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Showdowns

Every episode covering Showdowns.

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DZ-29: Showdowns & Scene Structure

What can fight scenes - whether physical or verbal - teach us about structuring any scene?
AI✦The episode’s central analysis hinges on memorable showdowns--both physical and verbal--and how intentional structure separates great fight writing from lazy ’they fight’ descriptions.✦
⏱ 1h 41m
25 JAN 2016
Listen to discover how fight scenes can be great inspiration for writing any kind of showdown (verbal or otherwise)
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In exploring how to write good fight scenes, Stu and Chas compare how writers structure memorable showdowns - both verbal and physical. Fights vs arguments. Swords vs insults. Lightsabres vs passive aggressive subtext. To do this, they analyse the showdowns in EASTERN PROMISES, ROB ROY, THE FORCE AWAKENS (yes, yes, we finally let Stu officially discuss Star Wars), A FEW GOOD MEN, BREAKING BAD and BEFORE SUNSET… →

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DZ-100: Scenes through Swords

What scene-writing tools can be learned from martial arts?
AI✦The Obi-Wan and Darth Maul sequence from THE CLONE WARS anchors the conversation in how high-stakes physical confrontation can be choreographed for maximum dramatic effect.✦
⏱ 1h 0m
29 MAY 2023
Listen if you want to know why the distance between two characters matters more than what they say.
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In this slightly unusual episode of Draft Zero (but also incredibly on brand), Stu and philosopher-swordsperson Damon Young discuss how the lessons they have learned from martial arts can be applied to scenes. In particular, they discuss how approaching an opponent in a sword fight can be analogous to how characters approach conflict, such as: the distance between the characters, who chooses to engage first, how to feint, how to lure an attack by leaving yourself vulnerable, etc… →

DZ-6: Key Scenes and Unlocking the Story

Can one scene be the key to unlocking the whole story?
AI✦The episode demonstrates how confrontation scenes function as structural keystones that can reveal and advance both character and plot simultaneously.✦
⏱ 1h 18m
11 MAY 2014
Listen if you want to understand how a single key scene between protagonist and antagonist can unlock the entire structure of your story!
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