Sunday, September 10, 2017

#Scriptchat Transcript: Jen Grisanti @jengrisanti Talking 'Arc of the Wound' September 10, 2017

Great chat tonight with Jen Grisanti @jengrisanti tonight - TOPIC: How to Write the Arc of the Wound. Jen takes you deep into your character's psyche so you can write a stellar pilot! Enjoy! @jeannevb

You can read the chat below or on the Storify site.

For more information or to sign up for Jen's newsletter, visit her site and follow her on Twitter!

No chat next week due to the Emmy Awards.

#Scriptchat Transcript: Jen Grisanti @jengrisanti Talking 'Arc of the Wound' September 10, 2017

#Scriptchat Transcript: Jen Grisanti @jengrisanti Talking 'Arc of the Wound' September 10, 2017

Great chat tonight with Jen Grisanti @jengrisanti tonight - TOPIC: How to Write the Arc of the Wound. Jen takes you deep into your character's psyche so you can write a stellar pilot! Enjoy! @jeannevb

  1. “A good #logline must be emotionally intriguing, like an itch you have to scratch.” Blake Snyder #screenwriting #scriptchat
  2. Time for #scriptchat with guest @jengrisanti! Topic: "How to Write the Arc of the Wound."
  3. For all trying to access #scriptchat, go to twubs here:  http://twubs.com/scriptchat  Then authorize your Twitter acct
  4. OK. Jen define would and how it differs from traditional definition #scriptchat
  5. Yay, on time for Scriptchat and I forgot it was with the amazing, incomparable @jengrisanti #scriptchat
  6. @jengrisanti Q: Curious what kind of work/exploration you may recommend in the early stages to develop our protag & their wound. #scriptchat
  7. Yes, @jengrisanti, we can see your tweets. No worries. Put those char on the therapy couch & let's have at it! #scriptchat
  8. #scriptchat Do you struggle with the inside story of your character?
  9. @jengrisanti what do you think the biggest challenge is for writers in evolving characters? #scriptchat
  10. @jengrisanti what if a best friends kinda act like each other or “sound” the same in the script. #Scriptchat
  11. #scriptchat - My current fav shows to explore the wound FLEABAG, RIVER, MARCELLA, HANDMAID'S TALE, YOU'RE THE WORST
  12. I find the best part of breaking a story is finding out how best to break a character and rebuild them on the way... #scriptchat
  13. @Al_1701 I think so too. I've been looking at ways to develop my characters in these 2 episodes of my web series #scriptchat
  14. #scriptchat Ideally, you don't want two characters whose name sounds alike. It makes it harder to track.
  15. @Angie_Lavallee Don't make them too similar. How they're different helps enrich the relationship. #scriptchat
  16. #scriptchat The biggest problem in evolving characters is not writing from a place of depth.
  17. @jengrisanti I loved HAPPY VALLEY! That woman had so much drive. And talk about a wound... #scriptchat
  18. #scriptchat When you write from the wound, you give us a glimpse inside. We identify.
  19. How can I better create strong female protag in my action adventure screenplays? #Scriptchat
  20. @jengrisanti How best to balance characterization and plot development/action? #scriptchat
  21. @jengrisanti Q: How much background do you recommend doing on a character before writing? Know everything or just enough? #scriptchat
  22. #scriptchat How does the series trigger and dilemma split open an earlier wound? This is a good way to explore the wound.
  23. #scriptchat The best way to create a stronger character is to create empathy as well as strength.
  24. #scriptchat In TV, character is more important than plot. Keep this in mind. The audience returns every week for the characters.
  25. #scriptchat I think finding a balance between plot and character is the key.
  26. @filmwritr4 It's definitely lagging behind. I'm following on regular ol' Twitter feed too. #scriptchat
  27. #scriptchat Every scene should advance plot while revealing character. A scene should never just reveal character.
  28. #scriptchat When you draw from your emotional truth, you connect us to your character.
  29. I just assumed chat was going slow because I'm not using tchat... #scriptchat
  30. So, we should have the past of the character in mind when beginning the story? #scriptchat
  31. @jengrisanti I love your idea of drawing from our emotional truth/well. Do you have any advice for how best to tap into that? #scriptchat
  32. #scriptchat You should also not have two characters whose names begin with the same letter.
  33. RT @jengrisanti #scriptchat How does the series trigger and dilemma split open an earlier wound? This is a good way to explore the wound.
  34. #scriptchat @SarahAlexis4 Think of your darkest moments. How did you emotionally react to them? Draw from this.
  35. @jengrisanti How does the "arc of the wound" work within a 1/2 hr sitcom or web series context? #scriptchat
  36. #scriptchat The arc of the wound works very well with the sitcom format. Look at FLEABAG and SILICON VALLEY.
  37. @collinlieberg @chasinglamely The chat was moving very slowly on Twubz, and now I'm chatting on Twitter. #scriptchat
  38. #scriptchat In both FLEABAG and SILICON VALLEY, the wound of the lead characters is what makes the pursuit so difficult.
  39. @jengrisanti Somewhat related to the arc, how much backstory would you suggest someone create for a character before working on his/her arc? #scriptchat
  40. #scriptchat When you draw from an earlier wound that the series trigger and dilemma splits open, you create fertile ground for story.
  41. I think Twubs lags a bit. Just be patient. The #scriptchat tweets will all of a sudden show up.
  42. @jengrisanti I admit I haven't seen either of those shows, but I will read the scripts (if available) and check them out. Thanks Jen :) #scriptchat
  43. #scriptchat With backstory, think about how you can reveal it in one line, an action or a picture in the background.
  44. I feel like I'm missing information on what the arc of the wound actually is... Did I miss a new book by @jengrisanti or...? #scriptchat
  45. @jengrisanti Q: How much of wound backstory should be revealed in the pilot episode? Do we chip away to expose it over eps? #scriptchat
  46. #scriptchat You can also start in real time with the wound and then cut to the present.
  47. #scriptchat I would say that you should create an "arc of the wound" for Season One and reveal it slowly but give us enough in the pilot
  48. #scriptchat The "Arc Of the Wound" is when you have a wound that is shown or reflected in your series trigger and dilemma.
  49. @SarahAlexis4 @jengrisanti excellent Q! I've had a pilot go out in town and been told it has both too much and too little... #scriptchat
  50. #scriptchat Then, like a puzzle, you reveal more of the wound. Check out RIVER on Netflix.
  51. @jengrisanti Does the wound have to be something that the protagonist inflicted upon himself/herself, or can it be something done to him/her? #scriptchat
  52. #scriptchat To understand how to build the arc of the wound, watch a series all the way through. Then, go back and watch the pilot.
  53. @jengrisanti so the wound is like the investigation thread in a procedural, but focused on your protagonist? #scriptchat
  54. #scriptchat The wound can be either. It is usually something that happens to them.
  55. #scriptchat Yes! The wound is like an investigation thread. It is the internal story that parallels the external story.
  56. #scriptchat The wound tells us WHY your character wants WHAT they want. It is the emotional fuel.
  57. RT @jengrisanti #scriptchat To understand how to build the arc of the wound, watch a series all the way thru. Then, go back and watch pilot.
  58. What do you mean by wound arc? Do they need to be healed or simply affect the main char? #scriptchat
  59. #scriptchat There is so much to learn when you study story. Watch a series with the idea of just watching the wound evolve. Focus on this.
  60. @jengrisanti so... how much is too much or too little in a pilot? Because I'm getting mixed feedback... #scriptchat
  61. #scriptchat We all have wounds. This is how you universally connect with your audience. It is a feeling of I see you. You see me.
  62. #scriptchat The pursuit should be an external way of healing the internal.
  63. #scriptchat I've seen writers reveal too much and not enough. Give a hint at the beginning. Then, build on it in the reveal.
  64. @jengrisanti Might you give us an example that you felt was a really satisfying end of the series healing of a wound? #scriptchat
  65. #scriptchat Very often in an investigative show like RIVER, the case is one step toward healing the wound. There are parallels.
  66. @collinlieberg I imagine there can be satellite wounds, but they should tie into the main wound. #scriptchat
  67. @jengrisanti hmm, I guess that makes sense. My protags in my pilot might just not be wounded enough. Hmm :-/ #scriptchat
  68. #scriptchat I LOVED the exploration of the wound in RIVER. The last episode gives a shocking reveal that links back to the first episode.
  69. @jengrisanti haven't seen RIVER, but had a similar experience with RIVERDALE. #scriptchat
  70. #scriptchat The wound sets up why your central characters care and why your audience will care about your story.
  71. I feel like not enough peeps are here for this chat; how often do we get a free hour with one of the top consultants in the biz? #scriptchat
  72. #scriptchat I wasn't satisfied with the last episode of MAD MEN. Whereas, I LOVED the last episode of BREAKING BAD.
  73. #scriptchat should the wound be somewhat buried or should protagonist be wearing it on their sleeve?
  74. #scriptchat The wound also builds your character dynamics. This is what brings your audience back.
  75. #scriptchat I've seen it done where they show us the actual wound or we see it reflected in behavior.
  76. @jengrisanti In addition to the wound, what else do you rec a writer keep in mind when dev. protag? ie: Fears? Untruths they tell themselves? #scriptchat
  77. @jengrisanti so... just to consolidate my understanding, the wound drives characters to deliver those "holy sh**" moments? #scriptchat
  78. #scriptchat In THE HONORABLE WOMAN, the pilot starts with the childhood wound. Then, it connects to the present.
  79. @jengrisanti If, say, character wants to get his old job back bc he needs to be taken seriously again in his career, is that a good example? #scriptchat
  80. @jeannevb Ah... Also, I forgot it was football season. *Turns on audio feed of game* #scriptchat
  81. #scriptchat With the development of a protagonist, you also want to think of the flaw that gets in the way.
  82. @jengrisanti Seeing this, I now feel like I don't know the true motivation of my main character. He's obviously in an undesirable position. #scriptchat
  83. #scriptchat You also want your protagonist to be ACTIVE not REACTIVE.
  84. @jengrisanti Is there something you see writers most often get "wrong" with their protag's wound in their pilots? #scriptchat
  85. #scriptchat - The key is creating empathy and a rooting factor for your protagonist from the start.
  86. @jengrisanti is there any character who should be reactive? I feel like having protags and antags both pushing creates tension. #scriptchat
  87. @jengrisanti While he's good at his job, his arrogance is primarily why he finds himself stuck in an undesirable position. That's his flaw. #scriptchat
  88. #scriptchat If you're confused about the motivation, ask the question "Why does my central character want what he or she wants?"
  89. #scriptchat Arrogance can be a great flaw if we understand what is underneath it.
  90. #scriptchat Right now, people watch the first 10 minutes of a show and decide whether they like it or not. You need to connect.
  91. @filmwritr4 @jengrisanti #scriptchat Arrogance is often driven by insecurity - ie. a flaw manifests as the opp of the cause
  92. #scriptchat When you see a show like RIVER, FLEABAG, MARCELLA or HANDMAID'S TALE, you remember them because of the way they made you feel
  93. @jengrisanti I'd be surprised if people give it that long with so many previews and commercials nowadays. #scriptchat
  94. @jengrisanti How might one use the wound/flaw of protag to best dev. other characters in the world that act as good foil for protag? #scriptchat
  95. #scriptchat Creating a strong lead should be a main part of your focus with your pilot. The arc of the wound is what adds to this.
  96. I'm such an idiot. Tried to put the Dolphins game on in the background and remembered there's a hurricane on the loose. Oops. #scriptchat
  97. #scriptchat I do agree with you Collin. They probably do give it less than 10 minutes. I like to see the full set up.
  98. @jgsarantinos @jengrisanti I've thought that my main character's goal should change by end of series. He overcomes his arrogance, and accepts his situation #scriptchat
  99. #scriptchat Sarah, you can develop your other characters by asking what is the wound that drives them and the flaw that gets in the way.
  100. @jengrisanti it's worse with readers these days. People may watch ten minutes, but readers only read three pages. #scriptchat
  101. @jgsarantinos @jengrisanti Because he's helped to make his previously inept co-workers better, which is what I hope for the show #scriptchat
  102. If your characters need a boost, @jengrisanti is dishes great tips on #scriptchat right now!
  103. #scriptchat Sarah, yet, the wound of your central character is the one that should be developed the most.
  104. @jgsarantinos @jengrisanti Or at the very least, they teach him that not everything is as hopeless as it seems, and good can come out of a bad situation #scriptchat
  105. #scriptchat Recognize with your other characters that they are responding to the problem for your lead. So, thematically connect them.
  106. @jengrisanti Q: Should every character have a wound? How much to show/heal in each episode? #scriptchat
  107. Is it possible to bury the wound of your central protag in the wounds of those around them? #scriptchat
  108. #scriptchat I LOVE to watch complicated and flawed characters. I love to see the growth in a character with the pursuit.
  109. @jengrisanti This is awesome advice, Jen. Thank you so much. You've given me a lot to think about, and I want to keep it in mind when writing #scriptchat
  110. @chasinglamely #scriptchat I've seen people bury the wounds. Then, we miss the emotional fuel. There is a way to reveal with just a hint.
  111. This chat has actually given me more ideas for screenplays than I'll ever have time to write so far! #scriptchat
  112. @jengrisanti Any good examples of such in comedy/sitcoms? Would love to study and watch those. #scriptchat
  113. @collinlieberg #scriptchat I don't think every character should have a wound. I think the lead and the character driving the b story should
  114. Sweet! RT @chasinglamely This chat has actually given me more ideas for screenplays than I'll ever have time to write so far! #scriptchat
  115. @jengrisanti That's kind of what I was asking. For its faults, THE NIGHT SHIFT is very good at that, as it HOW TO GET AWAY... #scriptchat
  116. @chasinglamely It's definitely given me a lot to consider when working on my web series. Thanks immensely to @jengrisanti for the great info! #scriptchat
  117. @jengrisanti what are some common mistakes to be mindful of, like protecting your protagonist, etc? #scriptchat
  118. @filmwritr4 It's given me some things to consider when working on your webseries! #scriptchat
  119. @jengrisanti @chasinglamely An inappropriate response to a bland situation can also reveal the wound. #scriptchat
  120. @filmwritr4 #scriptchat My FAV comedies to study this are FLEABAG, TRANSPARENT, YOU'RE THE WORST, ATLANTA, SILICON VALLEY, CATASTROPHE
  121. @jengrisanti it's rare I come away from Scriptchat with this many ideas. Maybe I'll finally pay you for that consult... #scriptchat
  122. @jengrisanti @chasinglamely Any tips on creating backstory you'd suggest? How extensive should it be? #scriptchat
  123. Am loving this chat with @jengrisanti !! It's a refresher for the game-changing course I took with her earlier this year. #scriptchat
  124. @jengrisanti Will definitely check those out! :) Thanks so much, Jen! Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge w/us on #scriptchat
  125. ATYPICAL is an interesting show because the parents have the strongest wounds not main char. #scriptchat
  126. @jengrisanti it's been on my to-do list for a while, as has attending one of your classes. I've heard great things :) #scriptchat
  127. @filmwritr4 #scriptchat With backstory, you have to be careful not to be expository. So, revealing in action in the present is a good way.
  128. @jgsarantinos @jengrisanti sounds like the story of my life! That's usually how people work out that I'm autistic ;-) #scriptchat
  129. @filmwritr4 #scriptchat Thank you!! You are all asking great questions! So, it helps!!
  130. @jengrisanti I've been reading your tweets 😊 Great stuff 😎 I'll be bringing a feature to LA to pitch in November 🎬 #scriptchat
  131. @jengrisanti I appreciated seeing you in the Script Lab seminar a few weeks ago, too. Thanks for everything! #scriptchat
  132. @jengrisanti Ooh, webinars? Fancy and flight-eliminating! Now I just have to work it into my schedule and wallet! #scriptchat
  133. @LeonThomasBraun @jengrisanti Hey Leon! *waves* Welcome! Congrats and best of luck to you on the pitch! Great to see you here on #scriptchat
  134. @jengrisanti what are some of your favorite TV characters to study as examples? #scriptchat
  135. @chasinglamely That's why I'm glad I got the chance for the free Script Lab seminars though I didn't get to watch them all. #scriptchat
  136. @jeannevb @jengrisanti @eiaceorg :-O Jen and Lee Jessup on the same webinar? Oh. My. God. This is better than Christmas! #scriptchat
  137. @jengrisanti Thank you 😊 Just found this community while doing my research online 😎 #scriptchat 🎬
  138. I love the characters a certain @KenTremendous (Mr. Schur) creates. They are so funny because they stay so consistent. #scriptchat
  139. @jeannevb #scriptchat MAURA from TRANSPARENT, CATHERINE from HAPPY VALLEY, RIVER from RIVER, ELIZABETH MOSS IN HANDMAID'S TALE!
  140. @chasinglamely #scriptchat Yes! I LOVE and ADORE Lee!! We are excited to be doing this event together!
  141. Anyway, I feel like I've got distracted by shiny objects and things! #scriptchat
  142. @jengrisanti Q: Can one wound heal and another come out in the course of a series? Or one wound throughout? #scriptchat
  143. #scriptchat I think that the key to writing a pilot that sells is giving us a reason to want to come back every week.
  144. @jengrisanti I love Lee, too. Her book changed my life and how I do business. Truly holds a key spot on my shelf. #scriptchat
  145. #scriptchat My books STORY LINE and CHANGE YOUR STORY, CHANGE YOUR LIFE both go deeper into the arc of the wound.
  146. @jengrisanti Q If a writer were to sit down tmrw to start work on a pilot, what is most important bit of advice to keep in mind? #scriptchat
  147. @jengrisanti Has the way stories are told and characters are developed changed with binge culture, do you think? #scriptchat
  148. #scriptchat I do love doing this! Jeanne, I LOVE everything that you are doing!! Thank you to you and Sarah for this!
  149. @jengrisanti I have both in my "to read" pile. Please don't hate me, I have 117 screenwriting books. (I'm moving, I counted!) #scriptchat
  150. @jeannevb @jengrisanti Fantastic! 😊 Thank you. I much planning to do in the coming months 🎬 #scriptchat
  151. @SarahAlexis4 #scriptchat I think that the most important advice is to think about what you want to say with your story.
  152. @jengrisanti can you join us almost every week like @wcmartell does? I mean, I think I speak for us all when I say we'd love it! #scriptchat
  153. @jeannevb I won't be attending. My invite got lost in the post and I wasn't nominated. Again. :-( #scriptchat
  154. #scriptchat - Thank you to ALL!! You guys are GREAT!! I am launching a new product in October on How To Write a TV Pilot that Sells. Thx!
  155. @jengrisanti Thanks so much for your time and answers! I look forward to the product! #scriptchat
  156. Thank you @jengrisanti for the inspiration and the chat, I'll be in touch about that consult, too. What's the wait like atm? #scriptchat
  157. @jengrisanti Thank you so much for the super helpful insights! All the best to you with your creative work and clients! #scriptchat
  158. Grabbing the #scriptchat transcript, so stay tuned. You'll want to save this one. Thanks so much, @jengrisanti !
  159. @chasinglamely #scriptchat The product will be on my newsletter and Facebook page - Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc.  http://www.jengrisanti.com 
  160. Also, naturally, thanks to @jeannevb for her awesome moderating and whatnot and suchlike and to the gang for being here! #scriptchat
  161. @jengrisanti ah, I think I'm already on it, but it can't hurt to sign up again! #scriptchat

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