has in his kitchen! 4:42 :)

[@Sjczz]

A writer seems to get lost when they writes! It must be very lovely as well frustrating job to do. DLB is an inspiring person. I wish to see more of amazing works from him. It was a beautiful video.

[@sequoiasempervirens6499]

Have you read his latest work, 'Mamas Boy'? Or seen his TV series 'When We Rise'?

[@cinesheikh]

This was actually a beautiful video. Thank you.

[@jpope4596]

I love how he uses note cards. Does anyone know how he prints the cards, what kind of printer, what software, etc.? I have been trying to research this, but my google-fu is off. I need the most painless setup possible.

[@qwertyTRiG]

Looks like it's printed on paper, cut out, and glued to the card.

[@michaelsix9684]

this guy is very likeable and appreciate all he has shared here

[@averydae1810]

Dustin: “This will be a 3 and a half hour tutorial” Academy: “We’ll give you 6 minutes”

[@josephvanwyk2088]

I'm so glad I figured this out by myself. And to see someone who WON AND OSCAR - actually show this in a video is beyond cool. Great minds think alike. haha.

[@ameergittens4824]

I recently finished the first draft of my first screenplay and I felt as Black did; I "regurgitated" it.

[@chrisbennett2599]

Loved this. Keep them coming.

[@franciscoschuler]

Wow. My admiration to this guy.

[@carlosbillig1027]

That was great, lot of inspiration emmanating from this mind,

[@arnaldotonichagas4320]

Parabéns! Excelente! Vou associar teu método a escrita de romances. Uso o soft Scrivener, mas nada fica tão claro quando se usa cartão dispostos sobre uma mesa, pois se enxerga tudo...

[@arthure7727]

He's 40? What the hell.

[@emilyeshraghi8197]

Love this so much! Thank you for sharing!

[@lindakennedy6420]

One thing about It was not cut out to be a writer but DUSTIN LANCE BLACK was and he is fantastic writer have read his book Mama's Boy

[@shahaananjum4289]

where can I find the original, full "3:30 hour" video, please? Thanks.

[@Mamillius-00]

I like how (talking nonfiction) he doesn't try to make characters relatable, but makes them specifically "them." If you think about it, that works for fiction as well; there's a ton of classic literary characters that completely fit his suggestion.

[@4rjohny5]

I hope our Feature film "PotHoles" i'm writing with actress Tina Lameman, a true story of my life with my best friend Gina will help others struggling with addiction and mental illness. Thank you for sharing ur process Dustin! ｼ

[@tommeg6976]

How do we get the 3 1/2 hour version?

[@james-weller]

I hope he doesn't leave the kitchen wind open *gust of wind*

[@Rabbitoracle]

+James Weller or has a pet cat that that sits on top of it and ruins everything

[@james-weller]

hahaha.

[@professor7583]

First thing he says is "this will be a 3 1/2 sort of tutorial on my process". Is this a short from an online course, or something? Anyone have the link to the full-length video?

[@toddsaukko2626]

Wow, great video a perfectionist writer

[@arvinthramakrishnan6233]

what lens did they use to capture this video ?

[@SamuelDaram]

Brilliant six minutes about writing. Is this part of a series from established screenwriters? Academy Originals, would you please try and get some of the following talents to discuss their process? Kerry Ehrin, Meredith Averil, Kevin Williamson, Ryan Murphy, Nic Pizzolatto, Noah Hawley, and Pete Docter....?

[@r.darling4135]

I want a film on Dustin Lance Black.

[@sequoiasempervirens6499]

A TV documentary of his book 'Mamas Boy' is in production. It's his mother's story but tells Lance's story as well. It is due out in 2021.

[@kazenoie0624]

Thank you for sharing it! Can’t wait to see!

[@JeffreyParfitt]

He said this is going to be a 3.5 hour tutorial? Where's the rest of it?

[@jamesdellasala9566]

Didn't fit on the table.

[@filmcrafting]

where to watch 3 1/2 hour tutorial, please guide me , i am trying to find it out on the internet, havn't got it yet

[@persiegirl2040]

Oh my Word! That's the script for "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight". If you love chick-lit and Lance (duh!), please read the book. It won't win the Pulitzer, but who cares if you are entertained for a couple of days, right?

[@xella3525]

Where do I find this full “3 hour” thing?

[@henryzebere4598]

“A personal story can change the world”

[@johnrborges2363]

Complex intricate research is great for some screenwriters, but most screenwriters, in my opinion, write for entertainment purposes, fun to watch, suspenseful and believable stories. Some of the most popular musical pieces are the simplest written motifs, compared to the studious complex dissonant wonders of the masters. Telling a story is writing an engaging plot that catches you at the beginning and revealing to you a most unexpected ending you never thought would happen that way. Then again, it could be so simple that you can guess the ending and still win an award. Personally, I start with writing a treatment (short story) from a logline, or vice versa, then a simple outline of the story. Then I block (sequence), certain essential scenes watching for consistency, fun and continuity, then use index-cards to block the storyline untill if flows smoothly [by index cards] before writing the script [limit 30-40 cards or less/ 90 minute movie; my goal] . Finally, I re-write [edit/add it] the script until it’s a movie. If it makes me want to eat pop-corn right away I think it’s ready to sell. JB

[@ajcali1991]

6:36-----> BAREFOOT BANDIT *If you guy's don't know that story, read up about it (SERIOUSLY). NO LIKE GOOGLE IT, don't just read this and move on. *It's about: "A teenager from the wrong side of the tracks with virtually no education but balls as big as the great outdoors, teaches himself how to fly using a DVD and then goes on a tear, stealing five single-engine airplanes worth millions"(amazon reviewer).

[@dangchanneldeg6948]

I have addictions and one is writing and trying to tell a story and why i'm telling it. The other addiction is drinking a few beers and listening to music and picturing scenes with those songs. I go to rehab to get rid of my writer's block.

[@Juggernaut01]

how do we get the full 3hrs ???

[@Doskharaas]

@academy originals Can I get to allow to upload a Korean translation of the subtitle? I made the SRT file already. Please reply my comment to get your response whether is allowed of not.

[@Wolfie99]

That was great. Interesting insight.

[@TyHarrellShow]

Very inspiring!!

[@TheSgtkite]

This guy is 40. Whaaaaaat?

[@funnyfiveminutes]

Meticulous approach. You gotta love stationery!

Thanks a lot for the video!! :D

[@ForeverMasterless]

Jesus christ he looks younger than me, how is he 43? Imma need you to tell me your skin care routine bro, and I really hope it's not the blood of virgins.

[@joncampos5551]

ForeverMasterless Now it’s Tom Daley’s blood. Lol

[@bettercallmekm]

@@joncampos5551 I think we need a Tom in our lives

[@distortedfeatures]

Water water water.

[@AnandaGarden]

Respect writ large.

[@dangchanneldeg6948]

so how would you do this for a miniseries or a TV series?

[@sequoiasempervirens6499]

Have you watched Lance's 'When We Rise'? He used this method when he wrote this TV miniseries using this method.

[@valis14]

The Land of Lost Scenes can becomes the biggest continent of all.

[@dreamerx360]

i wanna spike jonze's process

[@ogllama3480]

Nice big table

[@SoCreate]

This process is unbelievable! We're looking forward to the day that it doesn't have to be done by hand. We're going to change things big time and help screenwriters save so much time with the SoCreate Screenwriting Platform.

[@2yla]

Alright i don't usually comment on videos but this was helpful

[@bobbypoz]

using notecards is how I learned to write a termpaper

[@Miniac]

I'm confused as to why writers believe personal stories change the world. Is this literal or figurative? Either way, what is it supposed to mean?

[@Miniac]

Right, but not every personal story has that quality. It seems as if writers believe that every story they have changes the world and I just don't understand that sentiment 100%.

[@alexknight2738]

+SDub He's written "Milk"m which is a story about the first elected gay official in the 70's. Stories like those change peoples worlds. There are closeted gays who get inspiration from that. That's what it's about - inspiring people who can then change the world.

[@JonCampos-kh2bw]

He looks like every elder I’ve seen at church. Lol

[@postcaveman69]

I love this video so much. I share this video to everyone who asks me about creative processes. I use this process for everything from screenwriting, storyboarding , comic book panels, and even D&D encounters. Hope this video never goes down.

[@artechno]

They should have done this for the new Star Wars movie...

[@3RDEYELOVE]

he said 3 an half hours tutorial...? where's the rest?

[@RaymondHng]

***** The session that Black had with the creator of this video took three-and-a-half hours. But then, all that raw footage was edited down to this seven-minute video.

[@3RDEYELOVE]

RaymondHng oh, I see....I still would love to see the raw footage ..you know all the stuff they figure was boring. I love the boring stuff

[@lililili6802]

So coo

[@rodee1671]

He clearly does not share the space with a cat.