The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 49 | Michael Arndt's Act 1 Masterclass
60 snips
Jun 13, 2021 AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Story Over Structure
- Let the story guide your structure and don't be afraid of longer first acts.
- Establish external, internal, and philosophical stakes within Act 1 to create a strong foundation.
Creating Lovable Characters
- Make your characters irrationally passionate and let them face injustices.
- Portraying selflessness, as seen with Amelie, makes audiences root for them.
Finding Your Story's Core
- Often, a single moment inspires a story; let that moment guide your structure.
- Focus on the core idea and build outwards, as in Finding Nemo or the midpoint of Close Encounters.