Most Important Relationship in Screenwriting Is Between the Script and the Audience

Hi Friend,
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Welcome to the new edition of The Storytelling Wizard!

The most important relationship in the process of screenwriting is the one that the writer creates between the script and the audience.

Every relationship is dependent on three pillars:

• Trust/ Loyalty
• Communication/ Keeping your promises
• Charm/ Keeping the romance or spark alive

Today, let's talk about the trust factor.

When an audience member decides to watch a movie, they have already been promised something in the teaser trailer. The seeds of this trailer are sown during the writing process and the writer has complete control over how it's going to turn out (without being arrogant about it).

The trailer is created by the producer after watching the movie, but written by the writer in the first 15-20 minutes/ pages of the script.

It takes time to trust someone, but a fleeting moment is enough to break it forever. If something is not serving your story, it’s harming your story!

• Every moment in the story should stem from & relate to the core idea.
• The core idea could be the character flaw or an external obstacle your character faces.
• Supporting characters and subplots should reflect & amplify the protagonist’s conflict.
• The core idea grows with the protagonist throughout his/ her journey as they evolve, overcoming the obstacles.
• Exciting scenes are created by putting characters in uncomfortable situations that challenge their identity.

A character doesn’t just grow sitting in introspection - extreme challenges force them to confront their flaws and evolve.

Let’s take a rough idea and create a story where every moment grows out of the core idea.

1. Core Idea: True strength lies in vulnerability and asking for help when needed.
2. Protagonist: A single mother who prides herself on her independence and self-sufficiency, struggling to balance work and raising her child alone.
3. Central conflict: The mother loses her job and faces financial hardship, forcing her to confront her fear of relying on others for support.
4. Supporting Characters:
   • The mother’s estranged sister who offers to help but has a complicated history with the protagonist.
   • A coworker who seems to have the perfect life but secretly battles with depression.
   • The protagonist’s child, who needs emotional support during this difficult time.
5. Plot points:
   • The mother initially refuses help from her sister and tries to manage on her own.
   • The character-transforming choice is when the mother must decide whether to accept financial assistance from her sister or risk losing their home.
   • The coworker’s revelation about their mental health struggles helps the mother understand the importance of seeking support.
6. Symbols and motifs:
   • The mother’s old, worn-out work shoes represent her stubborn pride and refusal to accept help.
   • A family photograph serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the strength found in unity.
7. Resolution: The mother learns to embrace vulnerability and accepts help from her sister, mending their relationship. She discovers that true strength lies in interdependence and learns to lean on others during tough times. The mother finds a new job and creates a more balanced life for herself and her child.

In a way, this particular story doesn't have a riveting drama, but that's how every coming-of-age story works. Not a lot happens within the scope of the story but there's a significant character transformation that takes place.

Try and remember what happens in movies like Wake Up Sid or Superbad - examples of coming of age dramas.

In our story, the mother grows up and understands the importance of vulnerability in raising her strength.

Now, try doing this with your story.

You can only become a better writer by writing more stories - not by reading theory.

Go write! Once done, share your gems with me. :)

Until next time,

Ciao!