The Story Solution - 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take - Eric Edson [FULL INTERVIEW]

[@trevruns]

"The hero is the audience" - Eric Edson 5 simple words... Amazing advice. Thank you sir

[@petergreen5337]

Absolutely CORRECT and true.

[@onkar5]

I learn so much from this channel. You guys are doing some truly life changing work.

[@newfaceXpert]

😊cjoyfyfiffifi😅

[@petergreen5337]

Agreed 100 %

[@MsChicoro]

This video is like gold dust. I followed a faint trampled, trail to get here. I was unconscious of the the things discussed in this interview. After viewing only this one video, the elements Mr. Edson defined, jump off the screen in movies to the point where I sometimes feel as if I am being beaten over the head, with the obvious, as a movie audience member. So, I ordered his book and it's filled with gold nuggets. How perfect of the author to have chosen the movie, "Up", on which to demonstrate the complete Hero Goal Sequences! Prior to encountering this channel and this video, I had been struggling through Christopher Vogler's, "The Writer's Journey". This video was like the Rosetta Stone. I get it now! All this culminates into a gold mine of a channel and an OPEN SECRET to the Keys to the Kingdom, that is Hollywood. What a wealth of knowledge. I'm forever changed. Thank you.

[@manuelcervellera9275]

The passion of this man is so touching and powerful, he's so real and his humanity so clear it makes you shiver

[@petergreen5337]

Yes indeed

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

Humanity indeed. So nice to see.

[@iisaka_station]

WOW. Film Courage you are my hero for making these videos.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

I was looking for the full video of this the other day and am glad it's up. Edson is so wonderful to listen to and tremendously helpful as a writing instructor. I read his book, The Story Solution, and took lots of notes. It's so incredibly helpful and is saving me so much misery in writing. It's not abstract like McKee's Story, though I find that helpful as well. But I love that it's more of a helpful, clarifying guide: "Good movies do this, then this, etc". Just a wonderful book, and Edson was nice enough to respond to me on Facebook and in email as well. Thanks for interviewing him, because I'd be so wretchedly lost in my screenplay without his help.

[@filmcourage]

We're glad to get this one posted. It has about an hour of previously unreleased content (segments that we will release in the coming months.) Great to hear of your connection with Professor Edson. We had a great visit with him and love this interview.

[@rafaelbaeza163]

Hi FlyingOver ,,,, how many screening plays have you written,,,,?, l wrote a Novel (Mind Power : A Silent Killing Machine) ,,,,l would like to sell the Rights to it,,,l'm battling cancer ,,,,do you know someone out there that is looking for great stories to turn them into screen plays ,,,

[@MsChicoro]

"The thing about luck is you have to be ready for it when it arrives. That is where craft comes in." @1:54. 00. Perfectly stated in the context of what had been discussed thus far, up until this point. What he says about being true to yourself, focusing on individual point of view and insight into the human condition, can be applied to every field. Great video!

[@Thenoobestgirl]

His voice is so soft and calming, I could listen to him talk all day! 😍

[@escaperoomleander1948]

"Tell us about the first screenplay you sold." "A friend of mine had family in the business." Lesson learned: make connected friends.

[@glenperkins3934]

100% ... or one could simplify that lesson even further: Whatever you do, get out there and collaborate colloborate COLLABORATE

[@jimjo8541]

That’s good advice for any career. Know someone already in the biz. Any profession.

[@asifhussain9583]

I was watching this till 2 am and wanted to grasp all the knowledge. I have so much respect for older men who are wise and share their knowledge and love to share it. He is my go-to guide from now.

[@jasperowens]

The absolute MOST INSPIRING and informational channel for aspiring writers and filmmakers. Thank you all!

[@matchasource]

Your long view perspective and respect for individuality and craft soothes the brain. Thank you for your time.

[@kevincarvalho5054]

Film Courage, you have given me hope again. I want to go to a film school so much but cannot afford it. This channel makes me feel like I am not wasting my time and am actually learning. Thank you.

[@filmcourage]

You are welcome Kevin. Glad you are finding value here. It's amazing how much we can learn online. Hope you learn things here that you can put into practice.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Thank you so much for this channel It provides information and insights into film making; the inner workings, the hardships, and the true courage it takes to persevere and continue to push forward. I don’t know what made you start this channel but I’m sure grateful to you for it. Please continue. Between you and so many countless others I tune into on a regular basis; I’ve been to film school already! Werner Hertzof said you can learn the fundamentals of filmmaking in about two weeks but it takes a lifetime to truly realize all filmmaking has to offer. Thank you Karen you’re appreciated more than you might realize. God bless.

[@filmcourage]

Mychal, thank you. Great comment, one that also makes our day. We're grateful for your support and we hope in some way what we do makes your work a little better.

[@kaitnip]

I will write badly with pride! This much I learned from Mr Eric Edson :) I always said about myself that I'm absolutely talent-less at everything I do, but now I've changed my mind. I might never hit art levels of craft, but I'm a good crafter. I'll keep at it and try to be the best version of myself. So thank you both for making the interview.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

I could listen to this man all day.

[@kal-elmusic]

Eric Edson! You are my Hero!! Love from Malawi, Africa.

[@LoneWolf-wu6yn]

You cannot write what you do not read. My favorite from this great interview with so much information. As an aspiring novelist, Stephen King has said among many great things. The best way to write is to read. He elaborated with, something along the lines of not seeing 5 novels in every room of someone's house says they won't be a successful writer.

[@jimjo8541]

And it’s not just novels. You can read a variety of mediums, and they all help.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

8 months later and I'm still rewatching this once in a while.

[@kamuelalee]

it's that good...great video!

[@thefullsp]

Ditto

[@visitingearthmedia1949]

I interrupted the video to find the Erin Brockovich script - now I can't stop reading it. Almost better than the movie. Thank you so much Film Courage for what you do.

[@filmcourage]

That's pretty cool. We appreciate you coming back to comment. Cheers!

[@saviorkakama691]

Eric got me to believe I could be a screenplay writer. He makes it sound so logical and precise. That means a lot to because even though I was good at history and languages at school, I hated the subjects because I believed awarding of marks was a subjective thing and as a student I couldn't logically master a counter argument with the teacher if I felt I deserved a better mark. I know this is a lot of talk just to illustrate the point. What I am trying to say is that, he makes everything about the progression of a story look logical and non-subjective even though the characters and their circumstances might be subjective (creative intellect of the story writer). Very helpful. Now I want to give it a try. Beautiful work by the presenter and the production crew....

[@saviorkakama691]

I would like to propose a character he might have missed out. Seems everyone misses this one, yet it plays the biggest role of both hindering or allowing the lead's progression. It plays the role of gatekeeper but it isn't... Would love to discuss it with Eric and am sure my interaction with him on the subject should lead to to me understanding the concept of story a lot better.

[@claudiamanta1943]

The way I look at it is that we need a clear structure in order to be creative. Seemingly paradoxical, but so very true.

[@sifatshams1113]

His voice is like a nice, warm cup of coffee.

[@traceybrown4380]

So true. I love just listing to his voice. It's so warm and inviting.

[@nikkinewbie6014]

Hits me more like a Hot Toddy. 😂😂😂

[@anneobermeyercameron7775]

He could be a voice talent!

[@anneobermeyercameron7775]

I only subscribe if the listening experience is pleasant…

[@moshecallen]

I don't write screenplays or plays. Yet even though I am interested in writing novels and short stories, I find much of this interesting. While I know the theory, I love learning new takes on it.

[@ricklime7403]

Wow, what an amazing interview. It’s informative, inspirational, and a pleasure to watch. Eric Edson is a treasure.

[@mudiagaoneil1384]

Prof Edson comes across as a very cerebral yet humble and sweet fellow!

[@petergreen5337]

Agreed

[@rmpeete]

46:54 "Only 4 viable goals in all of narrative screenwriting (Win, Stop, Escape, or Retrieve)."

[@kateann5101]

Eric’s voice is so comforting and calming omg I love it

[@MarkowskyArt]

Pure gold at 41:44. The importance of developing your craft and applying those tools toward making art.

[@petergreen5337]

Indeed

[@sanjaycomedy]

Somewhere he says "you cannot write what you do not read" and I was like daaaaamnnn.

[@Gbutler777]

sanjaycomedy at 25:00. So true.

[@howardkoor2796]

Great interview. Eric is so insightful and humble.

[@mudiagaoneil1384]

I absolutely agree with you!

[@missgangsmashers737]

I am a Syd Field FAN. I love his BOOK! Eric Edson sold me! I am going to buy his BOOK and add it to my collection as I go on my Screenwriting journey! :) Thank you!

[@StitcheryXPress]

I could listen to this gentleman's gentle, soothing voice all day long!

[@phillipreeves1214]

Great teacher with real passion for movies that comes through in his tone of voice. I can't believe this is all free; it's worth $1M!

[@mrlanquaye]

Wisdom. So inspiring and great message. Eric Edson.

[@ajax2600]

This was quite interesting. A huge THANK YOU goes out to your team that put this whole video and channel together. Time is money and you just gave 2:12:15 full of information for me to think about. You truly can learn something new everyday. It always seems to come in handy at some point in our lives especially when we least expect it . Thank you.

[@filmcourage]

Doing our best. Thank you for comment.

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

Not just one, but TWO ultra-trite sayings. Try using an exclamation point for emphasis!

[@kamuelalee]

This information is truly gold! Especially, aspects of writing craft and giving yourself permission to write badly...to achieve better writing in the future.

[@superscalar5246]

Nowadays this channel is one of the most clever and pleasant to listen to. Always with so brilliant and attentive people. Eric Edson is amazing ,one of the best with Haugue and Trubi (but they are all wonderfull!) Thank you Courage for your work! : )

[@Spitfireseven]

Your brilliance caused me to buy your book; Mainstream Hollywood Sceen Writing, you nailed it right on the money.

[@alinasnow1019]

Wow. Fresh eyes to what I've been doing. Thank you, Mr. Edson. Truly educational. Am on to purchase book. Did, not just talk!

[@justinsanchez1305]

This video doesn't have enough views. It's just as good as Truby's.

[@julienh5075]

His wound : the teacher who didn't teach him story structure His goal : breaking down and teaching story structure for others Makes sense

[@goldenwaymedia]

Thank you Eric Edson, you are my hero!

[@howlshy4603]

Another full high-quality interview to see from you. Thanks and keep it up! Can't wait to read "The Story Solution"! I can't resist - Eric Edson resembles Obi-Wan ;)

[@Solsberry]

"You gotta do both." Wonderful talk, thanks for the long cut.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

I think I've been playing this over and over while I've been writing for the last 4 hours.

[@ParanoidFactoid]

At around the 50m mark, Eric Edson discusses the "14 characters" archetypes. He lists nine of them. "Hero, Adversary, Adversary-Agent, Mentor, Love Interest, Ally, Sidekick and Gate-Guardian". Leaving five unstated. What are they?

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

Buy his book, The Story Solution. It's worth it. I read it and loved it.

[@joeygonzo]

Tough book to read.

[@pedroalarcon332]

Then don´t be selfish an tell him.

[@Beyondflix]

Hero is no category as I understood it. Hero's just the hero.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I just bought it. I have literally a shelf of screenwriting books. Need to spend more time writing than reading; once you get the basics down.

[@afterthesmash]

1:35:00 I understand that "on the nose" dialogue is problematic on any number of levels, but it needs to be said that there are far too many films out there where the dialogue is so far off the nose, that you wonder the characters manage to put their own pants on in the morning unassisted. Another thing: to say "people don't talk like that" is a bit of a weird criteria, considered that the screenplay formula eliminates 90% of the ruminative gossip that's central to the human condition. We usually canvas _many_ points of view when confronted with a giant surprise in life, before tangling directly with the big bad. But because of the conflict boiling process essential to the media, 90% of this is neglected or left out (greatly aided by the ever-popular device of making your protagonist a long-suffering, bitter orphan). So, true, it's good to point out that people don't usually talk like that (fixable, in this media), but how about also pointing out that people don't really _decide_ that way (unfixable, apparently, in this media).

[@mannymoseley4005]

Thank you for posting this video. I found it informative and interesting and inspiring. Thank you. God bless you. Saturday, May 13, 2023

[@petergreen5337]

Thank you very much

[@screenwriterabdullahh.erak2778]

"You are not ready to write until you are very well-read and well-versed in the literature you are proposing to create and in this place it's screenwriting."

[@mannymoseley4005]

Very very helpful. Thank you.

[@filmcourage]

Cheers Manny!

[@NeBilimNey]

Today's output in my pocket is Eric's honest giveaways. Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@FilmsByVo]

Thanks to him I’m becoming more confident in making my first film

[@satishagrowon]

Thanks alot .... for great stuff by Eric & Film courage both.

[@filmcourage]

Cheers Satish!

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

Love this interview!! I'm plotting an adaptation of an old (very old) story, and this interview has so many moments that I can really use as I adapt.

[@gilsky3314]

Vert articulate and Passionate about his craft. He is a genuine character very appealing.

[@beatrixwickson8477]

I've been binge watching this channel and there seems to be so much wisdom and skill out there, so much competition to hone the industry to a razor edge. So why are there so many shitty movies whose main failing is a terrible script?

[@Browzan]

insightful, articulate - thanks Eric. Useful

[@CNNBS]

To the question of "can someone become a writer without formal education"? I'd say: Absolutely. But only maybe 0,01% of the people who just write with no formal education make it. I'm sure the percentage rises among educated writers. That's why I'm here. I wish I could go learn there, but I live in Argentina and have no money. So, again, here I am. Trying my best to learn from the best. THANKS AGAIN PROFESSOR AND FILM COURAGE.

[@thereccher8746]

I can't help but feel that a lot of these are already second nature to most great writers.

[@EvilDogFilmsOfficial]

that's why they're great, most people are trying to be great

[@clivedurrant481]

This gentleman is brilliant in his advice and grounded in his delivery ,if only there were more with less egos...

[@Shade23753]

Of all the experts that Film Courage has interviewed Eric Edson is my unparalleled favorite! Karl Iglesias is next!

[@psyrapmafia]

amazing channel, love replaying these videos in the background while i work.

[@filmcourage]

Thank you for sharing Luiza. We appreciate the good words and your support. Love when viewers have this channel playing while they get other things done.

[@rcstockton]

There is an alternate timeline in which Jack Lemmon (RIP) plays Eric Edson in the movie.

[@danielvalleduarte]

Even if you never write a screenplay, you'll appreciate film and story a little more...for the rest of your life.

[@eromoseleodibo2687]

This channel is too good to be free... Bt it is

[@FlipArt57]

Absolutely. I couldn't afford the mainstream route to learn, so I record him on my laptop. During breakfast I watch em. After about a few months my old scripts in the trash came to life.

[@Beyondflix]

Madsadgladandscared and win, stop, retrieve, escape. That's so stupid but so useful. What are the other character categories, though? 8 are missing. 1. Adversary 2. Mentor 3. Love Interest 4. Helper, Follower, Ally 5. Sidekick 5. Adversary Agent 6. Gate Guardian

[@eddmaster9]

Shit just gets serious at 46:46 😰😰😰 facts droppin!!!

[@jamesgrant8127]

Eric mentioned 9 words we should lose [in action blocks, I presume]. I wish he had mentioned them.

[@choose2behappy699]

I like this man! May God bless him and his family!

[@k_alex]

And this was a fabulous video. Thank you.

[@filmcourage]

Cheers!

[@Eiad.Alhamed]

This channel is a diamond

[@filmcourage]

Thank you!

[@augustuscaeser10b78]

its fantastikc......................no bullshit, no cocky opt...just wise words thank you sir.....

[@rebekasilver1]

such an inspiring interview! value here for all creatives in any field. Thank you so much for this amazing channel with brilliant interviews

[@filmcourage]

Cheers!

[@skim7221]

Eric Edson is Kevin Spacey (the actor not the person) playing a great mentor archetype role in a really good movie.

[@bkerr3]

Bought the book on amazon, can't wait. Anyone else think, somehow, Kevin Spacey must have studied the mannerisms of Eric E? So similar (I'm sure it ends there, no connection re Spacey's issues, of course!). Love this video, really got me thinking...

[@yetanotherchannelyac1434]

This channel is amazing. Thank you🙏

[@filmcourage]

Thank you for your support Sisir!

[@annmariemason5745]

I love the content very informative. Some writers are great story tellers, but rest of us, have great ideas and need training to make it come alive

[@assianeu197]

When my movie will be a blockbuster I'll paypal you out sir!🥺

[@afterthesmash]

I'm always leery of these screenwriting systems where there's X Y that must Z because of the shoehorn factor. But it's pretty obvious that Eric nails Erin: what she wants is to be taken seriously. Of course, she's already being taken seriously by the small guys where she functions as the primary liaison, or she wouldn't have been successful. But she seems to need to be taken seriously at the institutional level, and to have professional peers who take her seriously, over and above her winning ways with the small fish (also known as the common folk).

[@JamesJXicano]

Love this channel.

[@filmcourage]

Thanks James, what do you love about it?

[@andymagicninja]

Thank you for this.

[@unfencedrelationship]

So what are the 23 Actions?

[@gouthams3641]

Not in the video. Have to buy his book .

[@Sehon13Ultd]

What a scam

[@Jake-hj5di]

he wrote a book called "The Story Solution - 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take" this is an interview with the author

[@MaximilianonMars]

@@Sehon13Ultd it's a small price for knowledge. That is one of the best purchases you can make, recall that some US colleges charge $250,000 for a degree, his book costs $15 or so on sale. Don't be cheap, that's an hour or so of your own labour for a lifetime's knowledge poured out for you. Scratching your own head to figure it out will cost far more in wasted time.

[@Sehon13Ultd]

Max MF logic like that is how I’d get scammed out of my $15

[@victorallencook7107]

I'm working on another story 👍 and trust it is a process , but enjoyable when you believe in it .

[@voorheesjason3161]

This is amazing ... thank you 😔 I've learnt much and I'm coming, ya just don't know who I am 🤔 ... 😬

[@anthonyryan9954]

It does suck every time one of these screenplay writers mentions how they got into it, because it’s never wishing to be there and searching how to do it like we all are now, it’s always, “well I hadn’t thought much about it and then suddenly I was a writer” :/

[@brandonletsgo1316]

It's very very helpful! truely!

[@wilwilson8146]

43:27 48:33 1:11:00 1:06:28

[@AtmosphereCinema-gh8fd]

I got stories to tell . There is no perfect time to start .

[@caradennis4641]

How does story structure work with a 3 part mini series? Does each episode of the series have to have this structure? How does stunning surprise work in each and in the overall story?

[@therunawayrascal]

Yes! Been looking forward to this!

[@filmcourage]

Cheers Kalepa! Hope you enjoy this one. We think it's terrific.

[@bennozoid1]

Love your channel! It’s REALLY helping with my screenplay....

[@filmcourage]

Love to hear it, any details on how these videos have helped?

[@bennozoid1]

Film Courage Well: listening to such a broad range of voices, in addition to my own screenwriting and reading other books on the topic, forms a huge echo chamber of ideas, techniques and solutions...some of your experts say similar things in different ways, others add more to these concepts...it’s like taking a handful of multivitamins and supplements each day!...

[@nerdimmunity7672]

Anyone else buy Eric’s book “The Story Solution”

[@fitogrames526]

Very nice and wise man☺

[@TheNinnyfee]

Erin Brockovich's growth is about the "Disney princess nightmare" for all women imo. You are supposed to be the princess, be a good wife decorating your husband and hide your smartness. And also ostracize other women not fitting in. And the real world just eats you up if something goes wrong. Two ex-husbands/dead-beat dads and a boyfriend who in real life was another complainer and demanded money as soon as he could. In the movie he is depicted nicer. And of course she as a woman was blamed for not being a good wife and having two children from two separate men in the 90's and earlier. And she also is a legasthenic, in her times teachers often still thought legasthenic kids were stupid. So all her life she was probably confronted with "dumb but pretty/marriage material" when she was so much more as a human being. My favourite moment apart from knowing all the cases by heart was "They're called boobs, Ed." Her payback against the male-dominated world who always depicted her as dumb now hands out important evidence for two fat deposits on a woman's body. Her struggle is about self-respect and her own truth in a world full of lies and appearance-addiction.

[@sergeiparajanov]

No one tells women they are "supposed" to be anything. This wordy comment exemplifies the passive-aggressive victim mentality perfectly. I was born with a vagina so I'm a helpless victim of society! Woman, get an education, get a job, quit the pity party, stop blaming everyone else for your self-created problems and STFU.

[@TheNinnyfee]

@@sergeiparajanov Wow, judgmental open aggressiveness without correct punctuation, no woman speaking out ever had that reaction before... I must be on to something, comments like yours usually mean that some fragile little ego got hurt and now wants to be collected from the ball bath.

[@onionfield5306]

I was waiting for 1:11. Good stuff!

[@CesarPerezbluemoonfilmworks]

Wonderful interview!

[@heathkitchen4315]

It’s so simple, just not easy.

[@funnyciscoleon]

Love the video guys. Is there a way you guys can raise the gain on your videos? Some of them are super-duper low

[@filmcourage]

Hi Cisco, thanks for you feedback. Did you have trouble hearing this interview specifically? Are you mainly referring to our older interviews or does this include our newest ones? Also what device do you typically watch our videos on?

[@berserkerpride]

Is there a place where he goes through the 23 specific hero goal sequences? He mentions them briefly but doesn’t go into it.