Every Great Story Begins With A Core Wound - Peter Russell Tribute Video

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Peter Russell, Screenwriter and Film & Television teacher (LA Story Doc / Peter Russell Script Doctor). Peter was a beloved guest that we interviewed many times. His interviews were lively, charismatic, and spoke to developing fully formed characters that walked the line between good and bad.
Legendary story doctor for Hollywood, Peter taught at UCLA Extension and Pepperdine University. His teachings still live on at Peterrussellscriptdoctor.com. Peter was a friend and mentor to writers worldwide. He included his own story in teachings, sharing fragile part of his wounds that we can all relate to.
Peter started as a story analyst in the 1990s, and read over 3,000+ screenplays for major film and television giants including Imagine Entertainment, Participant Productions, HBO, CBS, Walden Entertainment and others.
As he read these scripts, he started seeing deep, hidden patterns in the best stories. He wrote these down and started getting jobs FIXING writer’s stories.
Peter was invited to teach at UCLA in 2004, and it became a passion, too. He was UCLA’s Teacher of the Year in 2009. He taught Television pilot and Film story creation at Pepperdine University’s Seaver College Screenwriting MFA program, at Story Expo in LA and New York, and many others.
Peter sold two television pilots in 2018/2019.
This video compilation of Peter's take on film and television highlights his love and honor for story.
He will be greatly missed.
His teachings are available online at Peterrussellscriptdoctor.com
MORE VIDEOS WITH PETER RUSSELL
bit.ly/28NzKaG
#writing #screenwriting #screenplay

[@tender0828]

HOLY- I'm only 10 minutes in but this guy knows exactly what he talks about. Shame we didn't get to have such a wonderful person around for longer.

[@leorobin832]

I'm three months late 😢

[@user-fs9ko6wg2o]

I was watching and thinking about my own script. Every word the man says hits, because I was doing exactly those, I was writing my own wound, a wound that started from my parents

[@_i_am_unceded]

Honor and Respect 🪶😊

[@roathripper]

RIP Peter.

[@mattimeo7612]

I saw the length of this video and groaned but I clicked through hoping to find what I was looking for. I'm only 5 minutes in and this guy has already opened my eyes to exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. This guy isn't just brilliant, he's excellent at communicating his ideas. Looking forward to the rest!

[@filmcourage]

Cheers Matt!

[@KatWoodland]

30, 60, 90, 108!

[@tigranmeliks]

Literally the same

[@YogeshPagareYogi]

Peter was an amazingly talented person & very passionate about his work ❤️ 🙏 May his soul rest in peace

[@howardkoor2796]

Ohh. I didn’t know! 😢😢😢😢😢

[@sarahsolangechannel1631]

oh no! What happenned???

[@howardkoor2796]

@@sarahsolangechannel1631 He died a few months ago... so sad

[@vmathew1609]

So sorry to hear 😔... Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

[@kurukshetrawar6680]

Oh God! Sorry to know that. Rest In Peace Sir....

[@astralislux305]

I found out he died on February 5, 2021 while hiking with his wife, Suzy. He suddenly collapsed from a heart attack and Suzy gave him CPR as she watched his life slip away. I did the same thing to a close friend that same month so I understand the tragedy she experienced. Thankfully, Peter suffered no pain.

[@SMacCuUladh]

I'm sorry for your loss, I hope you're healing from that.

[@ukaszkowalski725]

I just realised, I had the same situation, the same month...

[@vegsource]

Safe and effective…

[@DirectorHMAN]

​@@vegsourcehmmmmm... there is a pattern here

[@juddakooda9520]

covid @@DirectorHMAN

[@nikacola7319]

As a mom-to-be I am now terrified of becoming my child's origin story or core wound! In all seriousness Peter was a ray of light and his passing leaves an immense hole in the creative world.

[@ronaknanda6175]

My mother has never hugged me

[@safiya5940]

True, NIkacola, I too was terrified thinking if I was the origin of sb's core wound, don't worry, we all as parents have to remember that loving our children unconditionally and being there for them when they our support is the thing we can do to help them as parents.

[@trinleywangmo]

There's a difference between crappy parents and nasty parents. Everyone has crappy parents some times, but those of us with nasty parents, that's for life.

[@user-ge2pn3gk1j]

This is so far the best writing advice. I’ve seen so many but this is so truthful! I just saw he died in a mountain. R.I.P sir. Your legacy will be carried forever.

[@formulajuan6038]

I miss my dear friend and mentor Peter Russell.

[@Vidyut_Gore]

I'm in love. Seriously. What a beautiful mind. What insight. I didn't even know him when he was alive, but I'm sad about losing him. And also this guy can't die. He's going to live rent free in so many heads... already I hear him commenting as I work on my manuscript.

[@richardmanley5689]

He was such a beautiful soul in his living years😘

[@ericminerv]

I used to hide in the bathrooms at parties and dances because i did not know how to dance and to avoid like so many times before, people laughing. Thank you for this

[@olivia_vieweg]

I had the pleasure of working with him two times. I will forever miss him, his kindness and his wisdom!

[@georginahutchinson1967]

Peter was a fabulous teacher at UCLA and online. He made everything fun and interesting and took pleasure in connecting with his students and really helping us. I will always remember his wisdom, humour and insights. I know he will be missed forever.

[@TheDaveKShow]

So sorry you are gone. You work will live on forever. You are the best!

[@Omnipusia]

It's the first time someone gave an advice that is true, at least for me.... And it about telling the truth and honesty...

[@AmyK007]

Absolutely brilliant ❤

[@UrMomsChauffer]

Absolutely captivating. 5 minutes in, and I am just stuck listening. This is a natural born teacher.

[@davidursin2150]

"You can't make it up...why? Because we have infinitely good "B.S." detectors as audience members"..." 'make it real" or they're gonna' be bored. It's the truth that makes them want to watch." This nailed it for me! His ability to explain this in lurid context make this sink in like no other lecturer has and I've heard this point made so many times by other speakers. Immediately, I hit pause and started reworking my opening to bring my protagonist's flaw/core-wound up earlier and sharply. I realize now I'd been holding back too long and introducing it too softly. Thank you for this video!!!

[@gidiexposure9727]

I feel bad to just be knowing about Peter, thank you for the love, passion and experience. I am grateful that you had suzy and a beautiful life.

[@mechtech220]

wow! i had no idea he passed away. i just this past week I decided to resume working on a script idea that I put down almost two years ago. I started by revisiting the lectures that I bought after learning about Peter Russell in these very interviews on this channel a few years ago. Thank You again Film Courage and Thank You again Peter Russell. I'm deeply saddened at this news. Rest In Peace.

[@fellowcitizen]

I found his interviews especially significant and useful. He is synonymous with Film Courage. My condolences to his family and friends

[@michaeldonaghy5685]

I second your point about him and had no idea he had died- that is a real loss. Sympathies to his family.

[@caseyboughton6641]

@@michaeldonaghy5685 Me either - condolences to his family and friends. Peter Russell, you, Sir, are missed

[@CrownedbyShirley]

Oh no, may he RIP

[@pantherman16]

RIP Peter, my prayers to Cecilia and his family. He is already missed.

[@LTUM]

So sad. RIP

[@arzabael]

RIP good man.

[@davidstephenson3615]

Damn. One of my wounds now is learning of the passing of this gentleman. Only 10 minutes into the video, thought I would read the blurb at the bottom and learned of his passing. Honour his ideas, people!

[@yohanalexander2850]

I love Peter Russell, he looked like a cool guy. I always noticed when he tried to present something important and clever, he whispered like he wanted to seduce you to willingly open your mind and let his teachings take over. I just knew he passed, what a loss!

[@rangecow]

Jesus! What a powerful production.

[@CrownedbyShirley]

He’s brilliant

[@Annayasha]

This man is amazing. I could hear him talk all Day. I love his passion, it shows when he speaks.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Me too. He always seemed positive, happy and upbeat. After years of script doctoring, he began writing and sold screenplays.

[@musaka15]

Oh no😢😢😢💔 He was one of my favourite people on film courage. MHSRIP ❤

[@joelcasseus628]

Wow, this guy is such a great character!

[@OkapiJim]

Infectious. I saw the time on this video and said, okay, I’ll watch ten minutes. I watched the whole thing. What a great teacher.

[@ZombieBacon1337]

The levels of Honesty here is incredible. In my writings, I always focused on Found Family, Dynamic Morals, things that feel real to me. But listening to this, (Not even Thirty Minutes in) I can't help but notice that my core wound is present, weirdly enough. The sense of isolation in spite of company. That internal conflict where you're surrounded by others, but you restrain yourself, and you stay internalized. It never dawned on me that all of my Protagonists are alone. Even beside their wife, or helping out those in trouble, they have to learn to be with others.

[@inesbodlovic]

this video carries so much wisdom, beyond screenplay

[@nerdmommy7114]

The movie 'UP' made this excellently. First 10 minutes always bring tears to my eyes.

[@blueskye2790]

One of the few people that legitimately changed my view of storytelling, especially in a series form, so sad to see him pass!

[@BetweenTheFog]

These interviews really did change the way I approached the craft. I’m not a screenwriter (yet), but I’ve written prose fiction. Using his four hitchcockian methods (good news, bad news, ticking clocks, raising stakes) I landed my first pro sale to a major publisher in London. I wrote to Peter and thanked him - he asked to use my thank you letter on his ensure, I said yes. RIP to a legend.

[@BetweenTheFog]

On his website*

[@Arabic4Beautiful]

awww he was hilarious and brilliant!

[@alaricsoto1]

This video is pure gold. PURE GOLD!

[@TarzanHedgepeth]

This… is genius. You can tell because it’s so darn simple.

[@jayworr1751]

This dude was a genius 💯

[@TheGloriousUncertainty]

I love this guy and yes it’s immensely sad that he had to say goodbye to us all so soon but thank you Peter all was taken on board….. And I’m sure that Owen Wilson used your voice and mannerisms for his role as Möbius in the brilliant LOKI… Rest Easy Peter we all still hear you buddy 👌

[@escapematrixenterprisejacq7810]

I have listened endlessly to how to write from fascinating writers and Peter did it for me, he helped me face the biggest fear I had that stopped me from writing. He solved my entire issue and I dont think i will ever have a block on characters ever again. Build all of your cripplings onto a character.

[@filmcourage]

Awesome to hear! Our best to you and your work!

[@Joostthetoast]

Sorry to hear of his passing. Peter was a great communicator and his passion and love for story was inspirational.

[@concernedcitizen7385]

I can’t believe he’s gone... He really was the best on this channel. I learned so much from this guy. Thank you Peter 🙏

[@johnphilly2479]

KZbin has taught me that there is a lot of geniuses in film making, but apparently none left in Hollywood

[@howardkoor2796]

We miss you, Peter.........

[@JCPFILMS]

I've learn so much from Peter Russell just by watching his film courage interviews.

[@ProphetVictory]

Rest in Peace and condolences to his loved ones. Peter's videos really helped me start writing. He seemed so knowledgable and was so engaging. Thank you for having him on.

[@ProphetVictory]

And just saw today is his birthday. 😞 Can't describe how great a teacher and communicator he was.

[@ProphetVictory]

Actually, I can. This week I got staffed on a US prestige cable show and optioned a feature treatment. Peter lives on in all of us!

[@birrofilm]

Brilliant.

[@TheZStinch]

INCREDIBLE! Thank you!

[@filmcourage]

Our pleasure!

[@matthewlavagna6080]

I'm very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Although I didn't know him personally I watched all his stuff and I greatly valued his insight into screenwriting. He was a brilliant teacher and very entertaining to listen to. He may be gone but his work will continue to inspire and educate writers. My thoughts are with him and his loved ones.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I wish I lived in LA and could have taken one of his claases.

[@DominickvdHoff]

RIP, i'm glad he's still able to help people in videos and courses like this.

[@brooksfarr238]

Good god. What a mind.

[@x86ed]

Brilliant man

[@brandonramon1949]

Much love Coach, you’ll be missed

[@lavawingsplays1627]

Did I just get an in-depth therapy session? Love this. PS-learning this guy passed away. Terrible. I really appreciated this imparting of wisdom.

[@dreaminglifepodcast]

He was my favorite.

[@samuelsegura_]

Oh no. Didn't knew he passed away. :'( He was an extraordinary teacher. Thanks to this channel for approaching us to him.

[@DoctorJammer]

Tokyo Drift is a good movie. I finally feel vindicated after this guy and Christopher Nolan praised the films so many years later. 😄

[@lavawingsplays1627]

Tokyo Drift was the pinnacle of Fast and Furious

[@slamtilt01]

Damn this guy was good. I learned how to write characters and got a therapy session at the same time. RIP Peter Russell

[@ComicPower]

Peter's stories are so compelling. I could listen to him talk all day. I am a sponge

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

There are no words. We have to recognize that occasionally the gods will send one or two to us once every thousand years or more to explain ourselves to our self. This gentleman is pure energy, a pure vibration, a pure sample from the Source. His incredible and unabashed honesty tells me this. He doesn’t speak for a reaction or to demonstrate the quality of his knowledge or in a self-deprecating way nor in a way to deflect from himself…he simply was rushing to get what was in him outside of him. He is an example of what passion sounds like. At the risk of sounding sycophantic, I simply cannot even begin to conceptualize how you found, selected, ordered the clips here. Notably, you and your team are incredibly brilliant about when to use a very short yet pertinent clip and when to allow a very long and brilliant clip to role. Wow!!! Seriously, if there are awards for these skills as there should be, I hope you will put your name in the hat. Brilliant.

[@MyName-wl6cd]

Damn he just blew my mind

[@LeopardGeckoFry]

Even if you're not a writer watching this, don't you just love how he just has so much positive passion in general

[@nocthepanafricanistcapital5467]

Brilliant

[@yerabbit6333]

Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Wow, thank you ye rabbit! We appreciate your support!

[@davidaffholter4683]

Fascinating hearing about the Superhero, Core Wound Hero, and Anti-Hero. I immediately thought of the movie The Kid. It has all 3, and they are all the same person....i will never watch that movie the same again after learning from this video.

[@hiplessboy]

What a fun, energetic, passionate man. Great editing. Thank you for this. Rest in peace, Peter Russell.

[@renegademax]

Brillant, insightful and generous. Peter Russell is sorely missed.

[@Giovanni61]

Exceptional

[@galacticfederationambassad4063]

"Nobody's all good and nobody's all bad" Quoting Loki before Loki.

[@WhatGrenadeWhere]

Oh no. You will be greatly missed Peter. Much love.

[@ginettedejesus6861]

So glad I came across this/his video! My daughter, freshman in high school loves writing and creating stories/characters and even very descriptive with her character’s wardrobe. She’s an awesome writer for her age and no professional introduction/help or schooling.

[@createdsoicancomment2833]

Only 6 minutes in and this is awesome. He mentions Superhero movies don't have wounds but they all do as well.

[@addie851]

So sad to hear this! He taught me so much through your videos. Rest In Peace.

[@Shimamon27]

I noticed this is happening to me automatically with my animations... I let things flow, and I realize that I end up making things I experienced, and I express them in an exaggerated manner. And I feel right with it.

[@howardkoor9365]

Peter was amazing in his insight and passion about storytelling!

[@richardmanley5689]

He was such a beautiful in living years, without a doubt he^s a beautiful spirits, rest in peace my youthtube teacher. 💥❤

[@hello2jello4mellow34]

Oh, I am so sorry to read this. Peter Russell gave several excellent interviews to Film Courage and I will never forget his breakdown of Breaking Bad ! Amazing!

[@russellsantana]

Phenomenal.

[@JamesJohnson-uf3tt]

Sorry to hear this . I really enjoyed listening to him !!

[@vmathew1609]

This was Excellent!!! Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Thank you!

[@BarryAnderson]

Yes, so TRUE every writer must show the severe emotional wound that cannot be shaken off and this can apply to the hero and the villain as well. The villain often does not see themself as a villain but just the opposite to the point of feeling righteous and good for his or her own kind. In stark contrast the hero is selfless and has incredible empathy for other forms of life like a Dog Lover has this emotional connection to his or her dog.

[@pbg9208]

EPIC

[@VictoriousMcLeod]

So grateful for this channel.

[@filmcourage]

🙏 We appreciate you spending time with us!

[@Sophia-wv6yf]

☹️ I learned so much from Peter. Thank for sharing your core wounds to help us 🙏

[@louisewoodhead]

Very sad to read that he has passed... This was an incredibly useful video, thank you for creating and sharing!

[@reign6409]

Amazing information

[@englishcool247]

Greetings from El Salvador....motivation 101

[@dominicklpz]

I've come to this realization about the wound a few months back and when I told it to my critics they admitted the story got so much better.

[@sallyfrancoaldridge6576]

😢 This is such sad news. I only just discovered Peter Russell. He has such a storehouse of know-how and great energy in his videos.

[@whitemansucks]

I got to work with Peter. Blessings to his family. Because i just learned of this, i would like to dedicate my book on story structure to him. WOW! Again, blessings to his family and friends.

[@ashlychauhan9151]

You are a real writer, Mentor and much more...I am a learner and your perspective on writing stories opened a Pandora box for me to choose from

[@NamastayGangstaArt]

RIP Peter! I have learned some much from your Film Courage Interviews.

[@frankstarshiphead6839]

Wowza

[@jashannon]

good lord you're right. my story is a reflection of me...

[@patriceduval1722]

A brilliant man because of insight and knows how to appky this in writing..

[@shingai_munyuki]

I keep coming back to this video. So brilliant. Thank you.