DZ-99: Scene Questions

How do audience questions shape scenes?

Inspired by our earlier episodes on sequences, Chas and Stu narrow their focus to look at the atomic unit of screen storytelling: the scene. In particular, we breakdown how question and answers prompted in the audience structure individual scenes.

We talk plot, character, and theme questions (and their hybrids) by analysing scenes from LOKI, THE LAST CRUSADE, THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, QUEEN AND SLIM,  and DO THE RIGHT THING. We also briefly discuss SUCCESSION, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG THIEVES, and ANDOR

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND

CHAPTERS

  • 00:00:00 – Cold Open
  • 00:01:56 – Intro: Scene Questions
  • 00:16:30 – Loki
  • 00:23:24 – The Last Crusade
  • 00:33:03 – The Bourne Supremacy
  • 00:45:50 – Queen and Slim
  • 01:03:03 – Do The Right Thing
  • 01:15:03 – Key Learnings & Wrap Up
  • 01:33:02 – Many thanks to our Patreons

SCENE EXCERPTS via:

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And how can we forget our awesome Patreons, especially Alexandre, Casimir, Eduardo, Jennifer, Thomas, Garrett, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, Alex, and Khrob.

Please considering rating or subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts or sharing us on the Social Medias! We like finding new listeners. We are @stuwillis, and @chasffisher on twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.

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DZ-98: Ensembles 3 – Character Function & Theme

What effect does adding a ton of characters have on your story?

In Part 3 (the final part? Ha!) of our exploration into ensemble stories, Stu, Chas & Mel examine films whose genres do not conventionally require a ton of character or that use those ensembles in unconventional ways – in particular, adding whole storylines that are separate from the main character’s story. To that end, we dive into three films that were horrifically snubbed by the Oscars: THE WOMAN KING, RIDERS OF JUSTICE and NOPE. 

We breakdown the effects of choosing to use an ensemble on the narrative function of characters, their skills, the webs they exist within, and, ultimately, the story’s theme. Plus we re-apply and re-contextualise the tools uncovered in previous episodes in how to service all these characters. 

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND

Thanks to Chris Walker for editing this episode.

CHAPTERS

  • 00:00:00 – Cold Open
  • 00:01:35 – Intro: Character Function
  • 00:08:43 – The Woman King
  • 00:50:00 – Riders of Justice
  • 01:20:36 – Nope
  • 01:47:00 – Key Learnings & Wrap Up
  • 01:59:06 – Many thanks to our Patreons

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EPISODE LINKS

This episode brought to you by (drum roll):

And how can we forget our awesome Patreons, especially Alexandre, Casimir, Eduardo, Thomas, Jennifer, Garrett, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, Alex, Khrob, Thomas and Alexandre. You rule!

Please considering rating or subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts or sharing us on the Social Medias! We like finding new listeners. We are @stuwillis, @chasffisher and @mehlsbells on twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.

BUY DRAFT ZERO MERCH via TeePublic

DZ-97: Ensembles 2 – Servicing Characters

How do you give your audience access to a lot of characters?

In Part 2 of our exploration into ensemble stories, Stu, Chas and Mel examine films whose plot and genre require a lot of characters. Thus we tackle a team sports film (PITCH PERFECT), a murder mystery (GLASS ONION), a slasher (SCREAM 2022) and a family holiday flick (THE FAMILY STONE). 

By looking at these films, we discover tools for writers to service characters and give them more dimension. These tools include: shifting group dynamics; the spectrum of private to public behaviour; breaking POV, and quintessential group introductions. 

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND

Thanks to Chris Walker for editing this episode.

CHAPTERS

  • 00:00:00 – Cold Open
  • 00:01:46 – Intro: Servicing Characters
  • 00:14:40 – Pitch Perfect
  • 00:37:54 – Glass Onion
  • 01:09:20 – Scream 5
  • 01:32:17 – The Family Stone
  • 02:13:22 – Key Learnings & Wrap Up

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This episode brought to you by (drum roll):

ScriptUp: https://www.scriptupstudio.com – use promo code DZ10 to get 10% off; and

ArcStudio: go to https://www.arcstudiopro.com/draftzero for $30 off a pro subscription!

And how can we forget our awesome Patreons? Especially Casimir, Eduardo, Jennifer, Garrett, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, Alex and Khrob. You rule!

Please considering rating or subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts or sharing us on the Social Medias! We like finding new listeners. We are @stuwillis, @chasffisher and @mehlsbells on twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.

BUY DRAFT ZERO MERCH via TeePublic