DZ-100: Scenes through Swords

What scene-writing tools can be learned from martial arts?

n 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. 

They reference classic conflicts such as Clarice interviewing Dr. Lecter in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, when Miranda puts down Andrea in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, and the final showdown between Obi-Wan and Darth Maul in the animated series THE CLONE WARS. 

You can find Damon Young here:

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND.

RELATED EPISODES

This episode is brought to you by 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-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:

RELATED EPISODES

This episode brought to you by (drum roll):

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

RELATED EPISODES

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