#24 - A Different Writer
Edition #24 of the Lighthouse miniLetter!
You'll always get:
Three examples of great screenwriting
Two quotes about storytelling
One thing to think about
Plus some fun links at the bottom.
Three examples of great screenwriting
Cabaret
Screenplay by Jay Presson Allen
If you ever want to know what confident writing looks like, see above. Every choice is extremely specific.
Miracle Workers (Pilot)
Written by Simon Rich, Based on the novel What in God's Name by Simon Rich
Tried and true joke set-up, and it works. Don’t knock the classics, y’all. (Even funnier when you realize the “he” they’re talking about is God.)
Ghosted (Pilot)
Written by Eric Shahinian
So many cool things.
I actually like the caption and comment being in dialogue, for the purposes of a spec at least.
The action line really moves, and you can feel each beat of individual destruction. Really cool.
And then you get a really good sense of Artemis’ relationship with Meline (their mother). Lovely detail with when Meline slips into Armenian. And I particularly like how Artemis doesn’t debate if The Exorcist is shameful, but simply defends their reason for watching it with “MY BIRTHDAY!”
It’s a lot packed in a little. Really great stuff.
Two quotes about screenwriting
“Someone once said to me that passion doesn’t sustain, but curiosity does.”
“The difference between life and the movies is that a script has to make sense, and life doesn’t.”
One thing to think about
How would someone else write this?
Feeling stuck on a scene? Or it just doesn’t have that x factor you’re looking for
What is the Quentin Tarantino version of your scene? Maybe it's injected with sharp dialogue, over-the-top action, or a sprinkle of dark humor.
What is the Terrence Malick version of your scene? What does this scene look like if it’s quieter, more philosophical, or filled with poignant voice-over and stunning visuals?
And the Aaron Sorkin version? Perhaps it's a fast-paced verbal sparring match.
Don't stop with famous filmmakers. Consider how friends and peers you respect might approach the scene. You don’t have to mimic their style, but you might view your work through different creative lenses, challenge your preconceptions, and explore new directions.
Don’t be afraid to ask yourself:
How would someone else write this?
Have a great draft,
David Wappel
PS Don’t Miss
Years later, still one of the most in-depth story breakdowns of any film franchise
This “sport” has been my latest obsession
Artist Portfolio: Scott Raineri (Spoiler Alert: he does it all)