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How to Add Depth to Your Screenplay
By Tom Marcoux
Motion Picture Director
Author of "101 Acting Secrets: A Director's Tips for Your Acting, Auditions, Movie Roles and Self-Promotion" (featuring sections on Digital Filmmaking)
Here are 6 methods for adding depth to your screenplay which I share when teaching Storytelling, a required course for Computer Video and Imaging major, college students at Cogswell Polytechnical College, Silicon Valley. (11 of our graduates worked on SHREK, starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz.)
1. What does the main character learn?
Focus on how the character grows. In STARS WARS (the first feature film that was completed), Luke Skywalker starts off as a naïve farmboy. By the end of the film, he learns how to trust the Force, and he destroys the Death Star, winning a decisive victory for the Rebel Alliance.
2. What do I need to learn in my real life?
Often, we can add more depth to what we're writing by putting in a theme that is occurring in our real life. If you are having trouble trusting your significant other, you can show how your main character learns about trust during the course of the screenplay.
3. Find the key to the character - usually in a line of dialogue.
Christopher Reeve said that he found the key to the character Superman from the line "A friend" -- which is Superman's response to Lois Lane's question: "Who are you?" In Chris' audition, he stood with his hands on his hips. In the motion picture, he never stood that way because he was focused on being "a friend."
4. Develop a possible 'catch phrase.'
One of the most memorable catch phrases was "In space no one can hear you scream." (the original ALIEN). A catch phrase can clue you into the central idea. Here is an example: "He came back after death to save her life."
5. Write the 'representative scene' that you would show during an interview on THE TONIGHT SHOW
What is the scene that conveys the essence of your screenplay? When I think of SUPERMAN, the motion picture, I remember when Superman caught Lois Lane as she fell from the top of a skyscraper. Superman said, "Don't worry Miss. I've got you."
"You've got me - who's got you?" Lois replied.
The Superman-Lois relationship is at the heart of SUPERMAN. In fact, he literally spins the world backward (turning back time) for her.
6. Find the Controlling Idea
Here is an example of a Controlling Idea: "George must transform his fear or remain immobile in his life and 'living dead.'"
Good writing to you,
Tom Marcoux
Tom Marcoux, America's Communication Coach and motion picture director is the author of 101 Acting Secrets: A Director's Success Tips for Your Acting, Auditions, Movie Roles and Self-Promotion." Tom is also the author of "Communicate to Win: Influence Your Way to Success and Happiness." Tom's previous motion picture went to the Cannes Film Festival. He is currently directing "LIVING, the Motion Picture." He is the president of Marcoux Media, and his team is preparing the science fiction trilogy of motion pictures entitled "TIMEPULSE."(www.eTimePulse.com) Tom won a special award at the EMMY AWARDS after earning a degree in psychology and television production. He conducts acting workshops and workshops on "Self-Promotion for Actors" He is a national speaker-author, motion picture director, sales coach, and personal/professional coach and founder of eTimePulse.com. His private workshops and public seminars have benefited professionals from IBM, The Gap, Charles Schwab, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lucent Technologies, Circuit City, The Olive Garden, and many other firms. He authored 10 books which are available on-line at http://www.businessacademy.com Tom is a faculty lecturer on digital filmmaking, etc. at Cogswell Polytechnical College.
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