Masterclass -- Ben Garant

Screenwriter and producer Ben Garant talks to Loyola University New Orleans students about his development as a screenwriter and about structuring a typical Hollywood story

[@dariawells7438]

Man, if he didn't ever want to write again (which I doubt), he could just be a lecturer. Interesting and informative!

[@shaid1111]

If you've ever worked in film and gone to a film school you know that bar is not very high... People who work don't usually go do teaching.

[@sjbosch56]

This is very good, especially Garant's emphasis the importance of learning structure on the principal that you have to know the rules before you break them. I appreciate that he emphasizes writing your own story.

[@IFHPodcastNetwork]

Very good lecture.

[@moviebuff3000]

This guys reminds me of this Reno Sheriff I saw on tv once.

[@NS1.]

I hope those people appreciated how informative and good this was.

[@vicnuzzo145]

If I could give more than 1 thumb up, I would. Most of the information Ben Garant talked about is in his book "Writing Movies for Fun and Profit", where you can find more detailed info. It seems like most of the students weren't really paying attention. If I was in this class, I would have been asking all the questions. I've read over a dozen screenwriting books and can assure you Ben knows what he's talking about. This structure won't win you any Oscars, but nobody makes money on Oscar movies anyway. If you want a big paycheck which I highly recommend, at least for your first screenplay, then read his book. Make the money first so you can spend time later writing the next great Academy Award winning movie.

[@jonathanakerele8006]

You got THAT right, Vic. They want to know out the gate can you write a basic script that is logical, emotional, and hits the beats. Once you prove that then you'll be able to get assignments for big budget films eventually. First, they have to know what you are capable of delivering and delivering promptly.

[@malzsosick]

Amazing video! So glad I found this.

[@BlackJackzOO]

Is there a transcription of this? It's fantastic!

[@jonathanakerele8006]

Hey, can someone please provide a link to the second master class lecture by Ben Garant? The one where he talks about the business side of screenwriting. That would be cool. I'd really like to hear it. The insight he has to say on the craft is really interesting. =)

[@RisingRecluse]

I bought the book he cowrite on screewriting and theres a huge section on it. I highly recommend it.

[@screenwriterabdullahh.erak2778]

Writing Movies for Fun and Profit : How We Made a Billion Dollars at the Box Office and You Can, Too! is one of the BEST books on writing and showbiz; get it yesterday!

[@GiantOfTheNorth]

I don't write screenplays but create scenarios for RPGs. This is great advice. Thank god to the person who recorded this they got the sound perfect! The video (now in 2020) is a bit rough but I love some perfectly clear audio.

[@AngeloBell]

He said you're "introducing" all the things you need to know. The audience will learn more eventually, but the writer gives a peek at this things within the first 10 pages

[@robertgarant2155]

You're absolutely right. I misspoke. I meant William Blatty, the screenwriter.

[@shaid1111]

I love how the whole Joseph Campbell thing is ALWAYS Luke Skywalker, but Star Wars doesn't follow any understandable structure at all. That movie switches protagonist like 5 times it's truly fascinating. Luke isn't introduced until 20 pages in. There are multiple different calls to action for every character. Luke gets one from Ben on like page 36, he doesn't answer it until page 45. Han Solo gets another one on page 57. It goes on. It is truly nothing like this. But we all have decided that is the hollywood essential example. Even though in reality the script is 155 pages and was truly an out there story. It's great, and this is super useful for people who want to reverse engeneer stuff like introducing your hero and remembering that scripts should not be 155 pages because your story isn't as good as Star Wars. But it could be as good as Die Hard.

[@A.JayWeber]

were is the other talk?

[@PabloDPena]

I think he's wrong about the matrix. On page 10 the "follow the white rabbit " part certainly he's learning more. But the audience doesn't really get the setup (what the matrix is, that he's the messiah, agents, blah, blah, blah) until 20-25 pages in.

[@robertgarant2155]

page 10, after he follows the white rabbit, Trinity confronts him: 'You want to know what the matrix is.' That's the 'call to adventure,' the inciting incident. BUT -- he ignores it, goes back to work the next day like nothing happened. Then he takes the blue pill 25 pages late -- he 'accepts the call.'

[@PavTheSlav]

great video. i really dont know why more people arnt watching this...

[@yitzhakgoldberg2404]

Because, as Jordan Peterson says, we're the elite, by that, I mean we, being creative people, make up 0% of the population. Imagine that. 0%. Most people, say 80% of them, just have an average IQ and no creativity - zip. We're the lucky ones, but let's not get hung up on that, let's us to enlighten the lies of many and do good in the world. Hey, maybe in you're next life you'll be a "no one," but in this one, meet me in Hollywood!

[@DarrenSemotiuk]

One half of the duo that are the best recurring characters in the "Archer" universe! And that says a LOT. archer.fandom.com/wiki/Rudy archer.fandom.com/wiki/Charles

[@tlombeck]

What is he talking about. Friedkin didn't write "The Pink Panther" (and he didn't write "Sorcerer" and "Exorcist" neither. Just directed), Edwards did.

[@veritas6335]

What is The Matrix? Never heard of it. I do wish these guys would talk about real stories instead of sci fi garbage. Many of us ARENT 14 year old boys.

[@yitzhakgoldberg2404]

"Real stories"? Like what? If you never heard of the Matrix, you must live in a cave. And sci-fi, my dear friend, isn't garbage. Go and make your lesbian coming of age story, go make your "real story." In the meantime, I'll be writing the next Raiders of the Lost Ark while making millions on the side because I KNOW HOW TO ENTERTAIN PEOPLE. Nobody gives a hill of beans for "real stories," they're usually depressing, and you can watch 'em for free on the news. Blah, boring!!!!!!!!!

[@OlymPigs2010]

...the Matrix was a Stupid,Shallow,Pathetic Movie that Totally Sucked!!!