Writing is about making choices...

Writing, and especially screenwriting is ALL about making choices! Chapter One of the Screenwriting Essentials online tutorial & workbook discuss the Story Concept and idea.

From the very first image you see on the screen, you are telling your audience what to expect in this visual journey they are about to embark upon. I always say that writing is about choices and your choices for telling your story start with that very first image.

Every artist faces this decision-making process whether it’s an oil painter, a photographer or you the screenwriter. Visually speaking, you compose each scene - you choose the location (what does it say) to the viewer? You choose the apparel of each actor (to some extent) what does that say? You choose the WORDS they speak. What is going on beneath the actual words that come out of the actors’ mouths? Are they saying ‘I love you, I love you…. while they batter each other with trash from a garbage can?

That doesn’t mean that you become a ‘control freak’ as a writer. Detailing every single little element of the characters actions and looks and settings. You leave many, many choices to the director and the actor and the set designer and the locations manager. But, when it’s important to our understanding of the story or the emotional landscape of the heroine/hero you add details in your script that add nuance and depth to the audiences understanding of your character or her journey.

There is a power and a responsibility in every story choice you make as a writer. With proper planning, you can learn to revel in the choosing. Don’t be frozen in place, unable to act or stymied with indecision. Choose wisely; choose well to show us who your characters are.

I hope this helps. And I do wish you good luck with your writing.