#4 - Story Through Design
Edition #4 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
Room
Written by Emma Donaghue
From the first page, describing the titular room. Could’ve easily been a paragraph describing the room, but calling out the specificity of every thing forces the images/shots, making Room simultaneously big and small. There’s repetition of “A blank…” but it’s not so strict that it becomes gimmicky.
Santa Clarita Diet
Written by Victor Fresco
The image juxtaposed with the dialogue encapsulates the thematic engine of the show. This is a trailer moment. Perhaps the trailer moment.
It Happened One Night
Screenplay by Robert Riskin
(retyped for clarity of image)
Just an interesting look at how screenwriting has changed, or not changed, over time.
Two quotes about screenwriting
“My idea of a good fantasy is something that’s absolutely grounded in reality. And there’s a little element that doesn’t belong there - and that’s the fantasy element - that you have to react to and deal with in a completely real way.”
“We’re all here to be creative, so always be ready to receive and give help.”
One thing to think about
Is your design also telling the story?
Good design is crucial in communicating beyond the actions and words of characters.
Take any random still frame from Children of Men. Do we need any dialogue to tell us this world is in decline?
You can tell what Kendall Roy is trying to do by what he’s wearing at any given time. Is he projecting alpha male, or is he projecting aloof deep thinker? Suit and tie, or cardigan and beanie?
Good design can precede and support your world and characters.
It sounds obvious when you say it, but don’t forget to actually include the visual details that support the world and characters.
Is your design also telling the story?
Have a great draft,
David Wappel