David Lynch on Writing a Script

David Lynch gives us a brief summary of his screenwriting process!

[@johnmillholland6550]

This man is a legend. “Justin, stfu it’s all common sense bro. Just write your ideas down”

[@avinashprasadfilms]

😂

[@jimboroni6520]

It’s really grand how he addresses the question directly to the viewer by name.

[@1398go]

Yes, I hope Justin was listening. 🙂

[@PopeLeoXIIIFanAccount]

I was so freaked out by that because my name is Justin and I would totally ask this kind of question

[@Quintessenceofdust7]

Ok

[@powerplant.]

The first time I saw him do this, it felt quite strange, but once you see it more than a handful of times you realise how wonderfully Lynchian it is and you just cherish it.

[@Justin-sr2wq]

Whoa

[@jonloc8535]

It's such simple advice on the surface you may ask "that's it?". And yeah that kinda is it, it's just a matter of making a good story at that point. He really does give a perfect jumping off point, this is how I've written a few scripts just for myself. I'm not a working professional but I'm happy with my stories and it really helps keep me sane. Writing is such a fun experience especially in the beginning stages so don't get bogged down in the details, just try to get every major plot/character idea down and fill in the blanks from there and you will get a script. Edit: two great bits of advice I can give from Jacob Krueger of Write Your Screenplay. 1) start your scene as late as possible and try to exit ASAP. You don't want to meander into the point and then overstay your welcome, you want to leave them wanting more and anticipating what comes next. 2) Write visuals, instead of "Daniel sits at the counter drinking hot coffee" say "Daniel lifts a steamy mug of coffee to his lips, he blows before each sip" or something to that effect, maybe my example isn't perfect.

[@callanreimann6023]

great advice! its easy to get caught up in formatting and mapping out a script, but youre absolutely right in saying how if you get all of your ideas down on paper, the script will write itself. some feel that it's non-advice, but if you have ideas (which should be the first step), its 100% true.

[@TheBBQify]

My favorite piece of essay-writing advice (from david sedaris): after you get done writing a piece, go back and delete the first paragraph. Kinda goes with your advice of starting a scene late

[@NGU7754]

Same, I was feeling AWFUL and decided to try to write a screenplay and it's helping me a lot, I'm a little over halfway through the first draft and I'm pretty satisfied with what I wrote so far.

[@rindenauge3426]

The problem with writing scripts is how to write a good story. Where do all the great authors get their ideas from. He didn't really address that.

[@jezza669]

“I’ve been busting to ask you… where do you get your ideas from?”

[@TheJollyMisanthrope]

The nice thing about those 3x5 cards is that it makes it easier to swap scenes around to get them in the order that makes the most sense.

[@RusticChivalry1985]

I could drink this man's voice like chocolate milk. So wholesome and helpful.

[@1398go]

Weird….comment? But, hey, you do you.

[@ss-xe2go]

@@1398go come one those are lynchians they are always weird lol

[@CatharticCreation]

an entrancing visual

[@obscure.reference]

how?

[@collbair]

what other liquids could you drink this man's voice as?

[@poposterous236]

that is 2 really cool pieces of advice

[@mancavetheater1240]

I agree 100%

[@proctoscopefilms]

I started doing that with my hands while I talk, and its amazing how much more attention people pay you.

[@NightmareCourtPictures]

lmao

[@4231jerome]

“you try to make the words say what the idea is” 😂 he’s not wrong

[@Chezny90]

Perfect hair

[@abbiepardales4417]

This really explains some of his dialogue. Lol. Not a rub or a burn. I love his dialogue. It’s just very straight forward often

[@nootnootnootok]

these two minutes were so helpful it cured my writing cancer

[@Ruylopez778]

These are quite useful tips for mindset; Get your ideas down quickly Play with them Put the script in perspective (it exists to become a movie) Using the cards to write scene titles and then later fill in the details is a form of outlining. Having them on cards means they are easy to move around, group together, split up.

[@AdamCarter765]

His hand movements man!

[@0Hybris0]

Love his smile in the end

[@1398go]

Yeah! Right!? Like, it’s that simple folks, now go out there and write 70 scenes!😄

[@whothennow24]

He’s so pleased with himself at the end with that smile, haha.

[@vlnow]

He's so charming.

[@dismalfist]

I have found nothing more helpful in quick and dirty storyboarding than Microsoft PowerPoint. Can write your flashcards down, add music, chop and change at will, transition where you need, add in movement to an extent where you need... honestly it's like it was designed for it. Hugely underrated bit of kit.

[@milo713]

i'm definitely gonna try this. thanks for sharing!

[@Kpictures_NYC]

With each index card you need to also write the purpose of the scene, the point of that scene so you can see of your dots are all connected and if not, get rid of it. If it doesn't serve the story and move it forward or bond the characters together then get rid of it.

[@stepha5926]

Tarantino needs to read what you just wrote. 👌

[@tyrekecantrell5941]

It’s a really good idea that I’ve never tried. One of the cool similarities between authors and directors. Nothing beats fleshing out your first novel or movie

[@Mosck]

This is really deep, if we listen carefully, I got it only in 2nd viewing. First put your ideas as words on paper, then use cards to develop that ideas in to a script which eventually will be your film. Screenwriting simplified.

[@ericheine2414]

That was really great David. I miss the weather and the number of the day. Thank you

[@FuturisticNostalgiaFilms]

my name is Justin…I thought I was trippin when he started talking to me

[@FlickDeep]

This idea of cards.. really works. Even if you are dealing with writer's block.

[@joaoguerra6873]

this man 💖

[@davidw5532]

May I say, damn fine head of hair Mr. lynch! Respect. 👍🏻

[@C.U.N.Tahiti]

God he does have fabulous hair

[@swolemoth]

This is such a fun idea

[@craigharrison1274]

70 scenes. Alright cool.

[@christopherscragg7018]

Lynch finger movements ♥️

[@josephkelley8641]

"It's always the one you least-expect." the late, great screenwriting guru/doctor Frantisek Daniel. of whom David Lynch was a prized pupil.

[@josephkelley8641]

Frank (Frantisek) mentioned at about 1:28. Frank being the greatest of them all. (Dean, Chair, Prof, even friend).

[@felicity4711]

I’m going to try that index card thing

[@failbrownie]

As a very neurodivergant person this helps a ton thanks David ♥️

[@militantmarxman5275]

I really enjoyed "The Crying Cleaning Lady Show" that he executive produced

[@appidydafoo]

The Index Card method was used by Nabokov as well

[@chrisreadman9426]

"you try to make the words say what the idea is." "it's a tricky business but it's not that difficult." -_-

[@greyeyed123]

Can you beat that?

[@chrisreadman9426]

@@greyeyed123 can i beat what?

[@greyeyed123]

@@chrisreadman9426 It was a line from "Twin Peaks".

[@chickenbiryani6986]

David "running in circles" lynch

[@Finaggle]

Both fairly practical tips. It's a craft, people.

[@josephkelley8641]

We were in awe of Frank in the early 80's. The Czech's got Frank out when the borders were closing (Russia). In a covered wagon, a peasant or two drive. Russian soldiers had no idea who was being smuggled-out. Frank would brag about David all of the time - was so impressed with the script/film ERASERHEAD. .

[@AntonioSilva-ld4dq]

He just explain one aspect of it and it is the scene nature of the storyline. Movies are made of sequences, sequences are made of scenes and scenes of shots.

[@tonoornottono]

watching his movies it seems that he’s pretty scene oriented. the images of the scene are entirely cohesive but then the next scene is out of left field until it establishes itself.

[@trippyhippie8630]

Me; reads tons of confusing books. David; write the script 😂❤

[@jimenatroncoso9124]

Nice and brillian bloke

[@ZachJenkins]

I'd love to know what the titles of a few scene-cards were...

[@MusclesHockeymask]

Yeah, I'm just a writer. No direction done. Right now the notes are the most important part. If I have the matter at hand I can play with it in my head whenever I want. Then there's that blank draft and at this point I know I will be making a pass and going for that take. If it's good then I have it and I just edit it. Sometimes it's a single take. If it's bad I'll take another stab at it at a later date after my ideas percolate a bit. Or if I realize nothing can be salvaged I scrap it. I have a stockpile of scrapped work in a Word Document. That's a lot of fun!

[@jakethekipper]

James Stewart from outer space.

[@justincruz5720]

Cool.

[@OnlyShallowReviews]

I know how to write one already but sound for the advice there Dave

[@exdeefacemusic]

i am entranced by his fingers wiggling

[@CommieApe]

Is there a full interview of this somewhere?

[@Voyager...2]

Does it matter what sort of biro you use ?

[@thetiktokman]

The hand. Talk to the wavering hand.

[@Allaboutstory]

The hand is moving

[@liltick102]

“First see the film in your head” I am a natural pianist- and I understand that he means, you have to have the autodidactic capability..

[@blueabattoir]

Common sense, I love it.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

I wrote a screenplay ...not so easy, peasy ...I still can't look at it ...very personal spiritually ...took personal courage to write ✍

[@SimoSakariAaltonen]

People who may not quite get it may still be struggling with certain baggage. Carrying that baggage will make it necessary to go stand in a certain line. Then there’s the security check, and boy, if you were trying to save a cat, particularly this way, you’re in a world of trouble.

[@zondervonstrek]

So how do I 'get an idea?' If I see something is that an idea?

[@zondervonstrek]

@@Voyager...2 How so? If I see a dog and the dog is eating, is that an idea? I have photos as proof.

[@zondervonstrek]

@@Voyager...2 I think I am beginning to understand. I'm sorry if this all seems ignorant, This is all very hard for me as a wild gorilla who was captured and given a cybernetic brain implant to create a future super soldier to comprehend. I really just want to eat plants and beat my chest.

[@herbie747]

He writes scripts now? Isn't he the singer from Talking Heads?

[@koira1]

Yes.

[@melanieenglert931]

Where's the horizon?

[@alexanderg1297]

I’ve never understood why people ask “how do I ___ ?” Just go out and do it. If you’re passionate about something and have the creative drive then you shouldn’t need help from anyone or anything.

[@CatharticCreation]

david lynch's comment sections make me realize how dull people are. y'all want to be spoonfed everything. david is the man pointing at the moon and you're all staring at his finger. thank god for people like david.

[@artdenattic1]

Is ur father Richard lynch? I worked with ur dad if u are his son. Interested in tge scripts

[@aliensoup2420]

This says nothing about dramatic structure and character development, which are the more difficult aspects of screenwriting.

[@irinaspalko7846]

70 cards? isn't that a bit much for a film? maybe he meant 17?

[@user-sd2yy7vo6x]

I am still getting over the twin peaks incident, an iconic timeless classic that was butchered by bad script etc.

[@JT_1998]

Im starting to realize artists just love to mystify their craft. "Make the words say what the idea is" wow Lynch that's awesome advice........ pls elaborate lmfao.

[@aitothechamp7263]

It’s not that difficult. Come on bro

[@MrJJBhizzle]

Lynch is easy. We make understanding him hard... Lol, I don't understand him.

[@OnlyShallowReviews]

Davey man I love you but this was fairly shoddy advice

[@variancewithin]

"how do you do it?" "It's easy! Do it!" Meh.

[@jean-francoisbrunet2031]

David Lynch has really perfected the art of saying nothing (in more words than Andy Warhol).

[@CatharticCreation]

or perhaps you're not yet adept at understanding simplicity. this was solid advice.

[@jean-francoisbrunet2031]

@@CatharticCreation Yes, I'm stupid.

[@HotPocketsBoy]

Pointless info 😵

[@JasonSmith-lp6wg]

I love Lynch, but this is horrible advice. While doing my English undergrad, I studied Screenwriting for two years. I, kinda, see what he's getting at; but that's because I've got a foundation; otherwise, all he's said, essentially, is to write a lot, which isn't how scripts are written.

[@Awnos]

Of course it is, most final scripts have many previous drafts, you write and write and write and then you get an idea of what works and what doesn't

[@JasonSmith-lp6wg]

@@Awnos To say that 'it's all common sense' is not true. There's nothing 'common sense' about writing a script, especially if you've not written one before; and just because you've written 47 cards worth of material doesn't mean you've got a movie. Imagine, Stuart, Eddie Van Halen hands you a guitar and says 'it's okay; it's all common sense. Just play enough notes and you'll have a song.' Script writing, like music, involves so much more than just the 'doing' of it. Mind you, yes, so long as you're writing, you're farther ahead than those who aren't. Before we started writing, in class, we were taught two basic principles: know your ending (because that's what you're going to write to); only used dialogue when you can't use action to convey your message. Those two points, alone, are so much better than 'just write a lot' because it gives you an idea how to shape what you're writing.

[@Awnos]

@@JasonSmith-lp6wg There are other ways to write, Tarantino typically doesn't know the ending before starting a script. Writing classes teach blunt technique not creativity. If Tarantino and Lunch had taken script writing classes we wouldn't have movies like Pulp Fiction or Mulholland Drive.

[@Awnos]

@@JasonSmith-lp6wg it's not the same as guitar because everyone is taught how to write at an early age, we all know the basics of grammar and sentence structure already. If everyone was handed a guitar at age 4 and taught the basics all the through school then we'd have alot more Van Halen like virtuosos.

[@JasonSmith-lp6wg]

@@Awnos Stuart, unless no one's said this to you, let me be the first: it's okay to like an artist, but be critical of them. I'm not suggesting they're aren't other ways of writing; but, you need to learn how to write in order to write well (because, then, you can break the rules, all you want, but in ways that let you know why/how you're doing them). Quite, frankly, this idea that 'anyone can be an artist; you don't need training' is the bullshit that untrained talent like to profess. We don't know what these two would write had they taken 'script writing classes.' My professor was fucking brilliant, and she taught us well. Can such courses be bullshit? Of course; but some are great. As for Tarentino and Lynch, I love them both. Regarding Mulholland Drive, that came about because Lynch was directing a TV series; however, when production saw what he was doing, they were like 'What the fuck are you doing?' 'Well, I'm David Lynch. What did you expect?' They shut him down and he took the footage, rammed it together, and made a film. I love it; as Surrealism, it works; but, as a film, it's a failure, because you have to concoct so much theory - that isn't in the movie - to explain it. But, I love it. Don't fall into the base habit of thinking that untrained talent is better. Yes, formal training has it's traps, but there's nothing worse than untrained talent that thinks itself so good. As for Tarentino, he's watched several hundred, if not thousands, of films. To that, he worked in the industry, where he, no doubt, was schooled in how to write scripts. It, also, needs saying, that he, basically, rewrites, because many of his movies are reworks from other films. In this sense, he's not such a great writes as he is an arranger. For example, that phrase from Ezekiel that Jackson speaks before he kills someone is from a Japanese movie called The Bodyguard, starring Sony Chiba. Tarentino has acknowledged 'borrowing' this for his film. Again, he's making movies from putting the works of other people together, but interesting ways.