§ RESOURCES / FILMMAKER INDEX
James M Cain
Writer
Films Discussed 2
- · Double Indemnity (1944) (w)
- · Mildred Pierce (1945) (w)
Draft Zero Episodes 3
DZ-124: Making the Despicable Compelling
How does Film Noir show us terrible people doing terrible things without endorsing it?
Mel and Chas continue to explore what Noir (the genre) can teach writers of all other genres. In particular:… →
Listen if you need audiences to root for characters who do terrible things
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DZ-123: Flawed Characters in Noir
What can Film Noir teach us about character arcs and audience engagement?
In this two part series, Mel and Chas use Noir (the genre) as a lens to interrogate flawed characters. How can characters doing reprehensible things still engage audiences? How can you ensure representation isn’t endorsement? And whether these characters undergo transformative arcs, or simply reveal their true natures… →
Listen if you want to write morally compromised characters without endorsing their choices.
DZ-67: Writing Passive Protagonists & Melodrama
How do I tell a powerful story where the protagonist cannot drive the plot?
Stu and Chas are joined by Stephen Cleary following his exploration into Melodrama, and together they try to reclaim the word from its pejorative meaning… →
Listen if you want to write powerful stories centred on characters without much agency.
Shot Zero Deep Dives
Blocking a Sneak: DOUBLE INDEMNITY by Shot Zero
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