Distilling dramatic action into a single verb is so useful! I tend to get too caught up in the details when planning out and writing, and it becomes overwhelming real quick. Putting scenes into single actions will force me to be more specific with intent and purpose. It's so obvious, but it almost feels like a life hack.

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

I am the same way, that's why I grabbed on to that hack with both hands and never let go! And yes - it does come in oddly useful in life as well :)

Thanks for the advice! That passive verbs part was super eye opening too

@writingforscreens

3 жыл бұрын

So glad it was helpful!

I'm about to write a short story. It won't be a script, but these methods, as well as from the other videos, opened my eyes really wide. I've been writing different texts in the past: song lyrics, poems, super short stories, and I had one attempt at writing a book, but my ideas weren't always very specific. I kind of liked to be taken by the story on a journey, to see where it ends, so that the end could surprise me as well. Mostly it turned out ok. But with my newest idea, which is far more complex, I wanna do things right and you're helping me a lot. Thank you so much for sharing such valuable knowledge for free. I really appreciate it! ❤

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

This is so great for me to hear, thank you! It's wonderful that you are working from a source of fun and joy and yourself - and also exploring new creative territory. Great to do both!

Man, you explain stuff very clearly. I've had several a-ha moments while watching your videos. Just wanted to express my appreciation!

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this - it means a lot to me!

Your channel is a gem! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! The verb exercise was particularly helpful and eye-opening! Could be great for synthesizing the story in a clear way!

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks - I completely rely on the Verb Exercise now in my own writing!

Love it when you tell us to go write something, always motivates me

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

So happy to hear this, thank you! Keeps me from feeling foolish about having a catchphrase.

@mudman4500

Жыл бұрын

@@writingforscreens it's a great catchphrase and couldn't be more appropriate for your audience, it's too easy to talk about writing rather than actually doing it. Stick with it 👍

Thank you for adding the perspective of the actor through the lens of dramatic action. Very helpful!

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Screenwriters get much better when they understand what actors and directors do!

I had always the problem of characters being stuck in states and it was so cumbersome to get them into action. Now I throw the characters into random verb scenes and let them act around them as a warm-up, for experimenting and gaining experience and action starts to become fun! Thank you so much for sharing your experience in such a clear and vivid way!

@writingforscreens

8 ай бұрын

I'm so happy to hear that this video helps! Enjoy experimenting and having fun!

your videos are a gold mine for my research on how to write a proper treatment for my story. It's so good to learn the tools to ask the right questions! Thank you!

@writingforscreens

4 ай бұрын

I am so thrilled to hear that these ideas are helpful!! Asking questions is EVERYTHING, I think. Thank you so much.

I just wanted to say that as an Actor primarily, your channel has opened my eyes on how I analyze my scripts but has also helped me understand a consistent foundation that I can build upon, as I continue to learn writing. Thank you,

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I learned so much about writing by studying how actors work - so it's only fair it should go the other way around too. Best of luck with both your arts.

🔥💎 🤣🤣 that car alarm at the end A dramatic scene 😎👌

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

Drama is all over our daily life!

The car alarm 😂

Praise Jesus!!! I’m so happy that I ran across your channel, new Subie here. Thank you for being so humble and wanting to help up and coming writers, directors and producers. ❤️

@writingforscreens

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this comment! It inspires me to keep going on this. New videos coming soon (ish) :)

Love this Glenn. Everything you say and teach is so useful, inspiring, and is making a definite change for the better to my writing. Many thanks 🍎

@writingforscreens

7 ай бұрын

Gosh - thank you!! I am so happy to hear that my work is helping you.

VERY helpful video. I'm surprised this doesnt have more views!!!

@writingforscreens

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Yeah: there's a pretty limited audience for screenwriting how-tos...and and I'm reluctant to engage in some of the algorithm-swaying tricks that might bring in more views but would also distort or betray the message I'm trying to convey. So I just have to happy that when someone like you "gets it" - you authentically have learned something, and you comment :)

This channel should (and I hope will) be much more popular!

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It's growing slowly, and is honestly doing better than I expected when I started it :) But I won't object if you pass the word to writer friends.

@etiennedenis6091

2 жыл бұрын

@@writingforscreens Done. :-)

“People doing random shit”😂🤣

Really appreciate your content, even though I have learned some of these at film school, going back to them with a clear mind like you always help me get back to writing when I get stuck.

@writingforscreens

11 ай бұрын

Hear that I help you get back to writing is my FAVORITE THING EVER :) The secret about film school and me and everyone else is: there isn't really THAT much to say. It's all been said and done. The magic is how each new artist says it.

Oh I guess that's what you meant in the other video "Help for new writers" I commented on about the success/failure of a goal. I find this video more accurate. Thank you again!

This guy is a master.

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

I'm blushing! Thank you.

Your writing the verbs for us to understand the topic made me write this comment. I love the feeling of good human vibes from you as much as the practicality of the content. I discovered the channel two days ago. Your videos are the only one I have seen that touches each topic according to its importance and complexity. I learned a lot in these two days. I am not writing my plays in English right now, but if I do one day, I would want to work with you. Thank you for the channel and all the encouragement.

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

Thank YOU so much for this support! I love that you're writing plays - what a marvelous thing to do. Write in your language, your way, and keep exploring and creating :)

@denide8921

Жыл бұрын

@@writingforscreens Thank you ♥️

I will use the verb trick in the future, thank you.

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Once I learned about it, I found it becoming central to how I think. Hope you enjoy!

So great, I just found this on my channel and I’m currently working out three pieces of work, and my life just got way easier. Thank you so much.

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU so much for commenting and letting me know it's helpful! That is truly the reason I'm doing it, so this is the ultimate payoff. Keep writing, keep exploring.

I did like it. Thank you. Stay blessed,

Good stuff. Really good stuff. I come back to this particular video a lot. Many Thanks.

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

So great to hear that it's helpful. Thanks for telling me!

I loved the making-of gems at the end 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. You are Amazing, thanks!🙏

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU, it's wonderful to know this stuff is helpful (and fun)!

Brilliant! Thank you!

Thank you for great information! ❤️

Amazing advice about verbs! Thank you!

OoooYay! This was very helpful

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Yay that it was helpful!!

the line about "people just doing random shit" cracked me up .. I like your definition of Dramatic Action, but I feel there's something lacking in your description .. I think something is dramatic not just when someone does something with the desire for change, but also when that something has an uncertain outcome and poses some form of challenge. As you described, putting on socks or doing random shit isn't very dramatic because we know the outcome (sock goes on foot), and for an average person that's a trivial task to complete. What might make that more dramatic, following my extended definition, is if the character had to find their socks (uncertainty) and also had to get dressed quickly to catch the bus (challenge).

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

I don't know: I think sometimes we know what the outcome's going to be but we still want to see the action. We want to see a thing happen because we have been waiting for it, for example. But of course, while there may be certainty about a particular action as a step in a story - it is eventually leading to an uncertainty (like doing a boring job and we wonder when will they break out of it...) But the important lesson is not the fine-tuning of definitions - it's the focus on storytelling. If something works in a particular story, then it works and that's what matters.

@Phalanx2k6

Жыл бұрын

@@writingforscreens yeah that's true .. I had doubts even about my reply after trying to apply it to some scenes. I was probably coming at it more from an action angle. Also I get caught in definitions sometimes: I like words to mean things! but you're right, if it works it works..

This is what I was just looking for! A guide (for someone like me who has no writing experience) and also an inspiration for myself to start writing my own Dungeons and Dragons campaign 😅 The ideas were just floating in my head but I was having a hard time putting it into words, this definitely helps so thank you! ❤️

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad it's inspiring and helpful! That's what it's for - use the parts that make sense for you and your work, and set the rest aside!

educational ❤️❤️✅ Thanks

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

This is so helpful.Thanks ❤️

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

Yay! I love hearing that.

this is so good!

@writingforscreens

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

Great videos as always

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching - and the positive comments!!

Thanks a lot for this amazing advices

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting!

Thank you.

Cool! Cool! Cool!🔥🔥🔥🤩🤩🤩😍😍😍

@writingforscreens

9 ай бұрын

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

Amazing

@writingforscreens

12 күн бұрын

:)

Thank you for making these videos. Very cool!! How do certain techniques like suspense intrigue, mystery, surprise fit into your scene model.

@writingforscreens

3 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU for watch them and commenting!! Re suspense, well - even a suspense story is made of scenes, so all these idea apply, I think. Then it's about ARRANGING scenes to provide two things: we CARE about what happens and we KNOW we DON'T KNOW something specific. Maybe's it's a choice a character must make, or a puzzle they must solve, or a threat we see that they don't. I think of it like this: figure out what you want them to NOT KNOW - then give them what they need to CARE about that.

Thanks for sharing! Great content. You also have some fantastic energy as a person, it can be felt through the screen :) Everything is clear and to the point. One little question: so, as I got it: every scene has a dramatic action around which it is build, but the dramatic action may also contain smaller scenes, right? Or would such structure be too complex and also infinite, like matryoshka? Also, when it come to fiction writing, would 1 chapter equal a scene, or there could be multiple scenes within a chaper? I'm just curious how multiple scenes would fit within a single chapter...does it mean there has to be something common to these scenes in the chapter? I am really sorry for this messy wording, I hope you understand what I'm trying to say :D

@writingforscreens

11 ай бұрын

Thank you! And basically: as a certain point, if a scene breaks down into "steps" or "sub scenes" - those are really scenes unto themselves, and the related-collection of scenes (usually related by time, or place or mainly action) is (TO ME) considered a "sequence." That's, I believe, why the concept of "the sequence" arose: to handle tht fact that some scenes are part of a "larger action" or "larger grouping." I kind of get into this more in this video: Think In Scenes - kzread.info/dash/bejne/Yp1p2bmImLnRfLw.html

And note this in the outline

@writingforscreens

8 сағат бұрын

Not sure I understand this comment...

@charlessmyth

8 сағат бұрын

@@writingforscreens I thought that if each of the scenes for the outline was accompanied by an applicable verb, one could see if the same "beat" of a verb was getting repetitious. Also, the verbs that apply to the scenes and outline for an action genre, may be less appropriate for a romcom, horror, etc.

@writingforscreens

8 сағат бұрын

@@charlessmyth Ah! That makes sense! Good note.

Excellent Video! Thank you for your work. This is my 4 th video from your channel. What do you think about youtube videos and story telling-do you think is it possible to Interest the viewer tellong the story in simple Tutorial videos?

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

I am working on an "Ask Me (Almost) Anything" on this topic of applying my approaches to KZread Videos. In some ways the basic principles apply, but in many ways KZread is a very different medium. I am still organizing my thoughts on the subject. Thanks for the question!

@BartekDziedzictv

Жыл бұрын

@@writingforscreens Thanks for answear. Could you help me where should I Look for inspiration for youtube storytelling? Maybe books? (I read Save the Cat) but maybe you know other good books? Websites? Or Anything else? :) I will be very grateful

@BartekDziedzictv

Жыл бұрын

I Look also how popular tv shows are made. Like "Extreme makeover: home edition" and any other simillar tv shows to Look for some patterns.

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

@@BartekDziedzictv Depends on what you mean by "KZread storytelling." What kind of videos are you making? Narrative/fiction? Informational? Comment? Comedy skits? Let me know a bit about what you're trying to do so I can advise better. Thanks!

@BartekDziedzictv

Жыл бұрын

@@writingforscreens I have Similar channel to Think Media kzread.info it is about video gear reviews, about growing youtube channel, about software Tutorials, about productivity but as I more try to engage with storytelling in my videos I See growth, and videos on youtube Engage viewer. Thats Why I try very hard to find any information how to tell a better stories in my videos to keep viewer watching. I tried to Implement heros journey, tried to build action in my videos from obstacle to obstacle but I don't know is it good way

This is a brilliant series. I had a question. Did you employ them when making videos in this format for this channel. Broadly, KZreadrs who write scripts or writers who write monologues with a single actor in front of camera breaking the 4th wall can employ them. It won't be a bad idea to make a video called Dramatic action for youtube. Is it legitimate to ask or it isn't covered by this technique?

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting question! I don't think "dramatic action" applies to educational videos - because the action is simple and unchanging: I am trying to teach strangers in a one-directional form of communication. I DO, however, think other elements I teach are relevant to KZread Video Artists: learning to outline and name for yourself the central idea you're trying to express; learning to ask yourself questions as you shape the material; trying to keep things clear and not put your own personality or desire to entertain ahead of the goal; making choices on which actions will "define your character" and staying consistent with them...and also, "behind the scenes" learning to have a healthy, productive process to get them done. Also, thinking about your definition of success and what you realistically want to accomplish by making the videos.

@theAkashMurthy

2 жыл бұрын

@@writingforscreens Thanks a ton.

Dramatic action in every scene? How do you introduce a character?

@writingforscreens

2 жыл бұрын

You introduce a character who is taking an action! They are doing SOMEthing, in that moment, that tells us something about who they are - "dramatic action" isn't a plot twist or a big change, it's a character wanting something in that particular moment and taking some action to try to get it. Maybe that thing is something they do every day, or something small - but it's still an action. How else could you introduce them?

I always hated this theory. I try to think of many ways to write good scenes without using this theory. It feels almost impossible to do so.

@writingforscreens

Жыл бұрын

I find it helpful - but there are certainly screen stories that don't use this idea. It's only for a conventional narrative, but there are many poetic, essayistic or dreamlike narratives that go a whole other way.