What Should A Screenwriter Know Before Writing A Screenplay? - Erik Bork

BUY THE BOOK - THE IDEA: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage or Fiction by Erik Bork - amzn.to/2p3cJVG
In this Film Courage video interview, author/screenwriter Erik Bork shares what a screenwriter should know before writing a screenplay.
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#writing #screenwriting #screenplay

[@notsoinvisiblelibra]

Note to self: Make it meaningful.

[@lionkingmatiouz3441]

might be the most important

[@Sicaoisdead]

Never wrote anything before, I just often have ideas of screenplays in my mind and I want them to materialise and not just fade away.

[@karsonbunn1403]

I've been going through the same thing

[@davereyes3032]

You guys can work it out !!

[@wjc9600]

Dave Reyes I have several ideas but get discouraged very easily, but you’re right, just work it out and write it.

[@davereyes3032]

@@wjc9600 that's the spirit my guy! I also am working on something out and it's only me and my friend working on it. Anything can be done !!!

[@davidurquilla2706]

Put your ideas out there and someone can draw inspiration from them

[@jakbulanwrld]

Hope everyone here has their ideas out into the world one day! Love!!

[@roger8654]

Before you start writing the idea, it should be something you can't stop thinking about and obsess over. It has to mean something to the writer. And better yet, the story should be a personal story that the writer needs to tell the world.

[@beebuzz959]

Except not all writers fall into this category, and enough are even able to get into the story after they start writing. I'm only commenting on case someone see this and it stands them because they never get there, but often enough our muse comes when we're active, instead of us waiting for the perfect time.

[@beebuzz959]

I just don't want anyone to get discouraged.

[@roger8654]

@thenoodleshop how? When you comment on a film courage video while driving 60mph on the LIE?

[@SurroundedByGreen]

I'm right there!!

[@camerasade4360]

Thank you! All that nonsense about writing commercially 🤯

[@the-seed-sower761]

The host has a soothing voice.

[@brandongreen8440]

So soothing it's putting me to sleep, she talks too much.

[@travishipkens1465]

😂

[@313boss]

She lubricated with some fine soothing jel before she do the interview,

[@timtitus7861]

Film Courage is the best resource out there for new writers. I get excited with every new video notification.

[@filmcourage]

Thanks Tim, we are glad to have you around.

[@Native21G]

I feel like the comment section helps me just as much as the vid

[@filmcourage]

We have some great commenters! Love when viewers add further value with their insights.

[@LycanVisuals]

It seems so intimidating to me as a newbie to this screenwriting thing. I'm reading both Robert McKee's and Trudy's book on story and they're very helpful as resources.

[@fumatetsu]

Lycan Visuals that’s cool, have you finished Robert McKee book?

[@LycanVisuals]

@@fumatetsu I'm half way. I'd like to know how serious readers able to do this with multiple books at a time.

[@LycanVisuals]

@Hidden America I have the Screenwriters Bible 6th Edition.

[@LycanVisuals]

@Hidden America Yeah that makes more sense. I also have Save the Cat and Creating Character Arcs by KM Weildland.

[@LycanVisuals]

@Hidden America Thanks I bookmarked them.

[@amaree9732]

Carrying a theme throughout your story is one of the hardest skill set to master for a screenwriter. Before you commit to a script give careful and unhurried consideration to whether or not people of different nationalities, cultures, religions, genders and ages will respond to your message. In other words, will it have "universal appeal." A very important consideration when it comes time to market it. How will it play for the youth? Will it fly with the super religious? How will it do in foreign markets like France or Peru? Take time!

[@keithnelson9121]

Yes, you could analyse the shit out of it, thereby killing all spontaneity, consider what markets it will do well in, make sure your theme is rock solid so it appeals to the entire planet, and come up with the same corporate junk that every other writer is writing, or....you could become obsessed with your idea, think about it morning noon and night, have your characters take you over and write something you love...and then fix all the other "professional" stuff in the 2nd and 3rd draft.,...just write what you wanna write, eventually you'll get there.

[@amaree9732]

@@keithnelson9121 Okay, and then you can take your self-absorbed, cutting edge garbage and put it up on a shelf and forget about it. If you want to ever sell a script without running it under the cold rinse of commercial viability, you're deluding yourself. Certain story subjects are deal-breakers. Avoiding them doesn't make it corporate junk or kill spontaneity... and you can still love it to pieces.

[@gabestewart-guido8299]

The stuff he said about originality and writers is probably some of the best advice ever

[@ruben_direct]

The part about the balance of authenticity and story archetypes. I enjoyed, thank you. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@dbaggett45]

I liked what he said about making your subject, and characters relatable. I think he is on point with that statement.

[@JanekTV_yt]

I LOVE this man. Thank you so much and a very happy new year. Love your channel, too. Big hello from Berlin, Germany. ♥

[@afromattcarter]

I appreciate the interviewer challenging Bork to precisely define his argument here, in terms of where it's best to flex one's creativity within one's storytelling.

[@novabiljatrepavicaalibolja6059]

I had this story that at first i was just thinking about the main two characters like how they would act just out of nowhere i started thinking about it so so much that when i was watching a movie or just studying etc i would need to stop just to finish my thoughts and i basiclly now have a whole story in my head and its so perfect and i cant wait to break it into a completed story but i really im thinking about it 24/7 and i am so passionate about it omg

[@kristybizindavyi1885]

NovaBiljaTrepavica AliBoljauSvakomSmisluTeRijeci this basically happened to me !!! I did a couple of months of reading on how to format a script, and made an outline of the movie and then I started writing, Im almost at the end of it. You should write it

[@keerthivasanmanavalan6145]

@@kristybizindavyi1885 I'm exactly in the phase you have mentioned but there are so much materials out there that I'm extremely confused. Can you recommend certain resources that helped you write a screenplay

[@viclee2053]

Everything we go through in life is the same, however , the experiences are different for the individuals .

[@StephanieBourbon]

I love this book and recommend it all the time to my students!!

[@user-zd1jh5zz9n]

Thanks Film Courage- Erik you are very very good. I'll order your book in next week. It's on my bucket list.. Wow!

[@filmcourage]

Cheers! We think Erik’s book is a popular one.

[@mogourmetzulu213]

I cannot get enough of this channel!!

[@filmcourage]

Cheers Mo! Our best to you and your work.

[@brodibarringer5016]

Yes, the advice is this: ,know people in the business!!, people that can get your material looked at by the right people..pretty simple, people work with who they know or who will recommend you, same as acting, ' Referrals' are key....believe it !!!!!!

[@beebuzz959]

Yes, but you do also have to have viable content, so get to writing as well as networking in the right areas.

[@brodibarringer5016]

@@beebuzz959 yes, and it is easier than ever to 'meet" people these days, basically through social media that may be able to help you..

[@aknightbetrayed8813]

Bugging someone on twitter does not count as networking 😂

[@melissarose0126]

Thank you for taking and thank you to Mr. Bork for answering my question. Just One-Click ordered his book from Amazon.

[@filmcourage]

We are so glad you discovered this video Melissa. Happy to have your question answered.

[@ryangroce3257]

@@filmcourage can it b a part two of a play ? Bc i wanna make the last seen of part one a dramatic scern that u kno its a part two or should i just put it all together?

[@isaacekundayo6268]

I love this guy already!

[@Sophia-wv6yf]

Very good advice as usual. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@opufy]

I feel like some amazing scene in my head that I wanna write about things that lead to or Center around that very thing

[@celinekamisato5343]

Love how he mentioned Bo Burnham ❤️

[@tag7376]

Good information. Solid substance as always ✔️

[@filmcourage]

Appreciate it!

[@AsinineFilms]

The world changes around the same core stories which creates new concepts all the time.

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

You dont have to re invent the wheel. Many movie scenarios have been done and successfully over and over again. Just throw in something slightly different in the middle that maybe you experienced personally or something.

[@allibaumgart143]

Did anyone else notice this interview had no cuts?? Impressive...

[@Teedafilmmaker]

Hey guys, I’m a 15 year old from Philadelphia and I write my own screenplays movies and shows I finished a screenplay for my movie 110 Pages💪🏽.

[@Intheshelves]

Good job I'm an 11-year-old in Ohio and I write scripts. I want to do filmmaking though except none of my friends will be in my films :(.

[@soulsearch1234]

@@Intheshelves Get you some new friends

[@GellertTV]

@@Intheshelves Can you send me one of your scripts ? I can give you advices

[@nand0396]

Gellert_ TV no you just gonna steak the idea

[@GellertTV]

@@nand0396 No ? I'm not a stealer of ideas I hate people like that

[@marciabyrd5002]

Excellent.

[@BRP]

THIS IS SO TRUE !!!

[@ThisPartofYoutube]

Great video

[@llluuubluetigers4838]

I'm stuck on one story, so I'll go to a new idea for now.

[@starwing2814]

That's what I'm thinking of doing right now😅. I don't feel like I'm progressing enough in my current story.

[@michellejackson8547]

I'm so glad that they clarify it here in the comments because as a writer, I'm like...OKAYYYYY what should a writer know before writing? How did we get lost in this video?

[@BooyaJoe]

Great interview and overview. Just bought the book!

[@beebuzz959]

I'd love some examples of films that fit the category of a highly entertaining film that was highly relatable, like he describes in this.

[@Profile.4]

Fight Club

[@benjamingoulet8059]

The notebook

[@austinrose3421]

La La Land

[@anavonrebeur6121]

Karen your questions aré gold. Did you got to write a script? I don't want to die without reading it!

[@arrowcyber7652]

amazing

[@carmendiez5214]

We will make it

[@chrishardy6471]

hey thinking about getting into writing and i was curious to how long an average screenplay is? should you go big and give the director allot to work with or take a more subdued approach? any help would be appreciated

[@chrishardy6471]

found out its about a page per minute. 90 min=90 pages

[@TheKehinde.Official]

A spec script (a original script that you either write to sell or write in Hope's of turing it into a shooting script to make) should be 105-110 pages long (1hr 45min). This is because a script reader has tons and tons of script to read and will usually start with the shortest. Its is extremely important that the story is compelling and properly formatted. When writing a feature length script always consider the budget. Lower budget specs have a higher chance of getting sold or made. Big budget not so much. I would advice u write big budget features when your a well established writer or can fund production yourself.

[@austinrose3421]

@@chrishardy6471 unless you’re Aaron Sorkin lol

[@haynesrobert2830]

Is original means organic?

[@quentilpompey6827]

I can understand. And the argument of what’s interesting vs what’s compensating will always play a factor. It’s not every day a lonesome screenwriter who writes day and night dreaming of something as small as critiquing from one whom matters. He follows formula and then to be struck with more information about adapting to industry standards. Yeah it’s an argument that it is. But they’re those that just somehow appear. A great script. Not of the norm. Fresh voice. Caught Hollywood by surprise then again many copy and it becomes saturated. Why can’t we just love a great story? If you harbor on high concepts or you moan at plot structure disciplines, then try the opposite path of what you desire and proclaim. Then you have broke the rules and you can understand the criticism and fit your work without feeling as you sold out.

[@guywainer4028]

It's not as simple as having a great story, its got to be told in a presentable and organised fashion. These points in his and other videos and narrative theory, help one to organise their thoughts so that it makes sense to an audience. A great story isn't just a great story because to unpack it systematically takes a lot of work. You might be a wonderful raconteur in speech - doesn't necessarily mean you can write an entertaining story in any medium.

[@davidram9511]

Just write your screenplay, watching yt and buying/reading is stoping you, and yes I should be writing too

[@DTMyster]

Let's write

[@marshallwalls1263]

I agree I'm logging off

[@DTMyster]

@@marshallwalls1263 let's write

[@marshallwalls1263]

Illegal Videos I'm writing right now as we speak

[@DTMyster]

@@marshallwalls1263 let's write together

[@electronicbox6990]

Hello film courage team! I have a question for you and your guests. If someone has a great idea and script for a movie, how to protect the idea and the script from being stolen? Because this happens all the time.

[@adityasinghsajwan207]

Intellectual Property Rights....I am sure these three words will get you going...All the best

[@Godstrumpet2010]

Copyright.

[@viclee2053]

If the dead are walking , how do they catch you if you're RUNNING ?

[@goldeneddie]

Haha! Is that the concept tagline for your newest Zombie script Vic?

[@SomethingLame]

This guy has a wonderful nack of explaining movies we've all already seen, then explaining nothing in a way that it sounds like he's been helpful.

[@nandep2149]

"Soshe" Haven't heard that in years! Some oldies are fun to bring back and some slang fads should be buried. 🤣

[@henrywallacesghost5883]

Unoriginality dominates the movie landscape these past 15 years, and with Disney buying Fox it will only get worse. There are jobs to be had and money to be made in this industry and I feel it all depends on what type of artist you are hoping to be. Original and broke, or competent and successful.

[@Profile.4]

You don't get success unless you fit their leftist narrative. I'd rather show my movies at festivals

[@judichristopher4604]

@@Profile.4 How is that working out? I hope you do great.

[@Profile.4]

@@judichristopher4604 thank you. It's been a tough year for everyone. Haven't done much in the way of creating unfortunately. I make short movies with whatever I can think of but don't have many resources beyond that for other ideas.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Give the dramatic drop in production and distribution, I think roll-your-own is a more practical way to write and realize your work. “Original” is as dangerous a word as “Love” Face it, the Production Companies that pay more than working as a Tech Writer are NOT looking for “original” works from Unknowns... they are looking for “original” from the SAME writers that do all the other stuff... and even that FAILS... Bram Stoker write “Dracula” to crown his Idol’s career... and Henry Irving dismisses it as “utter rubbish” so there you go.

[@Artkidtek]

who else is feeling motivated??

[@dogminister]

deep

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

For example the hood movies have been done over and over again successfully but each one tells a slightly different story but the core of it is trying to make it out despite the odds. Boys n the hood, menace to society, south central etc. Etc. All basically the same yet different because some focused on father son relationship some focused on friend to friend relationship. Etc

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

Love your videos, but please those ads every 2 mins are distracting at best

[@Ducky_logan]

Seems like everything I need is on this channel.

[@viclee2053]

Script number 2. Outlining .

[@BooneStories]

I hate it so much when people say that it’s difficult To rate something original. Every movie I write is completely original because I’m so tired of the same old stuff. But the problem is that deep down most film critics and movie gurus secretly like to see the The same old crap where they know what’s gonna happen

[@mdriazuddin7160]

1:32

[@victorallencook7107]

Today I read the first several pages of my screenplay with the stopwatch counting. 👍 16 minutes : 10 second . 28

[@TheKehinde.Official]

Shouldn't it be 7mins considering each page is 1min of screentime?

[@victorallencook7107]

@@TheKehinde.Official that's true, absolutely , but I'm on notebook paper right now, however, the flow of my story (introducing characters and approaching that inciting incident) feels on schedule . Remember the first act is about 30 pages on average .

[@victorallencook7107]

@@TheKehinde.Official Also it's my rough draft and there will be trimming of the story as well.

[@Godforeplay666]

Real

[@lindalovehearts]

👍

[@Burhapahar]

Stop playing ads in between videos ..KZbin lost its originality

[@MinecraftDude1245peni]

That's the unloaders choice actually.

[@Burhapahar]

@@MinecraftDude1245peni uploader is lured by the service provider through this option

[@MinecraftDude1245peni]

@@Burhapahar doesnt change the fact it's still their choice.

[@Burhapahar]

@@MinecraftDude1245peni it does. viewers have to watch it without a choice..

[@g13n79]

Has this guy wrote a book? ..he should have mentioned it

[@gerrycabanas-molkenthin4982]

*written

[@omipatwa9564]

@1:35 WTF?!?!? Haha

[@w33blord66]

I don't know about the central premise. While yes, you don't want to start with a concept that is to large or abstract for the medium of film, isn't writing comedically viable easy to work on scripts kinda what's lead to the current state of film? (Which I believe to be lack luster.) Idk, if you have the talent, I'd say shoot for anything. It would be a waist of said talent go write forgettable shlock for the sake of making money. Especially when you'll just be competing with an army of hacks shooting for the same easily attainable goals.

[@TheKeithvidz]

If i name one is HI CONCEPT. Ignite your career first. Its something Holloywood can sell. Once established what next work you passionate about can blossom after.

[@sportskipacino7256]

Fine video.Dislike for 100 ads...

[@Dan-or3ls]

A bottle of Jim beam and burning a cigar with your wife’s child pay check... a glimpse at your 22 loaded with a single bullet, and after a moment of nothing you start writing

[@samlat48]

Fun Face wow bukowski nice of you to find your way to KZbin

[@Profile.4]

??

[@sarac.3568]

I keep watching these videos. I think I mastered the theory of screenwriting by this point....I just never write anything :( Whenever I start, it sounds like crap and like a dead end. It's very disheartening.

[@filmcourage]

Hi Sara, sorry to hear that. We just interviewed a screenwriter who knew he wanted to be a writer and he also struggled to write anything. Here is part of his story and a solution that worked for him - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXSwZoJ-g9Cbo7M

[@sarac.3568]

@@filmcourage Thank you so much for the response. Also, thank you for all the information you give us for free! I've learned so much from you.

[@robertbrown8317]

Sort of? Why say "sort of" so much?

[@viclee2053]

HORROR movies are stuck on repeat , yet people pay to see them. SCARY HOUSE. SUPER NATURAL EVIL SPIRIT. JUMP SCARE, JUMP SCARE. OBJECTS MOVING. BACK STORY TO THE EVIL SPIRIT AS A HUMAN. EVIL SPIRIT APPEARANCE . THEY ESCAPE . SOMEBODY NEW MOVES INTO THE HOUSE. THE END.

[@viclee2053]

@NM Comics 👍

[@viclee2053]

Best wishes .

[@viclee2053]

@NM Comics Sure, but I don't have an instagram account at the present time.

[@justinpettit3432]

@NM Comics How's your story going now?

[@justinpettit3432]

@NM Comics Creativity is tough. Wish you luck on figuring it out.

[@mrJohnDesiderio]

If you are concerned about its commercial viability, give up now

[@kubolor1234]

Innovate...don't recreate the wheel.

[@user-yz1rr5sy8t]

疏离感 自我隔绝