How Pro Screenwriters Create Characters

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  • čas přidán 8. 06. 2024
  • Join our Discord server and tell me what your favorite film is: / discord
    Twitter: / ntjrdn
    Instagram: / ntjrdn
    Filmmakers featured in order of appearance:
    00:00 Behind the Curtain
    00:05 Billy Chew (The Death of Dick Long)**
    02:18 Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917)
    03:32 Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada)
    04:37 Billy Chew (The Death of Dick Long)**
    05:22 Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, The West Wing)
    05:35 Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad)
    06:40 Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
    06:50 Jonathan Hirschbein (A Prayer Before Dawn)**
    07:46 Greta Gerwig (Little Women, Lady Bird)
    08:16 Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, The West Wing)
    08:53 Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
    09:19 Jim Uhls (Fight Club)**
    11:07 Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood)
    11:53 Jonathan Hirschbein (A Prayer Before Dawn)**
    Non-Behind the Curtain sources: pastebin.com/HjViX1VB
    ABOUT BEHIND THE CURTAIN
    This channel is a way for me to share the best nuggets of knowledge for filmmakers I find. It's an attempt to take a look inside the greatest films and TV shows and learn from the creators themselves how they do what they do.
    #screenwriting #characters #filmmaking
  • Krátké a kreslené filmy

Komentáře • 140

  • @nlg070301
    @nlg070301 Před 3 lety +312

    That piece of advice from PTA about trying to write a scene for your character and seeing if they let you do it is just brilliant.

  • @sociallyineptspider-man2366
    @sociallyineptspider-man2366 Před 3 lety +255

    What I love so much about the advice on this channel is that it isn't solely useful for just movies, ive learned so much that's helped me with my graphic novel, it's universal advice that can help in any story telling medium

    • @BehindtheCurtain
      @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety +39

      Thanks, man! That means a lot. Good luck to you on your graphic novel.

    • @dejavu2752
      @dejavu2752 Před 3 lety +4

      ..or just about any form of expression! I think it's widely applicable

    • @Nobody-fb7ni
      @Nobody-fb7ni Před 3 lety +4

      Behind the Curtain
      It would be cool if you could expand to say books too. The Chuck Pahlaniuk stuff for “Fight Club” was really good. Maybe you could do George RR Martin, Stephen King, etc?

    • @bdawk511
      @bdawk511 Před 3 lety +1

      It's helped me understand character as an actor as well. I love this channel haha

    • @cheesecakelasagna
      @cheesecakelasagna Před 3 lety

      Same! I'm doing a small-scale video game and these are so instrumental!

  • @sookielloyd78
    @sookielloyd78 Před 3 lety +53

    "Doing interviews with the characters." Never thought about this but it makes so much sense!

  • @Dina8485
    @Dina8485 Před 3 lety +22

    This channel is hella slept on. Amazing that you can pull these quotes from these successful writers

  • @ShEDDiNgmYSkiN
    @ShEDDiNgmYSkiN Před 3 lety +72

    Love hearing my screenwriting heroes talk about their crafts. Thanks for these, has already helped my writing immensely.

    • @BehindtheCurtain
      @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety +5

      Good to hear! That's what I'm trying to achieve with the Behind the Curtain channel and membership!

  • @AllThingsFilm1
    @AllThingsFilm1 Před 7 měsíci +4

    This is the first channel where I feel I'm getting into the heads of screenwriters. Hearing about their process is so informative and helpful. Subscribed.

  • @ButtrNut32
    @ButtrNut32 Před 3 lety +31

    Another great video, congratulations. The fact that you've interviewed great writers is an inspiration in itself. This channel and LFTS I find are the best deconstructions of storytelling.
    Personally, I use the old adage of "make the plot simple, but the characters complex" it's served me greatly. I love the tidbit about hypocrisy and a very real dirty truth to it.
    Look forward to your future video and projects.

    • @BehindtheCurtain
      @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety +3

      Thanks for the kind words. Taylor Sheridan is a writer who believes the same thing. All of his plots are some, so he can focus on character and theme.

  • @Boise78
    @Boise78 Před 3 lety +49

    Great channel. Found this last week and have been binge watching all the content. Keep em coming! THANKS!

  • @jonesjeremiah
    @jonesjeremiah Před 3 lety +6

    So it basically boils down to: have empathy!

    • @ClankyOtter
      @ClankyOtter Před 3 lety +4

      A true test for writers, and humanity alike

  • @brendanlorenzo7298
    @brendanlorenzo7298 Před 3 lety +3

    I am so obsessed with your channel. Thank you for putting so much work into these videos, you’re an absolute gem!

  • @lorettabes4553
    @lorettabes4553 Před 3 lety +7

    Some of these things I've thought of, but most of the advice here is new to me. It's so amazing to hear these perspectives and learn from them.

    • @BehindtheCurtain
      @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety +1

      Good! Listening to the people that are doing what you dream to do is the most valuable resource.

  • @cheesecakelasagna
    @cheesecakelasagna Před 3 lety +8

    I really needed to hear that tip about hypocrisy! Thank you so much.

  • @portlandgoose4727
    @portlandgoose4727 Před rokem +3

    Weird hearing that particular advice come from Jim Uhls, considering he didn’t even write Fight Club. The novel was written by Chuck Palanuik. Phenomenal screenwriting and advice, none the less.

  • @Tmb1995
    @Tmb1995 Před 3 lety +10

    Really enjoy what you do and I benefit from it greatly. I’ve started watching a video before I begin a writing session to jump start me a bit. Thank you!

    • @BehindtheCurtain
      @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety +2

      That's really cool to hear! Glad it can get your creative brain churning. Thanks for watching.

  • @sketchyppl
    @sketchyppl Před 3 lety +3

    This is the best I've heard on the subject for long time - thank you !

  • @BehindtheCurtain
    @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety +15

    Who are the best film characters of all time? Tell me your thoughts on the official Discord server: discord.gg/xxTqXXd

    • @djsugarpop_
      @djsugarpop_ Před 3 lety +29

      Walter White

    • @malinhessedahl
      @malinhessedahl Před 3 lety +1

      Love this video❤ keep up the Good work ❤📷🎥🎬😍🌎😎

    • @waywardmind
      @waywardmind Před 3 lety +1

      President Laura Roslin from Battlestar Galactica. She's righteous; she's a cheat. She's got a soft and empathetic side; she gains info in 15 seconds from a Cylon that Starbuck couldn't break and then ices his ass. She's hopeful; she despairs. She's selfless; she abandons her duties and falls into herself and her illness. Throughout the series, she grows and changes. You always understand her, her motivations, and her actions, but you don't always like her.

    • @malinhessedahl
      @malinhessedahl Před 3 lety +1

      Little women of Greta grewig 2019 , lady Bird 2017 , beautifull boy, Call me my your name , the greatese showman 2016 , Titanic 1997 , Colette , and many more diffrent movies❤❤❤❤

    • @BehindtheCurtain
      @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety +2

      @@djsugarpop_ One of the greatest for sure!

  • @CourtneyCoulson
    @CourtneyCoulson Před 3 lety +9

    11:07- every bad fanfiction ever!

  • @beccag1107
    @beccag1107 Před 3 lety +64

    Thank you so much for including female writers too!! You don't know how much we truly appreciate it, we have such a hard time getting representation in the film industry, so thank you for using your platform to elevate our voices as well.

  • @cine.te.philia3632
    @cine.te.philia3632 Před 3 lety +1

    Always coming up with great videos

  • @squishedcockroach8579
    @squishedcockroach8579 Před 2 lety +1

    Your videos are incredible! Subscribed

  • @waltermanson999
    @waltermanson999 Před 3 lety +2

    Amazing !!! Very inspirational !

  • @lucassilvamiranda4694

    Your channel is one of the best on YT. Congrats.

  • @Kishan_Baijnath
    @Kishan_Baijnath Před 3 lety +1

    Great video, as always.
    Thank you

  • @simonh7025
    @simonh7025 Před 3 lety

    Just what I needed to hear, thank you

  • @rishshortfilms
    @rishshortfilms Před 3 lety +2

    This is really helpful, thank you.

  • @GustavoSilva-ny8jc
    @GustavoSilva-ny8jc Před 10 měsíci

    The character interview part and the last part were FUCKING AWESOME

  • @emfivethirty
    @emfivethirty Před 3 lety +1

    Amazing video!

  • @playgemji
    @playgemji Před 6 měsíci

    Smashing video! Thank you for inspiring writers around the world. Greetings from 🇧🇬 Bulgaria.

  • @TheCrankyDank
    @TheCrankyDank Před 3 lety +77

    I think it'd be cool to see a How They Wrote Avatar The Last Airbender. The show NOT the movie.

    • @edifiedreader
      @edifiedreader Před 3 lety +18

      “There is no Avatar movie in Ba Sing Se.”

    • @serugolino7867
      @serugolino7867 Před 3 lety +4

      I know u wanna know about the show, but i can tell you about the movie.
      ok use ur imagination:
      they didn't even try

    • @mybismark2945
      @mybismark2945 Před 3 lety +2

      guys
      there is no film about avatar
      THAT THING NEVER HAPPAND 😐😐😐

    • @cheesecakelasagna
      @cheesecakelasagna Před 3 lety +1

      The movie writing is so bad and a blatant disservice to the original.

    • @jamesbaxter5147
      @jamesbaxter5147 Před 2 lety +1

      @@edifiedreader You don’t need to brainwash me to believe that, I’ll do so of my own free will.

  • @kevinhillary4057
    @kevinhillary4057 Před 3 lety +1

    I really love this channel :’)

    • @BehindtheCurtain
      @BehindtheCurtain  Před 3 lety

      Kevin! That's good to hear! Come say hi in the discord and we'll chat about films and writing.

  • @ridleysingh3966
    @ridleysingh3966 Před 2 lety +1

    Wow. Absolutely amazing!!!

  • @kennardsmithwatson4192
    @kennardsmithwatson4192 Před 2 lety +1

    This video is a gem!

  • @bryceb1889
    @bryceb1889 Před 3 lety +2

    The greatest characters from any television show, are the Fishcers from Six Feet Under; literally my favorite show, because if one there’s one character you don’t like, than maybe there’s one that you do. And even the characters we don’t like are understandable and can be relatable; not only this, but Six Feet Under’s characters just feel real, genuine, and act like us. The viewer.

  • @pennyjane9906
    @pennyjane9906 Před 6 měsíci

    makes sense that jim uhls wrote fight club, the way he talks about "interviewing his characters" :D

  • @georgeg6036
    @georgeg6036 Před 10 měsíci

    When the characters start to talk to you then you know you are headed in the right direction.

  • @j.walker6845
    @j.walker6845 Před 3 lety +1

    Cheers, very informative

  • @dannyisthenewdaddy
    @dannyisthenewdaddy Před 3 lety +4

    My character is 80% myself
    So I think my character will be good

  • @TethnekaIsBack
    @TethnekaIsBack Před 8 měsíci

    Krysty Wilson Cairns' advice is really good. I kinda do the same. I use to create a playlist in Spotify to get in the mood of the character like what would he listen to...

  • @ShaneJoshua1980
    @ShaneJoshua1980 Před 3 lety +3

    What bugs me is I have never had the example of the character literally talking to me. Has anyone had this at all. I always feel like I'm leading them.

    • @elijahalbiston
      @elijahalbiston Před 2 měsíci

      Same here. I think what's good about screenwriting is that, if the script is good enough, your characters will talk to you. You're laying the foundation of a "real person" so that an actor can simply step inside that and "live." If everything on paper seems enough like a character then all you need is for them to become three-dimensional.

  • @rohansuri9613
    @rohansuri9613 Před 3 lety +4

    Can't thank you enough for all these videos.

  • @sid_c2136
    @sid_c2136 Před 3 lety +13

    This was beautiful. Especially when he described the 3 dimensionality of a character.

  • @MsBob314
    @MsBob314 Před 28 dny

    The three most commercially successful here are Gerwig, Tarantino and Gilligan. Interesting the range of techniques. One thing in common is that they write the shit out of their screenplays, the one exception being Resevoir dogs, which was written in two weeks. I’ve written 30* scripts and gotten two features made. I’m def a structure guy.

  • @amannagar1108
    @amannagar1108 Před 3 lety +2

    Please make a separate video on JAMES CAMERON

  • @BodyTrust
    @BodyTrust Před 21 dnem

    I don't really know my characters until the second or third draft.

  • @baldur9591
    @baldur9591 Před 3 lety +1

    That background music is an excellent choice to end the video, Anyone know the name?

  • @jeromebell1245
    @jeromebell1245 Před měsícem

    Hi, please can you tell me what original source interview is the Charlie Kaufman stuff from? Especially the bit around 8mins 53 secs in your video where he talks about writing dialogue before he really knows what the characters would say? Thanks

  • @toonsandro
    @toonsandro Před 3 lety

    Now I know how people who write first feel.
    I have infinite power now

  • @dragonstooth4223
    @dragonstooth4223 Před 11 měsíci +1

    essentially get into bed with your characters, have a good romp then look through their underwear drawer.
    Or give them the buffolo bill treatment ... wear them like a skin and become them when creating them so they have a life of their own.
    Thinking of characters like this, I like to think we writers have a super power. We can peer into alternate dimensions and what we think is our imagination is actually another universe and we are watching the people we call characters. Each new iteration of a story is our minds jumping to another dimension and seeing another alternative universe for that character.
    we are super heroes :)

  • @jonahsebin4692
    @jonahsebin4692 Před 3 lety +6

    How do you not have a million followers??

  • @chaeyoungvideos5742
    @chaeyoungvideos5742 Před 3 lety +9

    is this reuploaded because of the greta audio?

  • @healmeimhurt-.-
    @healmeimhurt-.- Před rokem

    Love

  • @chadbaptiste4227
    @chadbaptiste4227 Před 3 lety +1

    Aaron Sorkin is the side of caution I err on.

  • @mybismark2945
    @mybismark2945 Před 3 lety +1

    krysty wilson cairns irsh accent took me off gurad

  • @connorklebs6432
    @connorklebs6432 Před rokem

    What’s the background music?

  • @leeluv4176
    @leeluv4176 Před 2 lety +1

    Can you do lady bird?

  • @mmafightcoach
    @mmafightcoach Před 2 lety +1

    I don't need to create characters. I know enough real characters.

  • @jugandoconlodivertido1914

    ❤❤❤

  • @papasmerc4498
    @papasmerc4498 Před rokem

    Background song?

  • @stephen1Oace
    @stephen1Oace Před 3 lety +1

    Bottom line, it's the director that can make or break anything written.

    • @brent2795
      @brent2795 Před 3 lety +1

      I believe the Editor really has that power

    • @hoopz5095
      @hoopz5095 Před rokem

      @@brent2795 also editor*

  • @infraredtoa9105
    @infraredtoa9105 Před 3 lety +3

    I have my own way: I give my characters three positive qualities, and three negative ones.
    Boom. A character's born.

    • @ufoash440
      @ufoash440 Před rokem

      But does that make a three-dimensional character though?
      Can the people you know in real life be boiled down to three positive qualities and three negative ones? I'd say it's hard to make some simple labels develop into realistic characters

  • @sliceoflife11
    @sliceoflife11 Před 3 lety +1

    Is there an example where all the characters are three dimensional?

  • @vanntitrises2715
    @vanntitrises2715 Před 3 lety

    House md please

  • @malinhessedahl
    @malinhessedahl Před 3 lety +1

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @XxSEETH3RxX
    @XxSEETH3RxX Před 8 měsíci

    Making them a hypocrite is great advice

  • @formulaic78
    @formulaic78 Před 8 měsíci

    Character depth is overrated. Indiana Jones is a professor who dons a fedora and a whip and cracks one liners. Wonderful character but pretty 2D. Any greater depth he has was brought in during the telling of the stories.

  • @vladimirhorowitz
    @vladimirhorowitz Před 3 lety +3

    I like how the guy seamlessly goes from "antagonists" to "villains" to "far-right conspiracy theorists." Clearly a diehard Trump voter.

  • @curtisnewton895
    @curtisnewton895 Před 2 lety

    jee all these movies are terrible examples, they are horrendously boring

    • @TomEyeTheSFMguy
      @TomEyeTheSFMguy Před 2 lety

      They're not boring, you simply just have no taste.

    • @briamusic1845
      @briamusic1845 Před 2 lety +1

      All these movies are so different tho how can you find them all boring