| Last weekend, I held another sold-out workshop | | | | wonder why it just doesn't "sing"? Is it flat or dull |
| at Fox in Sydney, and, as is usually the case at | | | | or seem like something's wrong, and it's just not |
| my workshops, I found a new way of presenting | | | | going anywhere? |
| an idea that helped me grasp it better. And I'd like | | | | Here's a tip that took me ages to really |
| to share it with you. | | | | understand: When you put characters in conflict |
| You've probably heard it before, but there's a | | | | with one another, the audience is drawn to it. |
| phrase that goes like this: "All Drama is Conflict". | | | | They can't help but watch an interesting conflict! |
| One of the mistakes writers often make is | | | | And if you don't believe me, consider the last |
| overlooking (or misunderstanding) this simple idea. | | | | time you saw a couple on the street having an |
| We frequently read screenplays that don't have | | | | argument. Your instinctive reaction was to look, |
| enough conflict. And when that happens, it means | | | | maybe even to watch. |
| a dull read. | | | | That's drama. |
| Read the phrase again and let it sink in. It doesn't | | | | The point is this: They are NOT separate things. |
| say "All Drama has a lot of Conflict". It says All | | | | Drama IS conflict. So the quickest way to spice |
| Drama IS Conflict. | | | | up your story is to add another layer of conflict. |
| It goes to the very heart and essence of | | | | Person A wants something, but Person B stands |
| storytelling. Conflict is the very nature of drama, | | | | in his way (or wants it too!). |
| and without it, there simply is no story. Nothing's | | | | We're not talking about a few major scenes. |
| happening. | | | | We're talking about everything! Your logline needs |
| Consider the last story you wrote, or the last | | | | it, your synopsis needs it, your treatment needs |
| scene you hammered out. Was it built entirely | | | | it, and your screenplay needs it. On every page. |
| around conflict? Was the whole point of the scene | | | | In every scene. In every story. |
| to show two or more characters at odds with | | | | Because that's what storytelling is all about. |
| one another (at least on some level), or a | | | | Now get out there and create some conflict! |
| character at odds with herself? | | | | Keep on writing! |
| When you re-read your work, do you ever | | | | |