1. Writing for Emotional Impact
Karl Iglesias

2. What makes a movie/script work?
Desired emotional response
Feel power of screenplay
Create intended emotion or image in reader’s head
Concept, setting, characters, plot, dialogue, character arc
High Concept - something unique that is appealing
Hollywood trades in human emotion
Heart over mind

3. Screenplay Readers look for
Fresh characters
Unique settings/behind the scenes
Something we know in a way that moves us
Refreshing

4. Four Emotional Needs Need for New Information Bond with Main Character
Connect, relate
Conflict resolution
Completion/Closure
Questions answered
Entertainment/Emotional Impact

5. Three Types of Storytelling Emotions
Voyeuristic
Curiosity about new information
Vicarious
Feeling emotions of character
Visceral
What reader/audience feel from story
Entertainment = experiencing visceral emotions

6. Screenwriter’s Process
Planning
Writing
Rewriting

7. Planning
Concept
Theme
Character
Story
Structure
Scenes

8. Planning - Concept
Idea – fresh, appealing, provocative
Hook you emotionally
Uniquely familiar
Promise of conflict

9. Planning - Theme Reveals human condition Entertains and teaches
Exploration
Should resonate throughout
The more meaningful the theme, the deeper the emotions

10. Planning - Character Attach talent to project
Sell scripts because studios want roles for stars
Emotional connection with main character

11. Planning - Story
Character wants something and someone/something opposes him/her
Conflict. Dramatic action.
Goal > Obstacle. Unwillingness to compromise.
Focus on elements that cause visceral emotions.
Interest, curiosity (what happens next), anticipation, suspense, tension, surprise

12. Planning - Structure Beginning, middle and end
Boil essence of story into 3 acts
Setup – Conflict - Resolution

13. Planning - Scenes Mini-story Conflict or promise of conflict
Somebody wants something badly and is having difficulty getting it
Should be constructed in terms of its effects on readers
Description and dialogue

14. Writing - Description Ability to totally immerse us in the experience
Command attention on page
Create motion – scenes seem like they move on the page
Riveting reading experience

15. Writing - Dialogue Reveal character
Reflect speaker’s mood and emotions
Reveal or hide speaker’s motivation
Advance the action, carry information
Foreshadow what’s to come
Have emotional impact
Great Dialogue
Emotional impact
Individuality
Subtle exposition
Subtext
Do not create false emotions
Focus on true emotions and wounds
Read great scripts
Analyze writing that moves you

16. Rewrite
Edit, edit, edit