Solve Your Story Structure Problems In 11 Steps - Pat Verducci [FULL INTERVIEW]

[@melaninandaura9713]

I’m at work doing patient care and listening when she said “whether you’re getting paid or not, if you’re writing, you’re a writer” I effing LOST it. When I’m not writing I don’t feel good … ooft! All I think about is writing. It’s to the point that it physically hurts. I needed to hear this.

[@simonasfaw9450]

great to hear that... but if you don't mind me asking, what do you do with what you write? i am trying to do it myself but i feel demoralized when i think i have nothing to do with it afterwards ☹

[@christrites4251]

Even though I have nothing to do with the film business (I write Novels only) I still find this one of the best channels about writing and storytelling. I love listening to the guests you have on here, they have a wealth of knowledge that can only be gained by extensive experience in the field telling stories to an audience. Also, love the interviewer, your questions, tone and pace are excellent.

[@kenneth1767]

Agreed. I find storytelling is helping me figure out life's challenges.

[@nickjonesthenova5928]

I swear. It's like this applies to all writing

[@toad1971]

I have listened to this interview multiple times and it is easily one of the best on this channel. The amount of information and wisdom is incredible! And so much of the wisdom applies to creativity in general and other artforms. One point in particular that rings so true about the 20 minute mark is that "the magic doesn't happen unless you are in the chair". I am an artist who is interested also in writing - mostly I do digital art and comics but used to do a lot of traditional art also - but I have learned this lesson over the years that one must be in the drawing chair (or for other artists behind the easel) every day just making the work. Some days are not as good or less inspired and some days are good and a few are great. The progress is made through the daily practice of making the work. There are in fact a few days I struggle to start, but once I do the "magic" usually flows. You are always making progress and some improvement but is gradual so you sometimes won't feel like it. But you must keep moving forward. The daily schedule is also important because as you see yourself making progress you become motivated by that progress and that makes you want to continue on, finish a project, and start another one. So keep working! Start something, finish it knowing it's imperfect, and take what you learned and make another one! Also don't compare yourselves to others in a harsh way or you are robbing yourself of what is unique about you - and finding your own voice is definitely the point of being an artist - that's the entire point. So learn the rules, keep working to master them but enjoy becoming who you become - embrace your own voice and enjoy the process. It took me 30 years to figure this out!

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

This was a terrific interview. Initially, I thought it was going to be 14 minutes long but it was 1 hour 40 minutes. I listened to the entire dialog and even backtracked on some points. I especially found the info on plotting structures the most informative. Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Great to see that this interview kept you engaged to watch it all the way through on your first viewing!

[@DMac-wy4jd]

I’m literally 14 mins in and was thinking the same thing. Love it though.

[@eddiethecurler]

I could watch this interview forever. And I will never write a screenplay. Very interesting and fufilling to hear a true professional talk about her craft.

[@ojenvahedi]

No, watch it again.

[@danieljackson654]

"It won't happen unless you are sitting in the chair." AMEN. Wonderful words. This makes her lecture. Thank you

[@effieskitsa]

As a filmmaker who wants to start writing, this interview is really helpful and it clarifies in my mind a lot of things. I always say that I can't write. But now I will try. Thank you so much.

[@vandanachandekaranand8448]

I am only 11 minutes into this and I already got a great clarity about my WIP. Paused the video to go back and change the first chapter. Thanks a lot for the upload.

[@millamentsa7832]

she's so lovely and honest

[@jeffgraham9241]

Pat's brilliant - she's a genius but also incredibly warm and supportive - super rare. If you haven't consulted with her it's worth it

[@Mr.Monta77]

Some years ago a ‘genius’ meant someone like Da Vinci, Einstein or Shakespeare. Now everyone on KZbin is a genius.

[@fiat2496]

@@Mr.Monta77 amen!!

[@nailinthefashion]

@@Mr.Monta77 had they lived now they'd be interviewed just like this, and people would take it for granted like you are just bc access is easier now I find it overwhelmingly ironic

[@Mr.Monta77]

@@nailinthefashion No, I don’t think this has anything to do with irony. You are making a circular argument fallacy. You are basing your assumption on what you claim is already assumed true. But it is not. The problem in question was if Pat’s a genius. I agree that there is a fundamental similarity in quality between Pat and Einstein. They are both human, but importantly, one is perhaps a gifted screenwriter and the other a uniquely intelligent man who when working as a clark in a patent office, formulated the theory about the priciple of relativity, proposing that gravity is a curved field in the space-time continuum created by the existence of mass, etc. If Einstein was interviewed here, he would still be a unique man who through the incredible power of his mind, could predict and describe central principles of the Universe. I seriously doubt that you can prove that the circumstance of their interview and in what place in time it took place, would neccessarily change the difference in quality, so that they would be mutually exclusive. Even at a veeeery long distance, there would be a fundamental difference. Imagine two works of Pat and Einstein are discovered in the future, on a different planet and they could be deciffered precisely. The difference would still remain fundamental: the one would be a good writer, and the other would be a genius describing the Universe and its principles, in which these creatures of the future also live. The only thing overwhelming here is Einstein’s profound importance for mankind itself. Perhaps if Pat was on a train moving through space-time, but that was a joke.

[@nailinthefashion]

@@Mr.Monta77 lmao

[@L.SMcClure]

I've been watching Film Courage for the past three months. I love the advice given by the guests that come onto this channel. It is great getting advice and listening to their story's and writing process. It helps me in figuring out my own writing process.

[@callumdavidson1928]

I definitely think that you need to give yourself the freedom to find new things as you go along. Give your character a goal but don't worry about how they get there until you actually start writing it.

[@chippyonline001]

I like this take. I'll keep it in mind when I get the chancr to write again. Cheers!

[@heatherheadley1704]

Film Courage is the best ever!!! Produced three short films and a docudrama since I began in 2019. Now there is another film being prepped.

[@gamewriteeye769]

It's crazy how far and back I can relate to the struggles of even these experts in the field! Like the Spine, right, well that is something writers in the field or just starting out almost never hear about. What this interview said is spot on, and what I'd like to add, is that Spines only occur for a character's arc _if_ there's a defense mechanism in place, a way for the character to cope with something that happened in their past(their backstory/Ghost). I know how this interview, she was talking about that struggle to find the Want, the character's ultimate external plot goal that thinks "makes them happy" but it doesn't. Well, the Spine is a character's Flaw, and that Flaw goes hand-hand as the core reason externally why they can't get what they Want internally to satisfy making them happy. It's going on this journey from beginning to end if it's a positive change let's say, they shed this Flaw, the Spine, and replace it with a Strength after attaining the Need they find in the Climax, what truly makes them happy to sacrifice what they Want(and by extension, conquering that inner demon of the Ghost to shed their Spine in this too). This allows for the transformation of their character Lie at the start to their character Truth they learn in the end. Beautiful Truth, innit?

[@rachelk5798]

LOVED this interview. Sharing it with the writers in my life. Bravo Karen for a masterful interview! Thanks to Pat for her transparency and sharing.

[@naturalwayfilms]

I just love Film Courage.

[@Tarazed609]

1:11:50 It actually speaks to me this part about just writing it, and not overthinking. I'm also the type that has a board with all the connecting red lines and structures inside the structure. I had that one scene which didn't feel like it had come to an end. I already knew what scene came after it next, so I really didn't want to dwell on the current one anymore because I was on a bucket list type of journey, and furthermore had no idea where to park it anyway. Against my first instinct, I just started devolving in what i though would be a boring campfire slow time, but it ended up being so much more fun to write, and important to the rest of the plot once I just threw it out there. Definitely take chances if in doubt.

[@debbyliu3726]

This interview probably taught me everything about "How to write a great story" a huge thanks to the team and the writing coach for sharing this phenomenal experience.

[@teddytheman592]

I am first time to the university I named. I am not good in English but I understand almost all of them. Because it's simple and clear everyone can understand. I like also the interviewer she know how to get from others. Thanks so much you guys make clear that I could not see.❤❤❤❤

[@joepeezly]

Wow. I got a TON out of this one. I'm a concept artist/illustrator trying to understand story-telling to further my craft, and have a story I'm working on. Some things Pat said about "what the character wants" have made me consider what I'm up to in a whole different light. Great interview too!

[@filmcourage]

We're glad you found this one Joe!

[@starseeddeluxe]

Importantly: We need to repair the damaged Psyche that makes people yearn to watch horrific horror movies. There's something imparted deep in the psyche where people have an addiction to intense morbidity. A major reason why there is such fervor for Darkness is that we have never been taught any form of Light. The future version of Hollywood is going to produce positive films that completely shift the entire psyche of Humans. We will look back on this era of Humanity as being a very disturbed, disoriented, malnourished and quaint time period.

[@cmagnusnorthfleet981]

Wow, this is a GREAT interview. Pat Verducci makes a lot of sense. I can almost see in my mind what she's saying. You could learn a lot from her. Bravo!!

[@dlwilson5766]

Excellent and interesting. I think it is worth noting that the advice about your main character wants/needs being the foundation or start point isn't an absolute principle. There are many tremendous stories that are not founded upon this, but instead upon an event or series of events that collide with an unwitting protagonist. The character reacts to these, and the relatable emotions and learning/development comes via their navigating through an overarching circumstance.

[@kuramobay2445]

Writing even a half-decent story involves so many moving parts that it's easy to simply follow a template based on a genre or a previously successful movie. So, to write anything with fresh elements requires a degree of intuition or talent so great that most of the process of writing takes place under the surface, while the tip of the iceberg would involve the editing and rewriting process.

[@elisanavarro2561]

Just the interview I needed! One of the best since Corey mandell, Jen grisanti and Pilar Alessandra. Thank you film courage for this priceless material.

[@author_tiffany_dionne]

I’m halfway through and loving this interview!! I could listen to you both for hours.

[@HerbfilmsHF]

Thank you for these interviews! Thinking about acting

[@georgemink1813]

Thank you for saying everything you have here!!!! You've reaffirmed that what I've been doing is not a gesture of futility.I am grateful. My thanks a thousandfold, truly.

[@jakobw135]

Very insightful and useful interview. And your guest the interviewee is just wonderful in her presentation and clarity. Not just for playwriting but also stories in general. Wish there were more like her! 😉

[@filmcourage]

Thanks for posting Jakob! We love that this one found you.

[@nurbaiti_hikaru]

I watch this interview over and over again and still get something new inspiration. Thank you so much.

[@Maria-vg6bx]

Very helpful, thank you so much for making these and sharing them for free!

[@filmcourage]

Love this interview! Thanks for watching!

[@cmagnusnorthfleet981]

God, I love listening to Pat Verducci. She's AWESOME.

[@batoolbhojani3651]

I like her perspective about organizing scripts with color pencil ..infact I use different colors font ..for a specific charecter ..

[@NickRossi]

This is absolutely excellent advice!! Growing characters' wants out of their fears will be something I'll definitely experiment with.

[@maverickjacksonexecutivedi7569]

Happy weekend everyone. This interview was very interesting and enlightening. I love how you all outline the index by the minutes for us review some of her main topics. Impressive 💯 👍🏾👍🏾

[@jchinckley]

The most "problematic" thing about "classic" dead authors (like Patricia Highsmith) is how we look down on them because they don't agree with current cultural norms. Current cultural norms aren't going to stay for long because they're worthless in living a life one can be content with. Most of it is based on judging others rather than any real attempt to improve oneself. This is why so much writing nowadays is crap. Because if you don't understand what life is about, you certainly cannot write a story that is valuable to the individuals that constitute our society. We're built around story--story is hardwired into our brains and bodies so if the stories we write don't fit within the paradigm of what our biology considers a good story they will be rejected eventually, if not right from the get-go.

[@davidlincolnbrooks]

This lady is SO good.

[@dijonstreak]

AWESOME !!...boy...did i NEED this...!! so clearly direct AND USEFUL...many thanks for a great help. a 5 STAR presentation Thank YOU...SO much !!

[@sibusisoboemah]

Pat is an intelligent storyteller! Thanks for this.

[@elgonzo5]

Main character. Obstacles. Emotions. (Check, check and check)

[@arunpande1440]

Very helpful and suggestive of line of action to follow.

[@AndroidSpirit]

Cannot thank you enough for these. Truly. Honestly. Thank you.

[@KenJuKai1]

At 20;20 lol it was nice to hear her say how writers create the so-called ;writer's block' because I have told fellow writers/film makers that I have never gotten 'writer's block' because I simply do not believe in it. Great that she touched on that nonsense. Good video over all.

[@BraveAbandon]

Immediate fiction by jerry cleaver is the best how-to book on writing ive ever seen. His book breaks down stories in the most clear way ive ever found, and he explains each aspect in detail, so you understand where your story is working and where it isnt, and also gives great tools to edit your work to actually strengthen it, plus how to defeat writers block, and how to commit to writing daily. Conflict (life determining want vs obstacle) Action (what is the character doing to overcome the obstacle) Resolution (victory, loss, or mixed) Emotion (what are the characters feeling) Showing (living their experience, not 'telling') Check it out, for all our sakes. I want to watch great movies being made, and great books being written.

[@ramasassi]

Interestingly enough, Jeff Kitchen said one of his teachers told him "The way in which the protagonist resolves the dilemma expresses the theme of the story" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXvSd5Kwd8SinZo). There's a connection to wich she sais about "Theme" coming last. I think that is a great way to think about, even if you don't have much "scenes" in your head, if you know how the story ends, you can develope the story backwards, like reverse ingeniering it, but you have to fuel it with experience and emotional openess. It's a bit hard sometimes, but a great way to go.

[@uglystupidloser]

that is very useful. ty

[@ccwoodlands1565]

Alan Watts is big on dilemma. It drives the arc. A problem that can’t be solved unless…the hero changes

[@BillBrutzman]

Fabulous and very helpful.

[@cathyberman4194]

Thank you. I learned so much. I kept pausing the video to excitedly apply each insight to my own project.

[@aReallySwellGuy]

The conversation at about 31:40 about listening to music, while writing, and it being distracting or not, I really relate to. I am a composer, who is also a writer, and I found that I am too distracted by songs with lyrics as well so I began composing my own original music to write with. Even when I listen to soundtrack music, like I said I am a score composer, so I have trouble detaching myself from the movie it is connected to if I recognize it. I have benefited greatly from creating songs from scratch to write with because I can apply any situation to those songs! I know a lot of you don’t know the first thing about making music so obviously that’s not a great tip for everybody but those of you who can I suggest you try this! Especially if you’re someone who thinks well in trailer format

[@maryamkhodabakhsh8713]

I really dont know how to thank you for these amazing advice!

[@zaybrazile427]

What a great video. Super well explained, thanks! Any video in your channel on how to record yourself with soft soft? I'm under the

[@Xephyrak]

Incredible interview wow

[@chriswest8389]

As far as the talented Mr. Ripley is concerned I rented it, turned it off half way through gave it another chance and loved it. My nephew went to see it and actually walked out, then saw it all at a later time and loved it to

[@TroubleTee_Roy]

Learned more in 10 min then in a whole semester lol

[@storyspinner3080]

Great interview. And I love the discussion of Patricia Highsmith.

[@QueenSiv]

When adding stakes and assessing Linda Seger’s list, we can sorta read through them and note down where parts of our story could be improved by aligning with one of the stakes? So instead of a scene just being uncomfortable because what happened was bad, we can adjust it to be more empathetic by adding stakes, yeah?

[@nailinthefashion]

Not just stakes but context-- why is it happening to THEM? What's the lesson or how does it obstruct your goal? Maybe it can even strengthen their end state if they go through more or less but the most important part imo is to remember we have the power to make the problems a character themself, and to make the tragedy meaningful whereas in real life it can be just a bad coincidence. Writing coincidences can be meaningful even if they're random, if you give them as much attention as your other assets.

[@QueenSiv]

@@nailinthefashion precisely, and with all the information I’ve been looking through with this channel and others I think I understand more of what I was unsure of before: that I may have story plans that aren’t as meaningful, but are then improved with what you’ve said and by making sure these things that happen are meaningful

[@deeking404]

I love this lady. I could listen to her for hours. So relatable. And I would marry her if she wasn't married, oh, and if I wasn't married either 😬🤣🤣

[@batoolbhojani3651]

Never wrote a film ...applying this to my drama series..hope it works

[@logicawe]

This is excellent. Thanks for sharing.

[@Murderface666]

In terms of listening to music, the only songs that have lyrics I listen to are in Latin. And I also organize songs based on the mood of the characters/scene that I'm writing. So I will have sad, quirky, happy, dark, action playlists that I can choose from to help with the feel of what I'm writing in the moment.

[@CareerDropout.]

3:45 Wishful Thinking > I am Perfect > etc

[@arzabael]

By the end she was saying she didn’t actually know what the theme of the talented Mr ripley actually is, I would say the theme is “materialism and celebrity can’t actually make you happy and the work you’ll have to do to keep them will make you even unhappier”

[@filmcourage]

What do you like about this video?

[@elgonzo5]

No fade out/fade in intro! Best thing ever!

[@starbright6579]

What I like most about this video is that it's discussing screenwriting, movie, and what your main character wants.

[@sarangbhirad]

That it is published and can be watched for free!

[@K8aMiura]

What I don't like is she says the word "like" 345 times throughout the video.

[@filmcourage]

Is there a story structure you use most often in your work?

[@elgonzo5]

I am a student of Joseph Campbell.

[@tygerbyrn]

Yes, the myth of the hero/ine is in most movies, especially in action/adventure epics. So, I’m drawn to that since I love that genre. However, I’ve learned to appreciate other genres after I took Robert McKee’s screenwriting classes.

[@oddiocurtiss]

I write as I wish and fix it later. Don't get me wrong, there is always a plan. But sometimes the plan is trash. If you desire success, you have to sacrifice your initial vision for something greater. Never compromise, only make it better.

[@tolvfen]

Leaders have things they want, and the minions just try to figure out what the can do, and when they meet other groups that follow other logic, it looks like a mess with many kinds of beings,,,

[@maverickjacksonexecutivedi7569]

For me story structuring is what I need to work on a little more..

[@dijonstreak]

WAY into your " I LOVE my PENCILS "".....WAY AWESOME....SO. cool... i finally hear someone else about loving theie pencils.... i also LOVE my pencils...thank you SO much !!

[@WhatDoesEvilMean]

I feel like it’s worth pointing out that one of the most popular characters in all of genre fiction is a character named Snake-Eyes, who doesn’t speak a single word and whose face you never see. He’s positioned with the same iconic status as a (mask-on) Rorschach. A kind of aspirational absolutism that we project ourselves onto. I suppose we could even put The Predator into that mix. The Predator does have a distinct drive, a distinct want, but it also fundamentally expresses both compassion and justice, which are humanity’s fundamental tenets of its continued existence.

[@KollideMedia]

Wow thank you. This was an incredible helpful interview. It was really helpful to think about my memoir project. Really appreciate it.

[@filmcourage]

Love to hear that! We're glad this one found you!

[@BRNDX.U9VRSL]

Wants and drives can be overused, not all drives are exploited equally .

[@mantoskeeee]

32:32 nicotine actually increases your ability to focus. It's not just a placebo. Some people actually use nicotine chewing gum when they study. I've tried it myself but I only got headaches. It also messes up your ability to be attentive when you're not smoking. So I wouldn't suggest that. But it's interesting.

[@adventureswithcarl123]

Replaying now! Have a wonderful day

[@ConsciousConversations]

28:27 my new hero. Yes in every word and way!!

[@kentjosemateo]

Great stuff!

[@BucketOfMarbles]

Great practical writing advice!

[@prasannasekhar9444]

don't give up!, there are more difficult programs then tNice tutorials one

[@arzugedikli7376]

Another great interview!!!!

[@kimberlybordage8188]

Wonderful interview. So helpful❣️

[@dmlewey]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@lamouralice4533]

Beautiful Interview ❤thank you 🎉

[@filmcourage]

We appreciate you watching!

[@simonrudduck8726]

This really is exceptional content content!

[@filmcourage]

Thanks for watching and posting Simon!

[@Wordsley]

These Rock!

[@playGEMJI]

Pure gold. 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@Thewiganjoker]

This is a great interview.

[@filmcourage]

Agreed! Love this one!

[@arzabael]

The law of attraction works so crazily when it comes to videos popping up that you need or care to hear. It seems like the world is telling my main character is not full enough, and not driving the plot enough.

[@aaronhunyady]

27:14 - What about the idea that it's selfish to set time for yourself for something like writing? It’s OK to be selfish. That’s something we all deserve. - Kyoko Honda Being selfish sometimes-it’s no big deal. I wouldn’t like it if somebody was selfish every single day, but that isn’t the way you are. You can be selfish every once in a while. I figure you deserve that much at least. - Kyo Sohma

[@kimyeecarroll01]

Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Wow! Thank you so much Littlebit Gardener! It's great to see you find so much value in our interview with Pat! Our best to you and your creative work!

[@concettasorvillo3719]

It doesn't happen until you are sitting on the chair. Ouch. Like when I think and thing and process all the practical stuff but seems like doing a homework and somehow everything just feel right but not alive. I don't K ow if it has a sense. You have maybe the good beats, but you can feel (and people certainly will feel it too) that you are just writing and everything is monodimensional. I will forever love writing and screenwriting for the magical side, but ironically it's also the most difficult side to light and grasp.

[@kestonsoldschoolcomicbooks6842]

Engrossing. Thank you.

[@nicklang6798]

I wish the interviewer would do this for novelists too

[@filmcourage]

Hi Nick, here are a few segments on novel writing, adaptations, etc. - bit.ly/3Bh2H9N

[@SLAUSONGIRL]

Love this

[@DFMoray]

Don’t write on a laptop. Write with a fountain pen on paper. Don’t drink coffee. Do have a ritual though. ♾

[@vincentmason9505]

Just wow!!

[@filmcourage]

Cheers!

[@lotkf1]

So... Do people actually struggle like this when they write or is this a symptom of trying to force yourself to write? Some would say if it's forced, it's bad, a good story doesn't need to be forced. A good story begs to be written, takes on its own consciousness inside your own, it's nags you and tries to claw it's way out.

[@concettasorvillo3719]

Mmh I think the moment you find the emotional center of the characters or of the story needs to be struggling. Because you are going deep and you are emerging on the surface a lot of things. In my opinion, if this is not happening, maybe you have not the hands on a real compelling story. But maybe I have such a visceral relationship with the writing.

[@carmentrigueros]

thats fascinating

[@chris_june]

book title "Screenplay: Building Story Through Character" by Jule Selbo - from part "11 Step Story Structure Made Easy".

[@beyondthegravecemeteryculture]

But the people who are going to paying jobs are contributing to their household; whereas writing for no pay feels self-indulgent.

[@iComplainer]

k but how can i do it in

[@235aziz]

Do we need to know what writers do?

[@michaelr3583]

Im suprised she never worries about people stealing her stuff when she shares it in hollywood

[@parapoliticos52]

Very youthful spirit.

[@ChrisDodges123]

17:01 FACTS!!!!!!!

[@SapienSafari]

Rocky is a great example of this. 🥊