How To Write Memorable Scenes - Shannan E. Johnson

In this Film Courage video interview, Writer/Instructor and Script Consultant Shannan E. Johnson (The Professional Pen) shares how to make writing scenes more memorable. Shannan says it is essential to earn their significance by giving them purpose and connecting them to the larger story. Each scene should have a goal that contributes to the characters' overall objectives. If a scene lacks purpose, it can be eliminated during the revision process. Tension and conflict can be built by complicating the characters' goals or by having the audience possess knowledge that the characters lack. Additionally, visualizing scenes and creating engaging cinematic elements can enhance their impact.
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.
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[@filmcourage]

Here is our full interview with Shannan - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4bHZpuQgZtlg6M

[@fuferito]

_Film Courage_ follows none of the rules yet always manage to receive very effective and compelling answers to their questions from their excellent guests.

[@liquidbraino]

I've always said "we only learn the rules in order to break them".

[@5Gburn]

Every time I see Shannan's face, I go, "Ooh!" and /click/ I'm in it to win it. Thanks, Film Courage!

[@filmcourage]

Win / win! Cheers!

[@AxleBoost]

Same thing I did.

[@ShesGonnaWriteIt]

I absolutely love her interviews. She's direct and correct. I hope to meet her one day.

[@sethflix]

I always enjoy Shannan's interviews on this channel. Thanks!

[@liquidbraino]

She definitely has the "Feynman Principle" down. Screenwriting can be a complex subject but she's able to explain it in simple terms anyone can understand. I love that.

[@Speed202]

She could explain the reason for why we are hear and I would believe her. That last explanation was a master class in itself.

[@4honeycherryblossom4]

I love Shannan. Her expertise is so helpful and she explains everything so well.

[@deadseamonster]

Shannan! I geek out every time she's on!

[@scifirealism5943]

Shannon is great.

[@smokey8472]

This will help me out with my script. Thank you! ^.^ ❤

[@filmcourage]

Cheers!

[@filmcourage]

What is the first memorable scene (from a movie or TV show) that comes to mind right now?

[@scifirealism5943]

The family man film where the main character is watching a sing of his wife. He realizes he loves her.

[@fuferito]

No question; The scene at the beginning of _Goodfellas,_ which end with the line, "As long as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster."

[@MaxAbramson3]

Godfather where Michael has his brother killed.

[@keeganwebb7777]

Great teacher, very usable advice.

[@pauligrossinoz]

It's also worth noting that a memorable scene has impacts far beyond the moment itself. The other characters reaction to a memorable moment solidifies it in the audience's mind. It helps to see other's reactions - how it impacts them too - to lock-in a scene in as memorable. You can't just have everyone else saying 'yeah whatever', or you'll dull the impact. Unless that's for deliberate comic effect or for extra contrast.

[@underakillingmoon]

What a great voice she has. She could be an actress too! And I bet she can sing.

[@ShannanEJohnson]

I can. 😁

[@underakillingmoon]

@@ShannanEJohnson I didn't expect a response from you, lol! So, you have the ability to write a movie, act in it, and sing the main theme ;) Seriously, your voice conveys a great amount of charisma. I am certain that you are an exceptional storyteller. I am fond of role playing games and I am certain that you would be a great game master. Sorry for my bad English.

[@ChristinaFonthes]

Our fave interviewee! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@johnclay7644]

memorable scenes good concept.

[@AJ-sb8qk]

This was great

[@byronjohnson8346]

YOU ARE HIGHLY TALENTED SIR. EXCELLENT VIDEO AND BREAKDOWN. GREAT GROUP OF GENTLEMEN GOT IT DONE. CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SKILLSET

[@candellina6]

I think Walle does a perfect job of memorable scenes. The character building of minor details that resurface for sentimental pay off. ❤ 😭

[@MaxAbramson3]

Good dialogue depends on high stakes... i.e., conflict.

[@candellina6]

@@MaxAbramson3 Pixar's Walle doesn't have much dialog and it's still so powerful.

[@MaxAbramson3]

@@candellina6 True, but good dialgue must be paired with high stakes.

[@candellina6]

@@MaxAbramson3 high stakes makes everything good in a story.

[@MaxAbramson3]

@@candellina6 Yeah. Unless it's a comedy.

[@speliotis]

Wisdom....

[@grantgreyguda]

👍 👍

[@ryanhowell4492]

cool

[@matthewpaul6904]

This is really great advice. No really, I'm actually writing a mother and daughter at odds and this was very helpful I like your approach to scenes, fleshes out McKee's "no scene that doesn't turn" rule

[@haykay1626]

Anyone know what the cowboy movie she referenced on netflix is called?

[@nobafan7515]

Do memorable scenes require relatability, or does having an understanding of their motivations count?

[@ShannanEJohnson]

The simple answer is understanding their motivations.

[@mrroberttrujillo]

Cowboy movie: Concrete cowboy!