How to Write a Scene

[@TylerMowery]

Get Practical Tools to Write Your Great Screenplay: www.practicalscreenwriting.com

[@aashay]

Amazing video. I'd really love to get this book. Any chance, you have some coupons for these corona times? Dollars don't convert so well in developing countries. Thanks a lot.

[@morningcoffee1111]

Tyler Mowery is the book in .mobi format?

[@ladymatrix8]

I purchased the book. But it has yet to make it to my email. I accidentally did a double purchase [trouble shooting] to see if I overlooked a step. Still have not received an ebook from the second attempt. So, there may be an issue somewhere. Tyler, would you please refund the second purchase and see to it that I get the first order for the ebook? Thanks! Hope I did not confuse you. LOL...

[@mjolninja9358]

Asha same

[@TylerMowery]

@Asha It should've sent to your email! If you don't get it, contact [e-mail] and I'll make sure you get it.

[@bertdekunst4849]

The questions: - what do the characters want? - what is the specific problem in the scène? What creates conflict? - what do the characters do to try to get what they want? - how does this scene change the overall story? - what are the goals of the characters in the story and in this scene particular?

[@koldx111]

How is "what do the characters want?" different from "what are the goals of the characters?". That just seems to over complicate things.

[@bertdekunst4849]

@@koldx111 Tyler mentioned both and what you say is right. But you could also see 'the goal' as what the character wants in the 'concious' sense, and 'the want' of the character is what he longs for on a subconcious level. I don't know, I'm not a writer nor I created this video.

[@DarthDre]

@@koldx111 it's the difference between wants and needs of a character. A want isn't necessarily a need for a character, and when a want is opposite to a need, then you have something amazing to write about

[@koldx111]

@@DarthDre lol. Why are you talking about want vs need? We were talking about how the 2 questions are the same but just phrased differently. When you set a goal, that's usually a want. Oftentimes the character doesn't know their needs until later.

[@DarthDre]

@@koldx111 the goal would be what the character needs

[@jdog783]

Reminds me of Trey Parker and Matt Stone (South Park)’s “Therefore/But” rule: Every scene should be linked to the next by either the word “therefore” (causation) or “but” (complication). Keeps the story simple, dramatic, and moving forward! Helps me a lot:)

[@TylerMowery]

I’ve seen that video! That’s a good tool for sure.

[@GlaceonStudios]

"So" would be a good abbreviation for "therefore."

[@theversacelife5232]

Hey can you do a video about having two protagonists? I’ve never seen a video on it before and think it’d be helpful.

[@TylerMowery]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll add it to the list

[@theroom8989]

Also 2 villains

[@atgtours]

Doesn’t ‘The Departed’ show 2 protagonists?

[@rogersjgregory]

Great idea. My story has two protagonists and two antagonists.

[@carlosdaudt88]

The Versace Life

[@thein-famouselguapo15]

Often times a person might be great at what they do but they are lousy when it comes to teaching/ training. You Tyler have a gift, perfect explanations and examples. Thank you for all the great info you provide. It really does help.

[@TylerMowery]

Thanks so much!

[@eddiegonzalez6956]

Agreed. it is very frustrating when a video, or class is promoted to be about covering some specific issue, only to have the lecturer take off on unrelated tangents,

[@gothochblandat8031]

two of my feature scripts are moving forward with the hopes of selling and going into production in the fall. Im currently rewriting to send in my second draft to the producers. im SO nervous. so thankful for these videos as im looking through the scripts.

[@Rohan.S.Patne.]

Best of Luck! :)

[@BehindtheCurtain]

Good luck! That's awesome.

[@Tedliftfilms]

That’s incredible. Hope it pans out!

[@cxxipm]

The editing skills is 👏🏼👏🏼

[@rajivyadav4081]

Http

[@Chesschange]

I've been trying to get into the heads of my favorite Authors for months but end in vain. The biggest challenge was that I didn't know how they created their scenes perfectly to affect the story until now. Thanks. This gonna help my structures to run smoothly because I been getting stuck after writing a lot of unnecessary details. 👍👍👍

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear it!

[@kayl3igh143]

I'm a 15 year old aspiring script/screenplay writer. I'm currently working on my first script, and so far I have ten pages done! I know it's not a lot, but I've had this idea for over a year so I'm excited to finally write it all out 😁

[@tristynweber1223]

Same here! I've finished my first draft and have been binging this guy's videos.

[@zooted6863]

I'm a simple man,I see 500 days of summer,I click. Great video btw!

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you!

[@dear_cassandra9653]

Thank you for sharing your gift. As an aspiring playwright, though it is different from screenwriting, you've helped me in so many ways in the craft of creating dynamic characters and putting my thoughts clearly on the page to tell a compelling story. I don't have access to these platforms in my country apart from the tube so please continue doing this for people like me. You're amazing and gonna go far. Cheers 🇬🇾

[@TylerMowery]

Glad you’re being helped by the content! Ill definitely continue to make videos!

[@pixxelwizzard]

By the way, I'm a novel writer, not a screenplay writer, and I find all of your advice applies equally well in that field. Thanks for this series, really enjoying it.

[@ashwinkelly2523]

Thank you, this came at a perfect time! I’m writing a 60 second film currently, and you have single-handedly taught me how to write.

[@TylerMowery]

High praise! Glad to have helped you!

[@josephdocherty7919]

60 second film? You must be a fan of Film Riot!

[@ashwinkelly2523]

J Dob you caught me

[@RandomSkyeRoses]

@@ashwinkelly2523 what is your film about?

[@RUSHMP4]

when I'm out of good movies to watch, I check one of this guy's video and at the end I have a list of good movies to watch

[@tfd_shad2494]

I love your videos man. For a person like me who never plans to attend film school, people like you who take the time to create these concise conceptual visuals are a blessing. Thanks Homie. I wanted to challenge your idea on the SOC movie. When creating a biopic do you think there is room for leniency in that rule if the scene is an integral part of the characters life even if its not ideal for that particular screenplay? If my explanation needs more explaining let me know.

[@TylerMowery]

I see what you’re saying. And that’s hard to say. I think it comes to asking “What is the goal of this story?” Also “who is this story about?” The more characters and plot lines you have in a 2 hr film, the more things can get confusing. So I get, as a cultural icon and within the history of rap, Snoop Dogg and Dre’s partnership was extremely influential. I think if I’m looking at Straight Outta Compton as a stand-alone story, Snoop Dogg as a character within that story isn’t necessary. Hopefully that makes sense.

[@123leemur]

1:18 That cartoon is me during this whole writing process

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

Thank you so much. This is one of the best resources for beginning my screenplay which I will review once or twice more at least. This is one of the best ways I have spent 15 min and 43 seconds since learning how to write with all the footage I've been viewing.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad it’s been helpful!

[@cathykoziol9286]

Thank you for the presentation. Really appreciate how well organized this discussion was on how to write a scene. Tyler seems more like an architect than a gardener in style.

[@remymargaux1233]

When Red goes to find the letter in the shawshank redemption there's no conflict. Yet its a good scene

[@DanielleDeutschTV]

Thank you for this! This explained screenwriting better than many of the other videos I've watched recently. I loved the beginning when you poked fun at different methods out there as a bad place to start at first. Awesome work!!

[@rossjennings8264]

Tyler, thanks for this video! Had there been times were I took a different POV from the books, especially one by Jill Chamberlain, your videos help and I’m up everyday learning new strategies! I have the idea of no budget film revolving around three characters. I’m obsessed about making it look cool, but it’s a learning curve and I have to take this step by step. We’re all students of curiosity, my brother! And more importantly looking at films that don’t involve VFX, only surround around character. Thank you again, still pushing and never stop until we all achieve where we want to be

[@ComicPower]

Watching Tyler's videos feels like I'm attending film school remotely and dont have to move to New York, Florida or California to attend. Bravo.

[@BudsCartoon]

Glad this came up and that you pitted fiction vs non-fiction, NWA vs. No Country. Showing Snoop is something that they HAVE to show, an Easter Egg of sorts. Are you suggesting 1. Cut that studio scene? 2. Cut Snoop totally from the screenplay? 3. Leave the studio scene but cutting out prior Dre vs. Suge conflict scene? 4. Introducing Snoop in a different scene without the need for the redundant Dre vs. Suge conflict, possibly fictionalizing they way they met? 5. None of the above.

[@TheSalMaris]

Great content--simple questions that demand important answers. Love it.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear!

[@Rocketscienceshorts]

Thank you, Tyler! By the way, these are also amazing questions to help one connect the most powerful final cut in editing. Your instructions and directions go so much more deeper than just writing. As always...Thank you for being persistent in keeping this channel alive and moving.

[@hmusicvisions6554]

As someone who enjoys reading and has just thought of writing. Your videos are a Harvard Grade Course taught easily and effectively

[@SONICADVENTURES11]

Your videos are the only thing that’s making me sane.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad I’m holding things together!

[@maayanon1247]

You're Under Rated.

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you!

[@litobeatz639]

Agreed

[@OutstandingScreenplays]

Amazing video! I just did a video on how to write a great opening scene, so I think a great scene should have suspense, conflict and stakes, mystery and should open a lot of questions, so the audience will be intrigued to watch the next scene.

[@mikegoggins9350]

It also needs to have dramatic irony

[@marciorobertomouradearaujo5883]

After this video i've decided to rewrite a short film screenplay that i had made, and now i'm completely changing the story, in a way that i think it's making the story way more interesting. Thank you for your videos! Greetings from Brazil!

[@niamscookery3442]

Very good !

[@faisalalqaraghuli6101]

Thanks for all the hardwork you put into these videos, they really stand out and be helpful in their own way by understanding the writer too instead of just the writing.

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you! Yea I think incorporating the writer’s mind is super important.

[@faisalalqaraghuli6101]

And you’re doing a damn great job at it. Keep it up UwU

[@smepable]

Your videos are always a joy to watch, it is always so perfect, no second wasted, a good screenplay in itself.

[@TylerMowery]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@coreyharding4837]

These were some really good points made in the way scenes are made, how they work in order to push the story forward.

[@lunarmusichunter8920]

I love this. Use simple tittle. Not clickbait like youtuber usually.

[@raphaelmotta7630]

This was crazy helpfull. I'm trying to write a dialogue driven short film, and I was having trouble figuring some things out, specialy the want or goal for the characters.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear it!

[@ThePoppers100]

Your videos are super helpful

[@TylerMowery]

Glad you think so!

[@beerome840]

I love how easy you made the info to retain!

[@demedooley9235]

awesome video

[@Udhbhavana]

Nice work. Keep it up.

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you!

[@Petilombe]

My god this is so well done, I love your channel I love your videos I'm so thankful for this

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you!

[@UrbanRiotProductions]

Another great video! Super helpful and exactly what I needed to get through my next script.

[@TylerMowery]

Awesome! Glad to hear it.

[@Mattamillion-vk2pf]

Thank you though, I'm a screenwriter and this is 'very' helpful. Thank you, thank you!

[@Abby-ow1gk]

Thank you so much, this is probably the most clear explanation on this topic, great video 😊

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear! I hope it helpful

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Excellent video. I wrote down these questions and considerations to keep handy when I start writing.

[@study5774]

Thank you very much ! it helps alot!

[@dookiebui729]

Thank you

[@saraskerritt9262]

Well done and really helpful. The animations/clips were a nice touch in this one.

[@TylerMowery]

Leveling up these videos!

[@saraskerritt9262]

@@TylerMowery You're turning it to 11 for sure

[@LinguaSerbia]

Maybe a bit confusing at the second part but I learnt a lot from this video. Thank you

[@oddballl9128]

That Avengers scene between Loki and Romanov is a perfect example of a fractal - it has its own 3 act structure exploring the larger story question of whether the Avengers can overcome their problems and work together as a team. The first turn occurs when Romanov reveals she is only interested in protecting Barton. This puts her flaw into focus by suggesting she is not a team player and will follow her personal goals at the expense of Shield and the Avengers. The midpoint is when Loki threatens to make Barton kill Romanov, which not only uses her weakness against her, but reinforces how she will never overcome the guilt and shame of her past. However, the 3rd turn is when she reveals that she was playing Loki all along - not only can she triumph over her past, but she is a team player willing to do what's right for group. The scene itself occurs just before the story midpoint, when everything goes wrong. By placing it there, we the audience know that no matter how bad things get, the Avengers still have the capacity to pull through.

[@George-cx8ed]

Your content is so perfect and has actually inspired me to finish a few scripts so thank you! :)

[@River_Frost]

I'm close to finishing my second script thanks to your help!

[@TylerMowery]

Great to hear!

[@albertmailyan9680]

Thank you Tyler!

[@Jan-kc2yk]

Thank you so much for these great videos!

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you for watching them!

[@priyanshiupv]

Such a simple straight and great explanation. Thank you 😊

[@zack4407]

Love this channel your videos always inspire me to start writing and to make sure the story works .

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear it!

[@albertabramson3157]

Many of the best scenes from Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, and Braveheart don't turn the story at all. Those scenes those scenes are simply entertaining.

[@averagealisha8227]

Something I'm confused about (regarding conflict) is what if it's a love scene? A scene where two characters realize their emotions towards each other? I'm failing to see the conflict there. Does that make the story boring? What if a scene shows the growth of the characters' relationship with each other, but it doesn't have a conflict?

[@tomlewis4748]

Then it does have change, which is a major goal. The conflict in a love scene is not necessarily between the two lovers. They will have slightly different outlooks, which does imply a challenge, yet not necessarily a conflict or an obstacle. But that does imply tension (which is the point of having conflict in a story) just as much as conflict does. The conflict in a courtship love story, in the early stages as well as the commitment stages, is more about the risk: Jack wants to be with Parker, but there is the risk that she will reject him, for instance. That's a value at stake of happiness versus psychological death. We've all been there, and all readers or viewers can identify with this. The reader wants to see how they face and solve these problems, from the safety of not being at risk themselves. So it's there, but a love story is not like an action story or a thriller, where the value at stake is life versus death, so it is not as high-tension. What it can be, is more naturally emotional than most other genres, and something universally identified with. My suggestion is to do what you can with the courtship challenges, but add other challenges or conflicts, such as a rival character, society or the workplace frowning on fraternization (Navy SEALs can lose their Tridents over an affair with the wrong person, for instance), the lovers being forced apart and only later can reunite, and (or) have secondary genre arcs parallel with the love story arc that have their own conflicts, some of which may influence the conflict in the love story (for instance, if a mob has a hit out on one of the lovers, that person being harmed or killed would have a devastating effect on the courtship). A love story has many conventions that will make it strong and legit. There are helper and harmer characters. There are secrets. Rituals. Things that force the lovers apart or force them together before they bond with each other. There is the progression from puppy-love 'happy-land' scenes to scenes based on commitment and fear of commitment. It can have a very solid arc if written well. It facilitates lots of change in the characters and how they relate to each other over time. Maybe shy on day one, maybe completely at ease on day one hundred. a courtship love story (or commitment love story) is much more about the journey than the destination. The climax is always, predictably, 'will they-won't they', and we typically know the answer to that early on. It is not like a thriller or a performance story where everything builds to a climax scene where life versus death or professional success versus failure is the value at stake. It has its own set of advantages over other genres. But the best advice is to add secondary genre arcs that can beef up the story, secondary genre scenes that can inform the change in the love story scenes.

[@ldhproductions112]

Honestly can’t wait to see what films you make.

[@yerabbit]

this is awesome, and timely. Also nice animations!

[@TylerMowery]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@michaelnoronha7386]

Best viewed and heard till date. Thank you. Do elaborate with additional videos.

[@marktaylor5671]

Thanks for the video. You explained the process very well.

[@batnick4433]

The justice league scene just made me think more that the Nando V movies scene rewrite where the characters share their fears makes the scene so much better.

[@AA-kd4kd]

Thank you so much for these videos. ♥️

[@maevewhite4376]

This is very helpful. Thanks.

[@Ayushman-lf3xc]

Thanks Tyler, it was really useful for me to get through the writer's block.

[@jbenvindo]

Hahahahahaha I can’t believe! You used a Brazilian meme!! The woman at 0:49 is from a very famous Brazilian soap opera! Loved it!

[@orlandosilverwolf4449]

Spot on Dude. Really helped me 👍🏼

[@themoike_prod]

I was thinking about that yesterday

[@LARealEstate]

Outstanding content. This is VERY helpful... watched it several times. Thanks!

[@humanambassador]

this video hit the spot very good excellent sir

[@Maros_Mari]

Thank you. For those interested further there are great books on this such as McKee's Story, Save the Cat or Character's Archs. Worth reading.

[@mandieh4204]

I am not a screen writer but I like to write novels (not published just an ameture) and I like this idea for writing scenes. I think this will work for me even though I only have a vague idea on where my story is going. Thanks.

[@incyder]

Great information. I really liked the video. Another key element is pacing. You, Tyler, should learn to pause and let your viewers digest what you've just showed them.

[@karoljaworskirichards]

Great stuff, mate! I just bought the ebook and I'm looking forward to seeing more content here.

[@TylerMowery]

Thanks!

[@aqdassyed6572]

Thankyou for this , very well explained!👏♥️ , Please i would like to request to include some elements of psychology related to emotions so that it could suits it in screenwriting!

[@ponzgamer8303]

Very useful... Great video.. thank you bro

[@unknownclothing8840]

After watching this, I would LOVE to see you do a breakdown and get your opinion on “The Hangover”

[@stefanbendik26]

That was one of my favorite moments in Justice Legaue

[@gabeugenio]

I love your channel, thanks for all the tips. Now in the quarantine, I have no excuse for not writing lol

[@nathanb5921]

Thanks Tyler! So helpful!!! Keep 'em coming!

[@EndesCot]

Hey Tyler! Superb video! Special note to the editing, it just gets better and better. There's a question I have about the ebook: What does this ebook mean in relation to your Screenwriting course? I've considered taking the course since it came out but I've never had the spare money to enroll. Is this book some form of introduction to the course...? Is it complimentary, a summary, or completely new advice? Given the price difference I will surely get the book but I was wondering what would that mean for my long standing consideration of the course.

[@TylerMowery]

Sure! So the eBook focuses on what problems current writers face and what your real problems are as a writer. I talk about a better way to view story and writing stories. The Course goes into detail on building a new writing process, overcoming writers block and procrastination and building long term habits, as well as a systematic rewriting plan that helps you find and fix story problems. And it gives you a community of writers to keep you focused and accountable. The eBook essentially covers a new philosophy on looking at writing, while the course gives you a practical detailed plan to implement this new system into your life and writing.

[@BudsCartoon]

"Every scene needs to have conflict." Jesus, I guess those 4 years I dated that Hispanic girl would make an Oscar worthy screenplay!

[@Lactosefr33]

this is an excellent, and perfectly summarized video, that helped me look better at the scene I was having troubles with. Thank you so much.

[@beekenko2379]

7:01 perfect example of even a genius making a mistake

[@glennripps1575]

Another great lesson, and great examples to go with the lesson.

[@SadTown99]

Such a great video 👏👏👏👏

[@swamybengaluru5230]

I loved it, thank u so much!! Right time I seen it coz am going to re-writing script today & co incidentally I watched it❤️❤️

[@thoreboomgaarden6189]

Would you say it's okay to have a technically unnecessary scene if the film is a comedy and the scene is really really short but really funny?

[@TylerMowery]

Sure. But too many and they will begin to bog down the story.

[@bradweiergallery]

THIS IS PERFECT! thanks for simplifying this!

[@valcelemin]

AMAZING!!! VIDEO!!!!

[@mohamedmahmoudmohamedabdel8437]

Great job

[@B.coffin]

Super helpful.

[@Veypurr1]

This is a good screen video

[@charlottedrcleary4358]

Fantastic advice! Thanks so much, this really helps me ground my writing

[@user-kc9eh4sm6b]

Now I am a big fan of you

[@olumuyiwalafe7768]

Thank you so much for this concise info, much appreciated.

[@crisfilms8165]

So good!

[@JoacoCarnero]

You should translate your videos mate! They were helping me a lot!

[@reelscreenwriting8940]

Awesome, that ebook looks interesting, gonna give it a look.