Why Most People Fail At Screenwriting

[@thereccher8746]

"Sorry, I'm too lazy to figure out how to teach you, so I'm just going to say you have no talent and you should give up." If any teacher thinks the way this guy does, I would literally ask for my money back.

[@danbee998]

*Reasons Why Most People Fail at Screenwriting* 0:50 --- 1. Compelling Conflict / 2. Growth of Mindset. 9:50 --- 3. Wrong Script Right Now. 14:50 --- 4. Can You Write a Great Script? 18:25 --- 5. There's No Story. 30:10 --- 6. Mastering the Craft. 38:58 --- 7. Not Writing / 8. No Notes. / 9. Perfection. 42:52 --- 10. What to Write? 49:31 --- 11. Chasing a Fairtytale. 51:25 --- 12. Confessions from a Former Script Reader. 58:18 --- 13. Every Great Story. 1:02:26 --- 14. Last Notes.

[@danbee998]

For those who want to learn more on "Compelling Conflict," check out Eric Edson's book: _The Story Solution_ --- He gives 7 "basic elements required to make dramatic conflict effective on the screen."

[@dennisthegreat1]

Thanks this great for looking up info

[@lonjohnson5161]

Great refresher. I have to admit that some speak to me more than others. One of the nice things about this channel is that there are so many interviews that a) if one person sounds like he is full of excrement, you can ignore him and move on to someone else and b) if a bunch of people sound like they are all wrong in the same way, maybe there is only one person who is wrong here.

[@francoisleveille409]

Honestly, this gives an idea why people like James Cameron, Spielberg and G. Lucas want to have full control over the stories they create. The process that comes after the writing is so incredibly prejudiced. The industry will not question how it works and the consequences is screen writers going on strikes. Probably why so many lousy movies came out after 2010.

[@DanielL.Phillips]

That's exactly right. They talk a good game.. Your right. There full of it. I heard this mentioned before by another guy on here that makes films.

[@Jim_Wolf]

The big problem in Hollywood are the people who greenlight scripts. 80+% of the scripts that get greenlit are crap. Hire better readers.

[@Z5Z5Z5]

"Most movies are bad most TV shows are bad" well with the 1% that passes how the hell did it get produced 😂😂

[@Muy266]

Probably nepotism

[@Darfaultner]

My guess is the collaborative process. Everyone loves the script, but everyone wants to have their bit in it and by the time it is produced it is unrecognizable from the original script.

[@jakemoore4080]

These compilations are the best bit about Film Courage... Got a problem? here's what every professional in the industry got to say about it. Time for me to be schooled once again.

[@j.87558]

This is an amazing compilation of interviews, thank you! Inspiring and keeps my head on the right track. I think the growth mindset contra fixed mindset is interesting in an educational environment due to the "pygmalion effect". I went through my education thinking I didn't have what it took, and while I could be right technically, the growth mindset just passed me by and an opportunity to truly learn went away. Instead I balanced a naive mindset with a defeatist mindset almost in a bipolar manner, 1) thinking that as long I was open and interested in the ideas, my talent would blossom from that, or 2) I would just go through the motions and completely fail and then tell myself: "oh, I didn't know, maybe I just suck". No, consistency is key, writing everyday and learning the craft, I know. But I was afraid (and still am). Afraid of loosing that naivety of baseless openness; a false hope of succeeding without wisdom or any consistent plan. I still don't know where I am between these two mindsets. But I know I'm still completely wrapped up in story ideas. So instead of thinking that my stories will make me grow, I need to grow myself and then raise my stories to maturity so to speak.

[@alexormulea]

After attempting what you got from this video, I think ur story would be interesting to write a screenplay on... It's a story many of us share, showing the psychological challenges we experience when trying to learn such crafts...

[@j.87558]

​@@alexormulea Yes indeed! Now, my thoughts go to Adaptation at the moment: there's often two sides struggling inside of us when engaging in this sort of thing. Finding a resolution is key - nurturing the proper mindset for our particular situation. It might be an unique screenplay that way. It would certainly be an interesting screenplay to write, if anything, to develop a good sense for pursuing this further and deeper.

[@kylesmith9466]

So basically he saying, “we take their money and know their going to fail. But, we will never tell them that so we can keep taking their money”…SMFH! Everything’s a scheme

[@DanielL.Phillips]

Very very very good. " Compelling Conflict". Thanks

[@Katryoska]

What is the title of the book that Scott Kirkpatrick mentions? He wrote more than one and on this video, he keeps saying "I highlight this in the book, etc." Now I really want to read it.

[@FilmCourage2]

Writing for the Green Light: How to Make Your Script the One Hollywood Notices - amzn.to/2xbMsft

[@tubelife70]

If the screenplay review process is so intense, resulting in the majority of screenplays being thrown directly into the trash, one must ask: why are there are so many shitty movies being produced?

[@tommyshelby1471]

I think the same, these days you can watch so many movies with so ridiculous screenplays that is for cry, maybe they have great conections in the industry thats all.

[@malenafalicoff7532]

Exactly! Why did "The Kissing Booth" happened? I dont understand why so many shitty movies did happened... Seriously

[@darmor85]

Probably the story script wasn't shitty maybe the execution of the said script was shitty. ..remember once a script is sold the studio can butcher what they want .. don't get me wrong it's plenty shitty screenplays out there I'm just throwing in this factor when considering also..

[@alancham4]

Because of who’s doing the selection and the systems they rely on. A lot of the filters and gates are arbitrary and there to hide the fact it really isn’t a strict meritocracy based on some high ideals of art and craft.

[@friendlyone2706]

Just learned all Hollywood except one actor thumbs downed the script for My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Fact: many gatekeepers are do jaded, classic life is meaningless to them

[@two-moonz2953]

Take a shot every time he says "Pop off the page!" Then watch Battle field Earth!

[@batboy3746]

LOL

[@wesleytaylor2623]

😂

[@Zton-yn4kc]

“Pop off the page” is the most irritating screenplay description, followed by “compelling” as an adjective. You can find a screenplay COMPELS you to throw it in the garbage. “Compelling” isn’t always “INTERESTING”

[@frenstcht]

"How do I sell my script?" would not be the first question I'd ask. Edited to add: "Everybody has an idea of failure, but nobody knows what it is." LOL. Live my life for a few years, sister.

[@markthomas8018]

How come these teachers have not written the biggest and most successful movies of all time?

[@dcle944]

Does anyone have the training exercises for escalation?

[@Naychurr123]

I love you tube!

[@adampavlovic6905]

Ah, yes. Screenwriting knowledge gold from the writer of Battlefield Earth.

[@dakota7323]

the only reason the writer of battlefield earth is here is cause he was a reader for some executive, he’s credentials are really thin

[@FilmCourage2]

Here's what he's done that most writers have never experienced - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGWcdHyMrdCagc0 and here is what happened with Battlefield Earth - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKiwlJpslKaIlck

[@rsacchi100]

You don't think someone has the talent but take their money and waste their time assuming they'll figure it out at some point after spending an unknown amount of money.

[@Z5Z5Z5]

Hah rip At least he said he changed his ways

[@anna8bananas]

Incredible compilation! Ultimately we write because it's fascinating, challenging, requires constant learning, so many pieces to juggle, and hundreds of techniques to master. "It's the hardest craft in the world that will take a lifetime to master". (John Truby). Sobering, but also affirms the importance of the 'growth mindset' to be successful. "The most important quality to being a successful writer is the willingness to learn from anywhere..."John Trudy

[@coffeeandthenewspaper3835]

I believe that it depends on the reader . Can they understand and relate (Hollywood producer or stranger) to what you wrote ?

[@jcjensenllc]

Can't say, "Pop off the page" without snapping his fingers. Oh, and maybe he could explain what that means - give and example.

[@liltick102]

“Notes” as in?

[@Козак-т6с]

I don’t understand what this guy teaches if he is unable to identify the skills needed to write a “compelling conflict”. Sounds to me he just calls it conflict, but he himself doesn’t know what it is that makes a good screenplay or movie.

[@shenyin9989]

If from the first page, you can judge whether it's going to be a good movie or not, you are full of it!

[@DanielL.Phillips]

I listened to this interview.. He would know because he does it for a career. If I had a buck for every film I've watched since 1957 that didn't create the most intriguing interest in the first scene I'd be a Big Foot creature. If he can tell it from the first page. It's because he's has special powers.. Way too many films you sit there and sit there. I just watched- Denzel's new film- The Equalizer. It didn't. It was some dude with his son driving in a car. That went on well in to maybe 6 minutes. That's a "studio film Production" too not and independent. It was Columbia under Sony Pictures. Then the film got blah for a long long while and I thought- Yo- You better kick it up! It finally came together and wasn't a bad film at all. The Audience gets use to a fast paced films like John Wick or Fast and furious. I just watched- Liam Neeson's new release. It dragged and dragged. Not that impressive..

[@MrExnihlo]

Reasons why most people fail at screen writing: 1. Taking advice from someone who wrote Battlefield Earth.

[@Madbandit77]

LOL

[@victorallencook7107]

I've got this . 🗻

[@fd10801]

I didn't understand what "pop off the page" meant until I didn't understand what a compelling conflict was. He might be a good writer, but he's a lousy teacher!

[@klartext2225]

That BATTLEFIELD EARTH guy AGAAIINNN????? Please pop off the screen.

[@jobyden105]

They'll figure it out after they've spent hundreds taking your classes... ok.

[@everafter2611]

My screenplay was rejected because the character motivation wasn't clear. ;P

[@gururaj9110]

It's motive, not motivation.

[@mychannel-rt2gn]

@@gururaj9110 they’re the same thing.

[@jinchoung]

most people would fail at screenwriting discounting ability altogether. STATISTICALLY you are likely to fail. it's like opening a restaurant except with MUCH worse odds.

[@emyserozzi8088]

Always start with simple stories, you know? Comedy, drama, thriller......something simple. That's what I learned throughout the years when studying screenwriting on my own. A good example are the Wachowskis sisters. They didn't started right away with The Matrix, but started with smaller projects first.

[@soulofangel1990]

what bunch downers lol, write your shit, and keep working on it, until you make it.

[@JayTaylor3dollarfilms]

This sounds like gatekeepers using arbitrary rules to gatekeep. If I was a mid-talent Goldberg with the right uncle...I have a job. If I take the right gender studies and film class...I have a job. Its a casting couch world for writers.

[@citizenbobx]

I wish I'd heard this stuff back when I thought about writing. I wouldn't have bothered.

[@defiverr4697]

One word: Ritalin and Acid. It will make you a great million dollar screenwriter. Not to mention proper, education from an established institution. Then ritalin and acid.

[@bread1206]

So why are Hollywood still making sucky movies 😄

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

There are 50,000+ spec screenplays written every year. Of that, 120 are sold. Write only what you can film yourself. You won't sell it to Hollywood. Sorry, fact.

[@danbee998]

You won't sell garbage to Hollywood, fact. The reason of this video: to help new and existing writers not write garbage.

[@user-vw6xp5nl6t]

So if I write 417 screenplays a year... ill sell at least ONE! Yes!! There's still hope.

[@bradebronson8835]

50 000? More like 500 000. 50 000 are registered with the Writers guild. That means WAY more are written. And that's only in America. I wouldn't say write only what you can film yourself. Everyone's different. Many of those writers aren't into writing Indy's. And if you write what you aren't passionate about, it shows in the writing.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@bradebronson8835 Yup. But there are no other numbers available. Let's be honest; write something you can film! On the off chance someone with power us super impressed by your film, well, there you go!!!

[@lishkoburger12]

Let's be honest, there's no evidence for the 50k number anymore. Even that number has become a joke. I'd be curious to see what the ACTUAL NEW NUMBER is based off current data. HOWEVER, you are 100% correct about making stuff yourself. I shot a web series last year and it'll premiere on vimeo on 1/1/2020 (it's called Long Walks on the Beach pleaselikeusonfacebookokayillshutup). The fact is, if I brought it to my manager, he would either send out the spec for meetings or dismiss it entirely. GO MAKE YOUR OWN STUFF! Watch Mark Duplass' speech at the 2015 sxsw keynote and get inspired!!

[@redbaron8130]

I think a part of “the protagonist” and a script only being written one way with a “protagonist” is a part of the problem. I remember watching a famous director getting really mad when asked who his protagonist is. Story should be characters, one can be considered a protagonist? I guess if your writing a rom com or a thriller that hits all the right beats in the typical paint by numbers way you’d have a “protagonist”

[@thiswhoweare1949]

Make your own shit........ Don't expect to hit a Jack pot and Try to sell out

[@WiLyO8]

‘

[@zipperpillow]

I see garbage being made all of the time. Almost everything out there is trash. Don't let these wankers spook you off. Have fun writing stories you like. These guys are not your customers. I am.

[@coffeeandthenewspaper3835]

Keep that day job .

[@claeslundin9542]

Totsie??? Crap movie!!! Her analysis is just as much crap!!! I subscribed to the Channel, but ten minutes in a unsubscriebed again.

[@ActorsReal2Reel]

clearly you know more than everyone in this video. Can you direct us all to your analysis of screen writing and show us your movies to show us a good example?

[@claeslundin9542]

@@ActorsReal2Reel I will be om the look out. It is comming.

[@ImAProudSteelersFan]

@@claeslundin9542 You'll never make it, clown.

[@claeslundin9542]

@@ImAProudSteelersFan Why not??? And Why do you reffering to Me as a clown??? Perhaps i already made it??? You do not know everything do you??? Tootsie your favorite movie???

[@ImAProudSteelersFan]

@@claeslundin9542 Your smugness towards professionals and people in the industry show you have no sense of appreciation for free game. You haven't made it because of your ego and if you made it, you wouldn't be on KZbin trashing film pages sabotages your career clown. You're a clown because you're a clown.