Episode 1: Screenwriting 101: A new approach to screenwriting

Welcome to the first episode of The Go Draft: Elevate your screenwriting to another level
The Go Draft is a masterclass series with veteran Hollywood screenwriter, Andy Guerdat.
In each episode, Andy will break down the proven techniques that he uses and has used for 45 years of writing in the industry.
If you are currently a staff writer, a screenwriting student, or just someone who wants to break into screenwriting then this series is for you. Learn how to take the writing skills you may already possess and elevate them to start getting paid within the industry for your work.
If you have topics that you want covered or have questions for Andy, feel free to email them to: [e-mail]

[@grimscriven]

"The world doesn't need more screenwriters, it needs better movies." Someone finally said it. 😮‍💨

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad it spoke to you. I'm just trying to tell the truth, and it seems to be working.

[@randomspirit]

At last, the teacher I've been searching for: No nonsense, tell it like it is, no sugar coating! Can't wait to watch more! Thank you!!!

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad it's working for you! Thanks for watching.

[@hannibalbarko8748]

"The Emotion manufacturing and distribution industry" 👏🤝👍

[@TheGoDraft]

If I read your hieroglyphic icons correctly, that's approval. If so,👌

[@kaitnip]

The difference between efficient and effective storytelling was what most impressed me. Not that I didn't know it, but your way of telling the story resonates with me and makes it all the more striking. My daughter says Paw Patrol rules :)

[@TheGoDraft]

Ha ha. Tell her thanks for watching. And I'm glad the videos are working for you.

[@summerdeep9]

Cogent, down to earth advice from someone who knows. Forget the form, it's the effect on the viewer that's important. Can't wait to see more!

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks very much!

[@MaxKatie-ex9te]

Former student here, so excited for this channel! Thank you for doing this.

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad to hear from you and that the channel is helpful.

[@amsterdamshusi]

Film Courage sent me here! Thanks for the videos and thanks a LOT for the subtitles!

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad it's helping. More on the way soon!

[@danediesel99]

Your approach in the first 24 seconds of this video speaks for itself. In less than 30 seconds you spoke with awareness on some of the questions so many of us have. I recognise a mentor.

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad the videos are speaking to you.

[@dijonstreak]

best. EVER. !! clear..NO bullshit...nothing to sell...just sharing a very humanistic approach to screenwriting....thank. YOU. SO much. a huge eye-opener !!!

[@TheGoDraft]

Your glowing response is why I'm doing this. Better than money. Thanks.

[@NGDwrites]

Very cool that you're putting this material out there, Andy. I think it's gonna help a lot of writers.

[@TheGoDraft]

That's the goal! More videos to come...

[@Denvercoder]

These videos are AMAZING! I created a playlist with all 12 of them and I’ve listened to them several times already.

[@TheGoDraft]

Wow. Thanks. Hope you don't get sick of me.

[@Msj23244]

Woah. Goldmine! Thank you for this public service Sir.

[@TheGoDraft]

It's my pleasure. Truly. I like doing this.

[@ellendurkee5444]

Thanks for this. I'm a beginner at screenwriting, this has been very helpful. Great content.

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks for watching. Glad it's of help.

[@justwritenaomi4792]

"The emotion manufacturing and distribution industry" This has succinctly articulated my vision for my career as a fantasy author

[@TheGoDraft]

Cool. You can put it on your resume!

[@justwritenaomi4792]

@@TheGoDraft thanks!

[@theotherescobar8105]

This is amazing! I will be following your channel as I delve into the world of screenwriting and filmmaking. Just got back from helping to film a documentary and look forward to doing more narrative work.

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad it's he;lping. Good luck with your project(s).

[@princejaman4285]

Very much appreciate this slow and one to one talking method. lucky to find this and subscribed to it.

[@TheGoDraft]

Great! Thanks. And more to come.

[@metronomeblues1028]

Great content Andy, thank you. I'm a newbie, very much still learning but love your organic approach to structure that helps avoid formulaic writing. Cheers!

[@TheGoDraft]

Just saw your post. Thanks for joining, and I hope my approach works for you.

[@metronomeblues1028]

@@TheGoDraft I'm using a combination of different approaches. Some of the lesser known channels like yours have the best material. Big Red Stripe, Alan Watt, Scriptmonk, to name a few. Much appreciated.

[@JT_1998]

To write organically I must first master the language! A person who’s vocabulary is greater than another’s is far greater at expressing themselves, I guess that also applies here. Great introduction to the channel, very entertaining… you’re a great teacher.

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks for watching. I'm happy that it's speaking to you.

[@cledosliop4175]

I’ve been learning how to write screenplays for years, and people would often tell me oh, you should start by building perfect structures, or You should figure out what genre you are going to write, blah blah blah… yet none of them have ever emphasized the importance of emotions; or on what kind of experience I want to bring to the audience. And sadly those are what I lack the most in my current writing practice.

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad to hear my take is working for you. That's why I'm doing this.

[@camilogarcia2391]

thank you for doing this. i needed someone to put my feet on the ground.

[@TheGoDraft]

That's part of my reason for the video series: to drain the hype from the business and approach screenwriting from a real-life and grounded perspective. Thanks for watching.

[@xObscureMars]

Keep going; your channel is a gem.

[@TheGoDraft]

I'm not planning to stop!

[@TiagoCavalcanti-ji6hu]

@@TheGoDraft Glad to hear it!

[@dayounglisapark]

hi! i've been watching screenwriting and filmmaking videos on youtube for quite some time now-- and i am so excited to have found your channel! i can already tell you're going to be giving such valuable insights. thank you and I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH MORE!

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks. I'll be posting the next episode soon after the New Year holiday.

[@shawnk.flanagan1285]

Thank you, Andy.

[@TheGoDraft]

You're welcome. More to come.

[@apolloarmstrong5052]

I'm hooked. Love your style of laying out this content.

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks. I'll try to keep it up.

[@BigToody]

14:09 "Written fiction that works is an interest-grabbing set of language-based instructions arranged in an order that cues the reader to simulate an approximate cognitive model of a specific modal universe that changes in such a way across the course of the simulation that it entertains, instructs, or explores the nature of the human condition" - P.E. Rowe This is definition is mainly for book authors, but I think this applies here too

[@TheGoDraft]

Okay, I guess. But while understanding the cognitive thought process behind humans' appreciation of art is interesting, it is of virtually no use in helping an artist do that.

[@elizabethdahl487]

Thank you! This is the kind of advice I’m always looking for!

[@TheGoDraft]

Appreciate the kind words

[@TramonWalker]

These videos help tremendously. Hope to see more. Thanks.

[@TheGoDraft]

More are on the way- thank you for watching.

[@TheFeelButton]

Thank you! Cheers Andy!!

[@TheGoDraft]

You're welcome. Glad it's helping.

[@shawshank178]

Brilliant!

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks!

[@abduosmanaj]

Thank you sir for this valuable advice ❤

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks. More to come I hope you find a valuable.

[@vijay012345]

Thanks for adding subtitles As English is not my primary language I'm from india Very valuable information Thanks a ton

[@TheGoDraft]

I'm glad you're getting value from them. I think (hope) most of what I'm discussing will apply to the dynamic Indian film industry.

[@oraclemedia9266]

I love your clearity Sir!

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks. I'm glad it's helping you.

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks. More on their way soon.

[@cole8208]

Whether is porn or poetry the point is to feel something Alright I’m sold

[@TheGoDraft]

I hope you aim more for poetry but, I'm glad the videos are speaking to you.

[@TiagoCavalcanti-ji6hu]

@@TheGoDraft lol

[@NiceTravelTV]

Thank you so much, Andy, for putting this video. My channel is new, and I am looking for video tutorials. Your channel is a great resource. I have some ideas written down already, but it is lacking something. I watched your interview with Film Courage, which led me to your channel. You shed light on my questions. I appreciate what you do. Just subscribed to your channel. Thank you.

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks for subscribing. Glad it's helping you.

[@user-vs7ey5ek6h]

​ thanks for your videos from Italy

[@TheGoDraft]

You're very welcome. Good luck to you.

[@shereewilson6827]

I'm new to this and appreciate your channel!❤ New subscriber!

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks for joining. I hope the series works for you.

[@zbosmanchannel5604]

Terimakasih. Sangat bermanfaat dan tulus ikhlas. ❤

[@TheGoDraft]

Not sure what you said but there's a heart emoji, so I'll assume the best!

[@B.K.Barone]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these!

[@TheGoDraft]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@TheGoDraft]

Glad to do it.

[@TimMaxShift]

Thank you. By the way, I also see a lot of similarities between sex and storytelling, same three acts, pacing, beats, "show (act), not tell"... it's just as important to be able to get the catharsis right, you can't try to start with it right away. Unless it's hard to think of where the darkest hour might be :) Oh yes, and if everything went wrong, the "author" can say that the "audience" simply did not understand his brilliant idea, it was a tragedy from the beginning.... But I should note that the idea of rigid division of brain hemispheres by tasks has been obsolete for a very long time. It is a myth that is alive solely thanks to fiction and journalists. Just like the myth that the brain only works 10% of the time.

[@TheGoDraft]

I'm sure you're right about the brain (certainly only 10% of my brain is usually working!). It's just a useful simplification for the purpose of teaching the complex mental concepts I'm trying to.

[@Devast8or2600]

Do you provide any coverage services 🤔? Great stuff!

[@TheGoDraft]

I do sometimes. Contact me at [e-mail] if you're interested.

[@LouisWritingSomethingCrazy]

Great acting requires great writing.

[@TheGoDraft]

Yes, most of the great "performances" are actually great roles in great stories that the actor didn't screw up, and possibly enhanced. But if it's not well written, there no great performance.

[@XxSEETH3RxX]

I definitely need to get to the next level. Not there yet and will never pretend I am. Also what you say in this about the rule book guys and so-called gurus is what really messed me up. It took me awhile to learn that what they're saying is off. Finally I got to where as you said...this doesn't feel right. And it didn't. I threw out the books and just started writing. Letting the character's goals unfold is structure so to speak, not hitting certain number. I just wrote. Now am I where I want to be yet? No. But I feel I will be soon. Also not sure if you have seen the movie"1917" but something happens at the mid point that I didn't expect and the emotion that happens afterwards from that point is very emotional.

[@TheGoDraft]

Throwing out the rulebook is fine, but you do have to structure your film. My theory is to structure a screenplay based on guessing what the effect on the audience will be, rather than just what some "expert" (including me!) arbitrarily says. But I advise you not to just sit down and write without a solid story structure.

[@TiagoCavalcanti-ji6hu]

How much do I owe you already, sir? F-Cheers!!!

[@TheGoDraft]

I'll send you an invoice (kidding!).

[@Mouli820]

Did you ever regret becoming a screenwriter or even indulging in the film industry

[@TheGoDraft]

No, not even when it's frustrating and unfair (and who ever said show business was supposed to be fair anyway?). Screenwriting has been good to me, the business is never boring, it's filled with the world's most interesting people, and every once in a while you get to do good work.

[@jimjo8541]

Good video! But I have to correct you on something. Most MCU characters DO NOT WEAR CAPES! 😂

[@TheGoDraft]

Point taken. Should've said "tights."

[@corpsefoot758]

Hi Andy, have you read (or at least heard of) the book “Wired for Story” by Lisa Cron? I feel like the thing was basically written for you haha, you might get a kick out of seeing your theories validated by actual modern neuroscience

[@TheGoDraft]

I have not read it, but thanks for the rec. I'll try to get to it.

[@corpsefoot758]

@@TheGoDraft Enjoy 🤘☺️

[@spacecatboy2962]

Do you wear that shirt to your AA meetings?

[@TheGoDraft]

No, but I sometimes wear it to AAA meetings.

[@friendlyone2706]

@@TheGoDraft 😁

[@constanzagarcia348]

Hi, watching your video for the third time. Great, thank so much! So, I have a question. I have a story. Two main characters, "A" wants something, and "B" just the opposite. Both goals are equally strong. Both goals clash with the other. "A" is active in pursue of his goals, and "B" reacts trying to restore balance. How can I know who is the protagonist? Because B is the one going to go all the way, and get what he wants. Even tought for B, getting what he wants it´s to destroy his very essence, and turn somehow in someone very like A. Hope you understand what I am trying to say. Thank you, very much. Looking forward for you next chapter.

[@TheGoDraft]

Not sure I can give an answer to your specific scenario, but it's fine to have dual protagonists as long as both have a conflict which the audience can identify with and that they pursue their goal. Any character can theoretically be the protagonist, but only if the writer gives them those qualities. The flaw, for example, in KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is just that: you can make Leonardo DeCaprio's character the protagonist, but Roth and Scorcese failed to let us engage with and follow his emotional journey, and so the result for most audiences was confusion and boredom -- for 3 + hours.

[@constanzagarcia348]

Thanks you so much. Good advice. You are more than kind to take time to answer, thanks again. By the way, yesterday I saw The Fourth Story. Good script! @@TheGoDraft

[@wtwoworldsseason2fourworlds]

Your intro is a bit long, then when you enter the subject "create organically", I felt at home. I can't create a story using rules or brain. Except logic, but logic is quite automatic for me. I use mostly intuition.

[@TheGoDraft]

Whatever works, works. These are the methods that works for me.

[@BigToody]

Just don't be an insecure writer asking questions like: How do I make the audience care about my characters? How do I make my villains hateful? How do I make my relationships shippable? How do I inspire people? How do I write something people will like? Every audience member is different. There is not and never will be a one-size-fits-all universal solution for grabbing the audience by the heart. If you want them to care, stop caring about them. Have faith in your creative choices. Create for yourself first, then fix it later.

[@TheGoDraft]

I agree that being insecure is not useful, but caring about what your audience thinks and feels is paramount to doing the job at a professional level. The greatest dramatic writers care passionately about how the audience perceives their work. "Screw 'em, that's just how I want to do it" is the fallback position of thousands of dilettantes who've failed in their goal.

[@BigToody]

@@TheGoDraft yeah self indulgence is bad too. But have you ever encountered a writer who worries too much about bending over backward for the audience? What is the compromise here?

[@jaglazzarinim2558]

Yes I agree Movies really suck especially Disney

[@station8076]

Pithy. Thank you.

[@TheGoDraft]

Thanks. Pith is a good thing.

[@AlexeyShort]

But new star wars movies and new disney and marvel movies make me feel emotion of anger that they think i am an idiot. Why they dont have succes than? They made me feel at the end of the day

[@TheGoDraft]

It's hard not to feel anger at something you don't like. I try to reserve that emotion for sloppy work, not just something that isn't to my taste (I've written a LOT of stuff I wouldn't watch). Most movies and TV are made by people trying their best; they may just lack guidance or experience or talent, but they mean no harm.

[@friendlyone2706]

@@TheGoDraft I reserve the right to feel anger at people who pay for writers to write in a given universe (such as Star Wars) and then do not demand the writers fully immerse themselves in said universe before writing. To me, it is like hiring a plumber who has read about holding a wrench but has not spent time with real pipes and tools, and telling him to install the plumbing in your home. It takes immersion to "get" the spirit that makes a universe popular. It doesn't diminish creativity. It focuses it like a magnifying glass focuses light.

[@CarmenPerez-kz6rw]

Even established writers are struggling. That’s why they have programs and videos.

[@TheGoDraft]

I guess so. Making a living at a creative endeavor has always been tough.

[@jaglazzarinim2558]

I loved Star wars but its so childish now it is more like a western series from My childhood

[@TheGoDraft]

Yes, that was his original intent - to reconnect a jaded audience with their inner child. And it worked - better than anyone expected.

[@ramanlovebabe]

12:19 very important