What is Theme - 5 Ways to Layer Theme into a Screenplay

What is the theme of a story? Theme in storytelling is one of the most important yet difficult-to-grasp concepts. In this video, we’ll break it down as simply as possible, along with the five ways to help writers how to write the theme of a story.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Theme
00:52 - Definition & History
04:44 - Characters & Dialogue
06:13 - John Truby's Character Web
08:01 - Theme & Setting
10:46 - Motifs & Symbols
12:48 - Themes in Nope
18:11 - Takeaways
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WHAT IS THE THEME OF A STORY
Theme in storytelling in an inextricable element that all writers deal with. It’s also a difficult concept to grasp, let alone work with. Our goal in this video on theme is to break down this complex and allusive element to make it as simple, digestible and applicable as possible. Along the way, we’ll dive into five different elements in writing where the theme of a story can be constructed.
WHAT’S A THEME?
Theme is the central and unifying idea or principle in a story. In the simplest terms, “plot” is what happens in a story and “theme” is what that story is actually about at its core. For example, the plot for Jurassic Park focuses on people surviving on an island with dinosaurs. But the theme is focused on what happens when humans try to play god.
HOW TO WRITE THEME IN A SCREENPLAY
There are five main ways writers can work with theme: characters, dialogue, setting, motifs, and symbols. Once you’ve identified the theme, one of the first things you might want to do is find the characters that would best represent it. For example, a major theme in The Dark Knight is order vs. chaos, and each of the main characters represents one side or the other. Harvey Dent, Gordon, the Mayor represent justice and order. On the other side of the coin, the Joker and the rest of the Gotham underworld are representatives of chaos. Much of the dialogue then is ideally suited to discuss this theme and its balance for the citizens of Gotham.
Setting is also a more visual way to express theme in storytelling. First, there is the general time and place of the story. In Parasite, the major themes revolve around the divide between rich and poor, and the illusion of upward mobility. One way the setting expresses these themes is through the set design of both the Park and Kim family homes. One is a near-subterranean hovel, while the other is an elevated and expansive home, making the difference between “upper” and “lower” classes a literal representation.
Finally, there are motifs and symbols. A motif is anything we can assign meaning to because of its repetition. A symbol is anything meant to represent something else. In Everything Everywhere All at Once, the theme is the dichotomy between kindness and empathy vs. nihilism and despair, both of which have their own symbol. The googly eyes and the everything bagel, to be exact, and their designs become an interesting “yin and yang” to represent the balance between them that Evelyn is striving for.
What is the theme of a story? That might be the hardest question for any writer to answer. But once you do, there are many ways to weave that idea into your work.
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Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Theme 00:52 - Definition & History 04:44 - Characters & Dialogue 06:13 - John Truby's Character Web 08:01 - Theme & Setting 10:46 - Motifs & Symbols 12:48 - Themes in Nope 18:11 - Takeaways

[@2funny624]

May you tell us how movies made money, please

[@OVYEDDeno]

Do what is a KZbin video/vlog/ David dobrick

[@arunsimon6936]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊ò

[@elichilton7031]

You see the plot, but you feel the theme, and then later you think about the both of them together as your movie going experience.

[@StudioBinder]

all about the experience

[@Jyothish_lal]

The editor deserves an Oscar 🤍

[@JAProductions494]

Nah, they’re too good for the Oscars who clearly don’t care about editors (I mean ‘Best Editing’ was cut out of the main show in the Oscars last year)

[@timy9197]

This channel has always had incredible production

[@JediKnight207]

Best editor

[@DaxxTV]

They must have an incredible team, this editing is done by multiple people for sure (copywriter, voiceover, motion graphics, editing, plus someone that gets all the material, i doubt that the editor is spending hours to download clips from movies)

[@LuisSierra42]

The only thing the Oscars are good for is for slapping contests

[@nayeebG]

I'd love to see the geniuses behind this channel someday. I hope they make an episode about the cast and behind the scenes.

[@StudioBinder]

👀

[@angelface925]

I don't work in movies or entertainment. I watch this to appreciate the deeper meanings and what the directors, writers, editors, etc, try to portray. I've watched movies I've already seen again, just to appreciate things I've missed. Thank you for all the work that's put in!

[@StudioBinder]

That's great! Love helping people love movies more

[@priyeahnka]

Whoever is the voice behind Studiobinder, I personally want to thank you... you've no idea how many times a day it hits me during the day that yes, the guy behind studiobinder has such a cool voice I wish I could have it :D

[@StudioBinder]

we accept!

[@JAProductions494]

I love it when a movie can have a deep theme which works on a base level but gets better the more you think about it and analyse. It enhances rewatchability and makes the film interesting to watch and talk about. A good example of what I mean is with Vertigo. The theme of obsession is clear and present but because even greater and more disturbing when you notice the symbolism through the spirals for instance (although you obviously know all that as you made a video on it) On an unrelated note, I finally got my Film Studies teacher into StudioBinder. We’re studying Inception ATM and the teacher wanted to put something on in the background related to the film so I suggested the ‘How they shot it’ for the hallway scene

[@StudioBinder]

That's how you properly layer one!

[@leonmayne797]

Let me guess, you performed a dream heist to incept the idea into the teacher's mind.

[@nicinat0r]

Watched Nope with my sister and we both agree that the movie will age very well because you can reflect and think about it and you discover something new each time... So many timeless themes are shown and represented in so many creative and satisfying ways. Nope has so many layers that we both wanted to rewatch it again after just a day

[@Boncomics]

12:17 MOTHER F'ER!!! I never thought of that! It's Yin and Yang, but in perfect circles!!!

[@flamingburritto]

While your videos are meant for movies, I'm taking the lessons from them as applying them to game design into my own games. Without your videos and breakdowns this would've been very hard so thank you :) And hopefully, I can successfully use all these concepts to make something good.

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@clubbinmag3]

I want to check out some of your games

[@FrontrunnerMedia-dc2wl]

Yep. Storytelling is storytelling.

[@hambatuhan3165]

You have no idea how BRILLIANT your videos are, especially the details, depth and the way you communicate the lesson. I thought I knew theme but now, i know more about it. PS: next maybe dialogue?

[@mallagallabumbum8209]

Absolutely. They manage to make ~20 min. videos, which cover a topic better, than a corresponding film theory class in my degree program, which is at least twice as long and does not have more substance. Just awesome.

[@StudioBinder]

It's an option for sure!

[@peterkalyabe7553]

@@StudioBinder Dialogue Please... But first, I want to thank you sooo much for your admirable content. Man!

[@AnonymousOnimous]

@@StudioBinder Hi Studio Binder! I love your videos! They've really helped me enhance my knowledge as I've been editing my own work. If you folks are looking for video ideas, I've noticed very few folks talk about archetypal settings and the impact on genre, theme, and tone. For example, Home Sweet Home is a pretty common setting. The horror genre commonly twists our ideas of a Home Sweet Home to portray something the cultural zeitgeist sees as a threat to stability. The greater the contrast between what the Home Sweet Home should/could be vs what it becomes, the darker the tone. Inversely, archetype of The Villain's Lair is often satirized in comedies that portray it as goofy to spoof spy dramas.

[@MaddieBohoChic]

​@@AnonymousOnimous you just said a whole lot of smart sounding words but when someone really takes the time to breakdown what you said it's nothing but rambling with no point unless the point was a very transparent attempt to look smart but failing miserably.

[@AnonymousOnimous]

I like the idea of each character having a role in expressing the theme: They carry different views on the theme - like what success means in Little Miss Sunshine. They carry polar opposite sides of the theme - like if humanity will choose good or evil in The Dark Knigth. They challenge a binary theme - such as Arcane in which Echo presents a 3rd theme, independent from the low city and high city that speaks more about community, nature, and moving on.

[@StudioBinder]

it would help creating dialogue and actions for your characters that seem natural and relevant to the story

[@TomStohlgren]

I loved the differences between the theme and the moral of a film. I didn't fully appreciate the subtle ways to "tell" and "show" the moral and theme until today. I learned a lot from the examples in the clip. Thanks for posting, RB.

[@chaesare]

I have to admit, this is a very difficult topic to explain and to make sense of. Meaning to get a layman to be introduced to the subtle theme concept in the first place and then being capable of explaining it in this brilliant way and by visualizing the idea by showing these carefully chosen perfect examples. Just wow! Another superb work of your team that makes me stay in love with this channel.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad to hear it was easy to understand :)

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

this channel needs to get more recognition your analysis is extortionary

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you like it!

[@JoeMwangi]

This is quite a deep analysis. My goodness. Nope made me discuss it with my friend movie buffs in detail trying to understand and spot the themes in the movie. Thanks for the deep insight.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help!

[@thisiszams]

Thank you this is what I've been searching for. Because mostly when I search about "movie theme", all I found is about music.

[@jin6000]

Sorry, I know I say it all the time, but this is my favourite channel on youtube. Insane quality of content.

[@judichristopher4604]

I agree...

[@Sanonim06]

thank you very very much! you are helping me to write my phd thesis! my look not just to the cinema or thesis but also the meaning of everything is being changed, thank you and love.

[@keldoe1351]

Finally a video where I’ve seen every movie that’s getting spoiled so I get to watch it

[@tylerpurrden]

Me as well

[@StudioBinder]

haha good to hear

[@life_is.a.race_iam.a.racsist]

Who ever run this channel I just want to Thank you from the deepest part of my heart, your channel thought me a new perspective to The art.

[@StudioBinder]

That's what we want to hear!

[@BadKarma714]

I love this guys voice talk about John carpenter movies, like big trouble in Little China I learn a lot from your videos.

[@StudioBinder]

Great to hear!

[@gtfresffsrfsrr]

Your lessons are not just deeply informative and exciting- they are also achievements in and of themselves. Thank you for your work and care.

[@imnbmusic]

I always learn so much from these videos, always increases my interest in filmmaking and understanding any movie better.

[@StudioBinder]

That's the goal!

[@sedatark4893]

Every time I watch your video content, I always fascinated by the enthusiasm for cinema. I feel tremendous eagerness for writing one.

[@StudioBinder]

good luck!

[@Mikeakapeli]

Every video you guys put out is a blessing! Thank you!

[@StudioBinder]

Our weekly blessings :)

[@Kpm1985]

As a songwriter this was so incredibly helpful. Thank you. I cannot believe this excelley video is free. Wow

[@StudioBinder]

Always will be!

[@nousernamenoname9308]

The old narrator is back. Nice!

[@StudioBinder]

He's not going anywhere!

[@nousernamenoname9308]

@@StudioBinder well he did go away for a few videos before this. But that's nice to hear

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This channel literally makes a difference in the world

[@StudioBinder]

we hope so :)

[@StereoChimps]

this came out so handy and in time while im riting this short script for my short film!! thank you studio binder, my school of cinema!!

[@Papriqaa]

As a perfectionist myself I'm in love with this channel and how perfect the videos are that they make. The quality, the content, the writing/script, the narration, the details of the videos in the description, the chapters, the editing and the one thing I have admired them doing since the very beginning, including the name of all the movies when they appear in the video. Love you guys. Please keep doing what you are doing, mayn't be anything but for the art.

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@woo.cash.]

You are delivering amazing value! The production is incredible. Keep up amazing job!

[@sunnykwon6882]

Thank you so so much!! Your videos are incredibly helpful, I'm so inspired to write my own stories now!

[@topsya3779]

Fantastic video on theme and its links with characters, motifs, symbols and plot. Your choice of characters (films) to explain the theme (themes) was also very helpful!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad it helped!

[@profilesincourage61]

Parasite is a masterful movie, man. And the perfect example of how to implement theme into a picture.

[@StudioBinder]

not many in recent memories uses setting to show theme as good as Parasite

[@JunebugPresents]

Great subject matter. Thank you for sharing. I wish you guys were around when I started out as a filmmaker. I didn't have a grasp on theme when I started. I sometimes incorporated unwittingly. Now, in recent years, I've thought of theme over plot mostly. A great plot that comes to me can lead the way, having me think of themes after. But plots are easy for me. So, I think of themes and plot around them.

[@mpikturesmpk]

Really needed this important reminder and lesson thanks Studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help

[@Badvision]

great assay! nice analysis of NOPE. thanks for the great content

[@krisana19]

Good morning from Greece ! Great job guys !! I really adore your videos !! Theme is from the Greek word θέμα and Latins adopted the word as many many words in English have a Greek original. θέμα • (théma) n (plural θέματα) subject, main topic (of conversation, etc) affair. (music) theme. Thank you very much

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the info!

[@emmanuelbiruk2652]

you guys are the best for doing this for free we can't thank you enough

[@StudioBinder]

always will be :)

[@teissi]

You guys are my film school!

[@StudioBinder]

Class in session!

[@jackgreen821]

The videos on your channel are incredibly useful and inherently and unceasingly interesting. Thank you. In terms of what I'd love to see covered - I'd love "different" screenwriting structures - 3 act structure, 4 act structure, 5 acts, Syd Field, Save the Cat, Robert McKee etc... All mapped out for the SAME film. Is there a "correct'' structure - or one that is better than others? Is it a case of less is more - are more story beats the way forward - or do too many beats overcomplicate movies? Separately - something on adapting books to films and spinning off films to TV would be awesome. Love this channel. Thanks to all involved.

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting idea!

[@mikewright3029]

This is amazing! Omg! XD I'm finally understanding. So powerful!...Thank you! 🌹

[@o_cirion]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED, thank you!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

I recently just started a feature length script for a Neo-Western. The theme: how relentless are religious dietary beliefs in the crossfire of animal activism, civil strife, and agricultural turmoil?

[@adityanarain9428]

Interesting, would like to read a full length script.

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@timothybrown3312]

Wonderful episode!

[@dukensonguerrier5369]

Releasing a subtext part 2 but focused on subtext through practical elements like framing, balance, & other composition techniques would be crazy insightful. Hope you can make time for this StudioBinder!

[@romaromasalad112]

Watched this today in class and it blew my mind. I need to learn to harness this power

[@judichristopher4604]

EXCELLENT as Always

[@lrkemariabkgaard9030]

These videoes are soooo good! And great for brainstorming your own movie:)

[@StudioBinder]

we hope so :)

[@produccionespresupuestocer3979]

Amazing channel! Thank you!

[@kiratvyas8815]

The name OJ itself reminds many people of the OJ chase "spectable"

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting point!

[@Duito]

Wonderful. Continue the good work

[@fahmidamiah]

I loved this video, thank you so much. It was inspiring. ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@Endimione17]

well a lot of great movies or generally some masterworks of art have no 'theme' in this common sense, here explained. For instance Wagner's use of 'leitmotiv' in XIX century dramaturgy was a sort of 'mood' atmosphere, whereas any character was interwined with precise elements in scenery, props and so on... The use of 'theme' in one of the possible strategy throughout the developping of a plot but not necessarly the only one.

[@StudioBinder]

👌

[@RanLevi]

Great video! love your work.

[@KathyJean]

Thank you for teaching me something today.

[@StudioBinder]

happy to!

[@samigonza3]

This is absolutely great

[@hurricaneonjooo3992]

I just love this voice 😍

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy :)

[@AaronKellim]

Thanks so much for using my music in your videos!!

[@mohammadrafishaik1397]

Can you please do a video on the writing ACTION part in screenplays?

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

After 30+ years experience with production, storytelling, dramatic structure, character archetypes, and more, I'm truly most thrilled about the underlying THEMES in "Diamond Dragons"! 💪😎✌️ They're *so* gaedaemn powerful, people will be talking about them for DECADES to come. Love it. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨

[@AbdallahBotan]

Great work. Great Explanation. And If I'm becoming a filmmaker, I graduated from StudioBinder University.

[@derrionbrown3923]

Thank you for this 🙏🏾

[@StudioBinder]

:)

[@mhdai83]

Omg this video is one of the most important videos for how want to make a movie

[@Not_So_Slim_Shady]

This guy is my favorite narrator

[@vicentecampos2893]

Another teaching from Studio Binder.

[@StudioBinder]

This week's lecture ;)

[@BasicallyAnArtist]

I usually start my stories with the characters and a setting. Then I make a few scenes up that would help me understand the personality of my characters. Eventually, there will be enough scenes to give a solid idea of who the characters are and what their strengths and weaknesses look like. Then I add the theme. Sometimes the theme is the very first thing I start with. Other times it comes later. I think my favorite aspect of movies are characters. They can really help the audience understand both the setting and theme, I think.

[@kudabalap2917]

Thanks for breaking down NOPE, I love that movie but I don't know what makes me love the film.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help!

[@user-mx6il5xo5g]

Guys, you are the best! ❤

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I’m in love with this channel

[@Ayogenius67]

Wow another great video out,thanks ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

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I just love this channel.

[@StudioBinder]

Love our viewers!

[@intellectually_lazy]

everything bagel all at once... no seriously, i am on fire to see that film

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Another amazing video, gang!

[@StudioBinder]

👌👌

[@thhrjdh5564]

This channel teaches me more than my English class.

[@StudioBinder]

haha good sign for us

[@HeartwarmingStories]

I don’t know if you covered this exactly, but was wondering if you can cover ‘mood’? I subconsciously get it but I’m curious how it differs from emotion, and also why it’s important as a part of film or art in general. Is music a component of this as well or is mood a component of the story or what not? I wanted to know so I can make better art. Thank you, I’ve learned a lot from you already.

[@StudioBinder]

you might like our video covering how Bong Joon-Ho shifted tone and genre in Parasite kzbin.info/www/bejne/embUqqGXa9CWfaM

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Thanks StudioBinder. A very Inspiring Lesson about the Theme of a Story. The central and unifying idea or principle in a Story. I'm inspired to Write stories.

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@seershan]

NICE VID!

[@I-Have-Many]

Hollywood really needs to see this. 🤔

[@ajisafeleke9902]

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST

[@kanonilouis9493]

Hey studio binder creators Am a tv and film student all the way from Namibia And I love love your video Kinda feel I should just leave school and just watch your videos😂❤ Can you please do a video on tv talk shows

[@jonfee5081]

This is a amazing video ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb video 😍

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks!

[@meandpictures]

Insane information ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps :)

[@solertia33]

Great video!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@seanwilson9630]

Amazing video helped so much, just a question though. Is purpose the same as theme? And is idea the same as theme also, or they all different? Thanks and smashing video, I love your channel!

[@intellectually_lazy]

peele is a freaking genius

[@joegamer6914]

Great video

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks!

[@maheshnaramala9186]

Thank you

[@skiehigh6969]

studiobinder, can you please make a video on movie characters making plans against the antagonist in cool transitions, how they shoot it, etc?

[@GMrDrew]

Thx ima checkout the website rn

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@clausvergara9702]

I will give you guys a constructive criticism. At the beginning of the video you mentioned three movies Nope, EEAAO and The Parasite, which will contain some spoilers of them. I have nothing against it, to make a helpful and educated video. But spoil some of few newer films from last year, Nope and EEAAO, which personally I have not seen. I only suggested that when a new movie released, perhaps wait like 9 or 10 months to use it in the upcoming video. Instead I gonna read the article on your site, but anyways you guys are awesome! Have a nice day!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the feedback, new films are a great way to get people interested and we frequently get requests for them so it can't always be avoided

[@Anasd98]

Amazing video. Hello guys, I'm at the peak of finishing my first screenplay and I really would appreciate some tips on how I can make that screenplay a movie that we all can watch and enjoy 🎉🎥 I really think you'll like it

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats!

[@milovarquiel]

All of this channel videos are amazing. But Jesus jumping on a hobo, this one f****ng blows all of them out of the water. This a master class in the core of what a good script must have how can that be translated to the images and how you can convey the subject and core of your tale. Thank you, you're giving us the source code.

[@StudioBinder]

😂😂

[@henrysharpe9976]

I read this as "What is a Meme" and was unrealistically excited.

[@StudioBinder]

😂😂

[@amitarajpal7469]

Would love to see you cover 'Shifting loyalties in Iranian cinema'. Technique and emotion.

[@bobdagranny7431]

A very interesting video!

[@StudioBinder]

Great!

[@bignosekarl]

i would really be interested in knowing where do you find those movie clips saying what you want them to say?! your video production is crazyyyyyy

[@Lonelyeco]

Themes he have always given me trouble. Probably because it is actually simple but I'm trying to be complex.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy writing!