We're getting ready to roll out our "Script School Homework Hotline" forum here at TennScreen.com in the next week or so, but before that happens, I wanted to weigh in on story development and brainstorming.
First, I highly recommend a new column by Darren Greninger about how to start fine-tuning your story idea and your characters. While Darren has a lot of insightful observations about the differences between story and plot, the big highlight of this piece has to do with theme, also known as the "central dramatic argument."
Darren has talked before about making a story "meaningful," which he defines as a story "that offers wisdom on how to deal with a universal human issue." He shows us how great stories like Finding Nemo flesh out the theme through conflict, stakes, and the story's main plot engine. He also reminds us that "plot events should be the things that change the protagonist."
Another way to flesh out the theme of your story is by using the thematic module of TSA's Story Premise worksheet. It's a great tool for figuring out how and why your main character(s) should change in your story instead of just having them plod through event after event. Our Script School instructor, Bob Giordano, will be doing a deep dive into the premise worksheet in module 3 of the class, so make sure to tune in to that on March 19.
So as you toil over your Script School homework by pulling together all the different events, moments, and bits of dialogue you think you will pour into your story, make sure you are keeping in mind how your protagonist can and should experience growth or understanding - your script will be the better for it.
See you in class - keep on writing!
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