Beginners Guide To Screenwriting - Shannan E. Johnson [FULL INTERVIEW]

0:00 - Introduction To Screenwriting
15:04 - 3 Common Mistakes Beginning Screenwriters Make
25:52 - Best Practices For Beginning Screenwriters
37:19 - Screenplay Structure For Beginners
48:42 - How Screenplay Outlines Work
1:00:39 - How I Teach Screenplay Structure
1:08:43 - How To Introduce The Protagonist
1:16:20 - How To Write SMART Goals For Your Characters
1:24:09 - 3 Mistakes Screenwriters Make In Act 2 That Ruin A Screenplay
1:37:43 - Biggest Mistakes Writers Make With Subplots
Shannan E. Johnson, a native of Houston, TX, is a former creative executive at The Syfy Channel turned CEO of the first black-owned script consultancy in the entertainment industry, The Professional Pen. The Professional Pen is a writer-centered service provider helping emerging and established creatives develop their stories for the screen.
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Пікірлер: 126

  • @fiachoconnor
    @fiachoconnor Жыл бұрын

    This woman is an incredible teacher. Any student or client is blessed to have her. Competent, clear, open, and focused on the person not herself. Truly rare in people let alone teachers. What a woman.

  • @akilahetep3821
    @akilahetep38212 жыл бұрын

    I think I've commented on nearly every FC interview with Shannan but I so so so so LOOVVEEEE her articulation when deconstructing the art of screenwriting. Always easy to understand and straight to the point.

  • @Mr.Monta77
    @Mr.Monta77 Жыл бұрын

    I’m surprised she isn’t also a successful actor. With her looks, smarts and charisma, it’s hard to understand why studios aren’t fighting to get her in front of the camera, not just behind it. Awesome presence and expressive power.

  • @nailinthefashion

    @nailinthefashion

    Жыл бұрын

    It's giving Angela Bassett imo

  • @Mr.Monta77

    @Mr.Monta77

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nailinthefashion Sorry I don’t get your point? Elaborate please?

  • @nailinthefashion

    @nailinthefashion

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Mr.Monta77 that's who she reminds me of

  • @Mr.Monta77

    @Mr.Monta77

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nailinthefashion Right, sorry I didnt think about that. I don’t live in the states.

  • @nailinthefashion

    @nailinthefashion

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Mr.Monta77 no worries, hope you're warm 💐🥂

  • @SUBSYNDICATE
    @SUBSYNDICATE Жыл бұрын

    I love how shannan is so passionate about the mechanics behind stories. she is NEVER biased and I would pay serious amounts just to see her feedback beginner scripts. We can learn so much from her passion

  • @djemonk
    @djemonk2 жыл бұрын

    This interview is like an extra Christmas

  • @chardonaye7488
    @chardonaye74882 жыл бұрын

    Literally clicked soon as I got the notification. Thank you 🙏🏾❤️this is exactly what I’m looking for.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great! Hope you get a lot out of this one.

  • @AnontonioTalesFromtheCrypto
    @AnontonioTalesFromtheCrypto Жыл бұрын

    That's some of the best advice I've seen on this channel. She's so good. Interviewer asks the best questions ever. I swear.

  • @palootto4021
    @palootto40212 жыл бұрын

    Shannan is an awesome teacher and the host ask the best questions.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @DarkKnightDiary
    @DarkKnightDiary2 жыл бұрын

    I ❤️ her approach to characters. Thanks for another incredible interview with Shannan 🙏🏾

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    You got it! We love this one and are happy to share.

  • @daironsimons1815
    @daironsimons18152 жыл бұрын

    I am so glad I found this channel. Analyzing cinema is my favorite pass time.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Dairon!

  • @walterpost9073
    @walterpost90732 жыл бұрын

    2 whole hours of Shannon? I’m in. I’m gonna start writing right now. Well, right now after two hours but you know what I mean.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cheers, keep creating!

  • @AlexKurilovMusic
    @AlexKurilovMusic2 жыл бұрын

    I want to give kudos to the interviewer as well. Those are some great follow up questions

  • @ferrarriohh
    @ferrarriohh2 жыл бұрын

    I have wanted to see this in it’s entirety for a while now. Im not any kind of screenwriter or professional, its just a passion. This is a class Im just excited to be a member of the audience. So grateful thank u, and Shannan

  • @val99star
    @val99star Жыл бұрын

    Shannan is so brilliant and articulate. I'm in awe. Thank you for sharing this amazing content with us!

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    Жыл бұрын

    Cheers Betti! We hope it inspires your work!

  • @patrickmcdonald8513
    @patrickmcdonald85132 жыл бұрын

    Loves her reference to Dave Chappelle and True Hollywood stories

  • @Statford
    @Statford2 жыл бұрын

    One of the best interviews on screenwriting! She is spot on about storytelling, and writing, and so many of the other interviews by Film Courage, they say you have to do this and this....like there are rules on how to make it, but this woman specifically states there is no such thing, and explains why as well :)

  • @mallmone3562
    @mallmone35623 ай бұрын

    Useful information. Deeply Appreciated

  • @KEMET1971
    @KEMET19717 ай бұрын

    For me, Shannon is the best guest this channel has.

  • @delyseonduty
    @delyseonduty2 жыл бұрын

    YES I have been waiting for this gem of a video to drop ❤

  • @ChentheInfj
    @ChentheInfj2 жыл бұрын

    This was very helpful. I'm currently into music but my love for film and screenwriting is rising.

  • @JonathanLawrence_Director
    @JonathanLawrence_Director5 ай бұрын

    Shannan is Fabulous. She sounds extraordinarily knowledgeable and disseminates valuable information with finesse. Bravo

  • @Grimtheorist
    @Grimtheorist2 жыл бұрын

    I think someone needs to make Film Courage movie staring Shannen and Chris Gore as a superhero duo that goes around punching out bad movie scripts and story ideas. I strongly believe that these two could save the world from bad movies.

  • @thabangmakgalemele8730
    @thabangmakgalemele87308 ай бұрын

    Thank you Shannan for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. Thank you Film Courage team for the interview🙏🏾🙌🏾👌🏾🔥.

  • @daichimax
    @daichimax Жыл бұрын

    I Like Shannan! I'll write her name in my wish list and check her website.

  • @RichRayBeatsnFilms
    @RichRayBeatsnFilms2 жыл бұрын

    On my way home to order wings 🍗 open my lap top and get down to Final Draft 📃 🖥 ... this video came right on time ⏰️ 👍🏾❤ ... she's very knowledgeable. Always on target 🎯 💯

  • @MEETMagazine
    @MEETMagazine2 жыл бұрын

    Been waiting for this!

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    We're glad to finally have this posted! Cheers!

  • @ricomcclinton2982
    @ricomcclinton2982 Жыл бұрын

    You guys have great content! Definitely have to be consistent with the work!!

  • @BethBarany
    @BethBarany2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this in-depth interview! I’m halfway through and have already gleaned so much and am quite inspired. I’m learning to write graphic novel scripts, which don’t have fixed formatting, though story is story! Thanks again to both of you!!

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    This is great to hear Beth! Our best to you and your work!

  • @midnightstormentertainment9183
    @midnightstormentertainment91832 жыл бұрын

    I don't think I've missed a single video of Shannon E Johnson especially when she mentions "raising the stakes". My name is Jarrett Matthews and not only am I an actor but I also write. I plan on consulting with you about this Screenplay I'm working on but I'm not sure how much you charge.

  • @lisabaxter7786
    @lisabaxter77862 жыл бұрын

    Sharing is caring shared this

  • @marcusspicer2676
    @marcusspicer2676 Жыл бұрын

    Shannon is on point! I'm motivated to write now.

  • @yifeng007
    @yifeng0077 ай бұрын

    I am surprised that this channel has not reached 1 million subscribers yet. Your contents have been fantastic.

  • @CritterElectronics
    @CritterElectronics2 ай бұрын

    I watch your videos multiple times, it’s not one and done. I watch them as my daily podcasts. I watch them on continuous play. It’s been helping drill the information into me.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 ай бұрын

    Love to hear that. We hope they continue to provide you value!

  • @jefferywatson4176
    @jefferywatson4176 Жыл бұрын

    you are a good teacher

  • @nippyfan
    @nippyfan6 ай бұрын

    This is incredible. I'm grateful she took the time to share her knowledge.

  • @gabrielbeigel4265
    @gabrielbeigel42652 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this great interview!

  • @dherman0001
    @dherman0001 Жыл бұрын

    Priceless interview!

  • @filmcourage
    @filmcourage2 жыл бұрын

    What is something this video taught you?

  • @ferrarriohh

    @ferrarriohh

    2 жыл бұрын

    Diehard. I finally understand why I love Diehard. Shannan explains at around 1:20 mark how protagonists and antagonists roles can be flipped inside of a story, and its the audience member’s perceptions that frame the view Hans Gruber is the hero of his own story, John McClane is a nuisance who subverts his carefully laid plan. I now consider the idea of a movie that takes Hans Gruber and John McClane, and inverts them as a seed Id like to tell in a larger tale

  • @mallmone3562
    @mallmone35623 ай бұрын

    Brilliant Teacher.. Going to join her classes.. Onelove from London. [Working as editor but started trying to write during Lockdown]

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    3 ай бұрын

    Best of luck moving forward!

  • @DovieRuthAuthor
    @DovieRuthAuthor2 жыл бұрын

    This is fabulous information! For those of us who write novels, does that become a real advantage when creating the outline/screenplay?

  • @scifirealism5943
    @scifirealism59432 жыл бұрын

    This channel provides limitless great content.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Well, we appreciate the support. Doing our best!

  • @scifirealism5943

    @scifirealism5943

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@filmcourage I'm writing science fiction now. Thanks to your channel I know I'll succeed one day!

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@scifirealism5943 It will be because of you and the work you do. Cheers!

  • @scifirealism5943

    @scifirealism5943

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@filmcourage retype

  • @komodokisaragi9398
    @komodokisaragi93982 жыл бұрын

    i like her alot

  • @leonoradompor8706
    @leonoradompor87062 жыл бұрын

    I love you Shannan ****

  • @NyimaWongchuk
    @NyimaWongchuk Жыл бұрын

    Great video!

  • @noahmorrelljr.999
    @noahmorrelljr.999 Жыл бұрын

    Great interview.

  • @omri10011
    @omri100112 жыл бұрын

    so freaking helpful!!! thank you so much for doing this, amazing stuff.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great to hear! Our best to you and your work!

  • @UserOfTheUnknown
    @UserOfTheUnknown Жыл бұрын

    Excellent advice.

  • @filmcourage
    @filmcourage2 жыл бұрын

    What did you like about this video?

  • @Marxtheory

    @Marxtheory

    2 жыл бұрын

    Shannan! She's the best at explaining aspects of screenwriting and the business. Her analogies are SOO easy to understand and put into practice. Please have more of her content. As soon as I see her name I click!

  • @lisabaxter7786
    @lisabaxter77862 жыл бұрын

    Wow Fantabulous thanks

  • @BrickmasterinKy
    @BrickmasterinKy2 жыл бұрын

    Tbh, If you’re looking for or need a “step by step guide” to do anything hollywood related then it’s probably not for you. I heard so many well what if this, and Here’s an outlier for why I could subvert or skip entirely the processes snd rules that everyone else has to follow. What really lost me was the lack of desire to even be your own advocate for your screenplay. You have to understand if YOU don’t believe enough in your work to have the courage to even TRY to shop it around, and network then it’s just posing. This is CREATIVE work, with a million ways to do it well and requires a level of sacrifice that will need to endure criticism, being poor, being turned away, and the only thing to sustain yourself is the will to keep writing keep creating, and nothing else…

  • @shakesbeerzz2367
    @shakesbeerzz2367 Жыл бұрын

    Shannon is such an Intelligent screenplay writer and such an outstanding teacher.

  • @MultiEmpyre
    @MultiEmpyre10 ай бұрын

    Incredible video. Thank you Film Courage!

  • @RavinderSingh-ft5dw
    @RavinderSingh-ft5dw Жыл бұрын

    Superb work dear

  • @mr.b6789
    @mr.b67892 жыл бұрын

    I just love this 😎👍

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Cheers!

  • @mr.b6789

    @mr.b6789

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@filmcourage 🍷 thx, appreciate it 😉

  • @ch355_
    @ch355_2 жыл бұрын

    thank you for this. it is wonderful.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Shannan is great! Thanks for watching!

  • @ch355_

    @ch355_

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@filmcourage the interviewer is great too! i don’t know of anyone better at asking such good questions when the guest is unclear or to change the topic, but also so good at keeping quiet when the guest is in their groove. no egotistical interruptions. so professional and polished and kind that she makes it look easy.

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. We do our best to feature our guests.

  • @kalinthealias9382
    @kalinthealias93822 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you again Kalin! It's great to see others find value in our interview with Shannan! We think she's terrific!

  • @arshadmusafer3729
    @arshadmusafer37292 жыл бұрын

    thanks appreciate a lot❤❤❤❤❤❤✌

  • @Nicole-lz3bb
    @Nicole-lz3bb2 жыл бұрын

    Bedankt

  • @filmcourage

    @filmcourage

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Nicole! Great to see you finding value in this video! Our best to you! 🇳🇱

  • @sivutietuote
    @sivutietuote Жыл бұрын

    Great content! If you just put some limiter to input of microphone it wouldn't get distorted in some places in timeline... All other is golden!!!

  • @marcmedina4376
    @marcmedina4376 Жыл бұрын

    She's soo Great with a lot of wonderful first hand sage advice! ": )"

  • @mannymoseley4005
    @mannymoseley4005 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for posting these instructions, it was helpful and informative and entertaining. Thank you. God bless you. Friday, May 12, 2023

  • @KEMET1971
    @KEMET19717 ай бұрын

    I would love to know her outlook on A.I., as it evolves to the point of making it possible to make a film yourself using that technology.

  • @Sketching4Sanity
    @Sketching4Sanity6 ай бұрын

    Love ✊🏿🔥

  • @mikelambo7133
    @mikelambo71332 жыл бұрын

    This so helpful I remember when they was shooting fnF7 in my city one of the set ppl like you just gotta no someone in this business to get stared

  • @mrchops4099
    @mrchops40992 жыл бұрын

    LOL I need these things in my real life! Looks like I’m’a comedy.

  • @hankthepatriot3733
    @hankthepatriot37332 жыл бұрын

    Is there a good reliable site for actual screenplays for movies and television? I've often wondered if what I was reading was authentic. (I have never bothered with "transcripts" since no scene descriptions or stage directions were present, which is why I'm reading them.) I like to see how a James Gunn approaches the scene directions vs a Quentin Tarantino...

  • @wrongbutnotaliar5606

    @wrongbutnotaliar5606

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@babumurugesan6977 Hitchcock explained a lot of that very very well

  • @Ja.abbatta_V
    @Ja.abbatta_V2 жыл бұрын

    Did this advice also work if I went to make comics?

  • @jasonhommas1775
    @jasonhommas17759 ай бұрын

    Shannan goated

  • @WakeAndBakeWithUncleRay
    @WakeAndBakeWithUncleRay2 жыл бұрын

    No way I wouldn't have time for Shannan,

  • @arzabael
    @arzabael5 ай бұрын

    Shes a genius gosh dang it a genius

  • @brooklynbrownen7326
    @brooklynbrownen73262 жыл бұрын

    How do we get in touch with you

  • @mambwechibu6899
    @mambwechibu6899 Жыл бұрын

    I want to be a student of Shannan

  • @eprohoda
    @eprohoda2 жыл бұрын

    Film,wwow~ so insane .))

  • @ferrarriohh
    @ferrarriohh2 жыл бұрын

    “If you are watching that now, the trend has passed”😂 yes, i have seen this in recent history. RMB has said a similar thing, about how WB has been chasing Marvel Studios for years, they follow not lead. Hoping there will be a change of tide or the winds have changed, Id really like to see better DC movies in years to come.

  • @lotkf1
    @lotkf12 жыл бұрын

    "there are no new ideas" this simple phrase made me automatically dismiss everything the interviewee had to say. It's not that there are no new ideas, there's just too many people not willing to do the work to create something new.

  • @fellowcitizen
    @fellowcitizen2 жыл бұрын

    🦎💚Shannan🐞❤

  • @willdenham
    @willdenham2 жыл бұрын

    Why does she bring up Bokowski, a novelist and poet?

  • @sheliaplease1

    @sheliaplease1

    Жыл бұрын

    She brought up Bokowski because as a novelist and poet, he did his own thing. Just like Ms. Johnson suggested that we do. Break the rules if it works for us.

  • @JoanneWinfield
    @JoanneWinfield2 ай бұрын

    I originally only wanted to write my own life story, but I have a comedy I want to write first.

  • @ConsecrationChronicles
    @ConsecrationChronicles3 ай бұрын

    50:31

  • @EscapePodcast
    @EscapePodcast Жыл бұрын

    Semiautomatic

  • @gamezswinger
    @gamezswinger4 ай бұрын

    Don't forget: "Many now-famous and critically acclaimed screenplays were initially rejected by Hollywood readers or faced challenges in getting green-lit. Rejection is a common part of the entertainment industry, and even some iconic films faced initial skepticism."

  • @robovader7625
    @robovader76252 жыл бұрын

    The only rule you need: Have friends working in film industry.

  • @loredelamore
    @loredelamore2 жыл бұрын

    Watch out with some script readers though, a Murder She Wrote script writer ruined my mom's script to make it Tarzan speech. He was a jerk.

  • @plantedpictures-bg2ix
    @plantedpictures-bg2ix Жыл бұрын

    You can make your own film independently or you can go down the avenue with an agent . Every single person in the business is not under the oath .

  • @juanh6149
    @juanh61497 күн бұрын

    There is nothing like true street experience.. getting out and doing it... How much do you want it... Are you willing to be homeless and live in your car for 5 years to pursue your DREAMS??

  • @PvtSchlock
    @PvtSchlock6 ай бұрын

    Idk, that zombie shit went on for over a decade. Flaked out vampire went on for what? 6 or 7 years? Still, best to develop your chops and hit that due diligence/research. Be prolific.

  • @zachlars3854
    @zachlars3854 Жыл бұрын

    i like alot of vids from film courage but these 1 hr + videos are way too much, too much fluff not enough down to the point

  • @thisismagacountry1318
    @thisismagacountry13182 жыл бұрын

    First, write a really WOKE script. Then lay back as the money rolls in because they eat that shit up.

  • @nailinthefashion

    @nailinthefashion

    Жыл бұрын

    Rightists are so wild

  • @princeamu
    @princeamu Жыл бұрын

    All this hard work. Just use chatgpt 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. I’m joking……or I’m I 🤔🧐