Writing for Emotional Impact Karl Iglesias

What makes a movie/script work? Desired emotional response Feel power of screenplay Create intended emotion or image in reader’s head Concept, setting, characters, plot, dialogue, character arc High Concept - something unique that is appealing Hollywood trades in human emotion Heart over mind

Screenplay Readers look for Fresh characters Unique settings/behind the scenes Something we know in a way that moves us Refreshing

Four Emotional Needs Need for New Information Bond with Main Character Connect, relate Conflict resolution Completion/Closure Questions answered Entertainment/Emotional Impact

Three Types of Storytelling Emotions Voyeuristic Curiosity about new information Vicarious Feeling emotions of character Visceral What reader/audience feel from story Entertainment = experiencing visceral emotions

Screenwriter’s Process Planning Writing Rewriting

Planning Concept Theme Character Story Structure Scenes

Planning - Concept Idea – fresh, appealing, provocative Hook you emotionally Uniquely familiar Promise of conflict

Planning - Theme Reveals human condition Entertains and teaches Exploration Should resonate throughout The more meaningful the theme, the deeper the emotions

Planning - Character Attach talent to project Sell scripts because studios want roles for stars Emotional connection with main character

Planning - Story Character wants something and someone/something opposes him/her Conflict. Dramatic action. Goal > Obstacle. Unwillingness to compromise. Focus on elements that cause visceral emotions. Interest, curiosity (what happens next), anticipation, suspense, tension, surprise

Planning - Structure Beginning, middle and end Boil essence of story into 3 acts Setup – Conflict - Resolution

Planning - Scenes Mini-story Conflict or promise of conflict Somebody wants something badly and is having difficulty getting it Should be constructed in terms of its effects on readers Description and dialogue

Writing - Description Ability to totally immerse us in the experience Command attention on page Create motion – scenes seem like they move on the page Riveting reading experience

Writing - Dialogue Reveal character Reflect speaker’s mood and emotions Reveal or hide speaker’s motivation Advance the action, carry information Foreshadow what’s to come Have emotional impact Great Dialogue Emotional impact Individuality Subtle exposition Subtext Do not create false emotions Focus on true emotions and wounds Read great scripts Analyze writing that moves you

Rewrite Edit, edit, edit