In this video, writers will learn a new and cool screenwriting tip created by the one and only Mikhael Bassilli. It’s a really beneficial tip so let’s get into it right away. This little secret was first shared in the screenplay lesson “how to refine your creative process”. The lesson is part of the full character development course, which is liked by many. To improve everyone’s writing, today the focus will be on a small tip regarding characters. Professional writers also name it the black box of characters.
If you follow all the videos by SAN then you must have noticed that major attention is given to character development. Instead of focusing on script outline, writers should find characters first. Once done with creating characters, they should work on fundamental character development. Only after doing these two things, a writer can start with an outline. Readers and viewers can know more about the fundamentals of character development from other courses by SAN. It’s absolutely free and definitely a great help for new writers.
Black box of characters
This is basically a spin-off on a technique learned by experienced writers during their early years. Many writers are given the exercise to go out and search for people that were interesting and imitate them. From picking their style to portraying their essence with perfection. In other words, writers try to transform themselves into them through behavior and actions. Once these characters become a part of the writer, he then writes mini-biographies of these people. They could be at any local pub or café, it wouldn’t matter. All that writers need to do is to describe them through their appearance, assign them names and conjure backstories.
Character development fundamentally means that a writer tries to find the purpose of the character. Whatever, desires or motivation the character has, a writer tries to find them. Maybe someone sees a really muscular guy, in a pirate costume with a bandaged hand. The observer finds the man really interesting and based on this interest, the writer can put down a great narrative.
If viewers are wondering that how can this help with their writing then don’t worry it will. The most beautiful instrument in the entire cinematic orchestra is the inter-character dynamics. Seasoned writers spend a fair amount of time on their characters. Characters are like notes and needed to be collected. They are the richness of the screenplay. So this black box of characters comes in handy for writers. Sometimes one character causes a little dissonance. With the help of the black box, writers can break open a development. It can prove to be a real utility. Modify old concepts and adapt them.
Use the black box to mix up things
Maybe writers don’t pick every character from that black box, but in the tuning phase, it comes in handy. It helps to mix things and improve character dynamics. So, use it according to the need of the situation. Click the link in the description for the free character course to understand character development in a better way. Jotting down interesting characters in a journal is complete only when incorporated with character development fundamentals.
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