#40 - Pages or Reactions
Edition #40 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
The Afterparty (Pilot)
Current Revisions by Christopher Miller
I like how this slugline, which is the first slugline of the entire script tells us that we’re going to be cross-cutting between various places. So a mini-slug or new slug isn’t needed and the script can just write “ - ANIQ,” and “ - ZOE,” to signal a new location and function as a character intro.
Great economy here on the page to explain what’s going on.
The Terminator (Treatment)
Written by James Cameron
This isn’t the script. It’s his treatment.
Talk about knowing what you want.
ReMemory (Pilot)
Written by Alex Marden
It’s rare that I get to talk about larger ideas and concepts here (due to the nature of screenshots in a weekly newsletter) so I was very excited to share this one.
Marden’s script is an incredibly thoughtful exploration of reincarnation, specifically through a new drug “ReMemory” that can give you access to memories of your own past lives.
What I truly love about this infomercial explaining the product is the way that it includes some actually pretty powerful advertising and copywriting principles. It doesn’t just explain the drug, which is all we need as an audience. But it’s built for the customers of his world.
Notice how this ad:
positions itself as unique, creates opposition: “a different kind of treatment”
includes a testimonial: “…anti-depressants couldn’t help. ReMemory did.”
highlights the personal benefit: “I’m done reliving the past.”
provides a positive headline/catchphrase: “Break free”
And amidst all that, it teases our interest because if it works we explore characters’ past lives. Good drama.
But look at those side-effects if it doesn’t work. Hallucinations? Also good drama.
Plus, some nice world-building by establishing the medical/scientific premise. Really cool pilot.
If you want to hear Alex Marden talk more about ReMemory and some of his other work too, you can hear him in the Lighthouse podcast series The Lamp!
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Lighthouse website.
Two quotes about screenwriting
“My technicians are my most important tools. Once I establish a rapport with them, then they would understand me in my next film. I wouldn’t have to train anyone new. I give a lot of respect to all my technicians, because I’m a technician too. I wouldn’t be able to convey a feeling if the writer didn’t write it well, and the cameraman didn’t shoot it well.”
“I just want to hold up a mirror and say, “This is who we are.””
One thing to think about
Are you looking at the pages or your reaction?
If you aren’t giving notes to your fellow peers, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity for your own growth as a writer.
Reflecting on why something isn’t working for you, articulating it for another writer, and then proposing a solution (or two) that not only works for you, but is also in service of the writer’s goals is a skill that takes time to cultivate.
Neil Gaiman said that when people say something isn’t working, they’re almost always right. When they say why it isn’t working, they’re almost always wrong.
So taking the time to really try and get under the hood of not only the script you’re reading, but your own reaction to it, is a worthwhile endeavor that you want to make sure you don’t shortchange.
Giving notes is an interrogation of yourself as much as it is the pages. Don’t be afraid to look inward.
Are you looking at the pages or your reaction?
Have a great draft,
David Wappel
PS Don’t Miss
Another plug for The Lamp, a Lighthouse podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Lighthouse website.
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