Justine Hart’s musings on screenwriting and script development
For the last couple of years I have posted regular snippets of advice about screenwriting and script development on LinkedIn. If you’ve read any, a genuine thank you for allowing me to share my insights. The aim with everything I post, and everything we teach on our Script Factory workshops, is to offer super practical ways of tackling the common stumbling blocks and navigating the mis-steps we all make en route to cracking a screenplay. And to unpack what makes screenwriting such an endlessly fascinating craft and exciting storytelling form.
If you’re currently writing a feature, TV pilot or short-film, you are embarking on an insanely hard task (seriously - don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). There is so much that we need to figure out as we craft our screen stories: these thoughts are offered with the hope that maybe something I’ve learnt from working with screenwriters for 25 years might just help you figure it out a little quicker.
The Seductive Trap of Back Story
Fleshing out a character’s back story is crucial for building their world of relationships, ensuring authenticity in their on-screen presence, cementing their values and beliefs, and creating those powerful gems of personal history that are key to generating audience empathy. Most writers love figuring out what makes their characters tick, but building back story can also be a seductive trap.
To receive all new blog posts straight to your inbox, please sign up here. If you are already signed up to the general Script Factory mailing list, these articles will reach you too.
Thank you!