Everyone says, "Keep writing!" but that's not enough to master the craft. Film & TV story structure is complicated. Make sure you carve out time to study it with intention.
This was super helpful! I’m definitely going to start doing this. I currently had been trying to breakdown films and tv by just watching/reading and taking notes, but this more directed approach seems way more productive and helpful. Thank youuu!!
One thing I would love is to see your breakdowns and thoughts on sitcom/episodic comedy TV. I love writing and watching adult animation, and I would love to see your insights on how those pilots’ goals are a little different than a more serialized series (since many don’t really set up a dramatic question or goal for the season). Do you have any thoughts/previous articles I can learn from? Thanks again!!
Audrey - this post was super helpful! I would definitely love to have some breakdown examples you have done to use as a guide. I am rewatching One Tree Hill right now and would love a comparable to see how much my takeaways align with yours. Have you already posted some breakdowns of TV Shows and/or Films?
Yes! I've been adding more examples into my posts, and I have some breakdowns scheduled in the coming weeks that I'm really excited about. I was more of a Gossip Girl than a One Tree Hill fan, but here's a post I did recently about story structure in TV shows: https://audreyknox.substack.com/p/how-to-write-a-central-dramatic-question
I'm going to start here and ask if anyone has the script for Hot Frosty that was the Netflix Christmas movie this year. I'd love to know what was written/sold and what was made.
Thanks, Missy! I don't think it needs to be present in ~every~ scene, but I do agree that it is in many of the best movies and TV shows. I do these breakdowns anyway with everything I watch (at least in my head, I don't always right them down. I want to get better about that!) so I think it would be fun to share.
This was super helpful! I’m definitely going to start doing this. I currently had been trying to breakdown films and tv by just watching/reading and taking notes, but this more directed approach seems way more productive and helpful. Thank youuu!!
One thing I would love is to see your breakdowns and thoughts on sitcom/episodic comedy TV. I love writing and watching adult animation, and I would love to see your insights on how those pilots’ goals are a little different than a more serialized series (since many don’t really set up a dramatic question or goal for the season). Do you have any thoughts/previous articles I can learn from? Thanks again!!
I have so many thoughts! But I haven't broken down a sitcom in writing. Would love to do that in the future for sure.
That would be amazing!! I will be tuned in :)
Audrey - this post was super helpful! I would definitely love to have some breakdown examples you have done to use as a guide. I am rewatching One Tree Hill right now and would love a comparable to see how much my takeaways align with yours. Have you already posted some breakdowns of TV Shows and/or Films?
Yes! I've been adding more examples into my posts, and I have some breakdowns scheduled in the coming weeks that I'm really excited about. I was more of a Gossip Girl than a One Tree Hill fan, but here's a post I did recently about story structure in TV shows: https://audreyknox.substack.com/p/how-to-write-a-central-dramatic-question
I'm going to start here and ask if anyone has the script for Hot Frosty that was the Netflix Christmas movie this year. I'd love to know what was written/sold and what was made.
Did you know my client wrote Hot Frosty? DM me your email. I will ask him if I can share it with you.
I would be very interested in reading your breakdowns. I often struggle with theme; having it present in every scene.
Thanks, Missy! I don't think it needs to be present in ~every~ scene, but I do agree that it is in many of the best movies and TV shows. I do these breakdowns anyway with everything I watch (at least in my head, I don't always right them down. I want to get better about that!) so I think it would be fun to share.
I drive my husband crazy, pausing and writing during movies.
Our loved ones deserve so much for putting up with our constant script analysis lmao.