Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration for Each Day of the Year!Purchase a copy of my screenwriting quote book HERE Directed at screenwriters (but valuable to all writers) this book offers quotes from some of the best screenwriters, authors, and entertainers of our age. Advice, tips, strategy, and mastery of the craft are quoted in this book. One quote for each day of the year. Get your copy now and I’ll send you a free digital copy of the book as well! The ultimate Screenwriting Quote Book! Here's a Logline Creation Guide you can download FREE!
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You’ve made it! You’re finishing the wild ride that’s been getting your screenplay written (or almost written) in 60 days! Woot! Nice work. Seriously, I’m so impressed with the level of effort that’s been put into your stories and screenwriting. The hardest part of getting a screenplay ready is writing the first draft / breaking the story. You did it! NOW WHAT?Testimonials & Feedback When you joined the course, I offered it free of charge in exchange for a testimonial from you. If you feel the course is valuable in some way, I need you to email me a couple of sentences about it (if you haven’t done so already). If you’ve found no value at all, I’d love to hear a couple of things that made it that way. Please email me that information as well. [email protected] Next Steps... My feedback on your stories has been minimal up to this point. Mainly because it’s a free course and there is a lot of video to watch and little assignments to get done.
I didn’t want to complicate your life with too many changes. I wanted you to get YOUR story on the page first. For those who got stuck somewhere in the story, I offered suggestions here and there. But for the most part, I let you take charge of the entire process and get it onto the page. Overall, I’m pleased with the talent and professional writing I’m seeing in your work. Lots of good stuff. Now it’s time to get intense feedback and suggestions. All while tackling grammar, format, spelling, and story development. When you’re ready, I’d like to go over it in great detail. Page by page… Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration for Each Day of the Year!Purchase a copy of my screenwriting quote book HERE
Directed at screenwriters (but valuable to all writers) this book offers quotes from some of the best screenwriters, authors, and entertainers of our age. Advice, tips, strategy, and mastery of the craft are quoted in this book. One quote for each day of the year. Get your copy now and I’ll send you a free digital copy of the book as well! $17.95 Tip #2 of 10 - of the best tips offered by pro writers when asked about their best advice for new screenwriters. This
post is number 2 of 10. They are not ranked in any particular order. Pro tip #2 - CRAFT RELATABLE CHARACTERS “Plot grows out of character. If you focus on who the people in your story are, something is bound to happen.” - Anne Lamott Developing well-rounded, authentic characters is key to compelling storytelling. No matter the plot, it’s the characters that keep the reader’s (and audience’s) attention. Dive deep into their motivations and flaws. Throw problems at them which seem impossible. Then, watch them struggle, learn, grow, and eventually succeed. Here are some tips about character development from the pros - for new screenwriters:
Make your characters real. Watch people interact. Notice how they speak to one another (especially in groups). What is their body doing while they speak? What is their posture like as they innocently walk down the street? Make notes on how real people act and (more importantly) how they react. Believable characters are a must when it comes to screenwriting and the depth to their creation separates the great screenwriters from the average. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to base your characters on someone that you know well. “Great fiction is fueled by bad decisions and human weakness.” —Kristen Lamb Write, write, write… Here's a Logline Creation Guide you can download FREE! Check out my SubStack Enroll in my Screenwriting Course! Check out my Screenwriting Quote Book #CharacterDevelopment The next series of posts will cover 10 of the best tips offered by writers when asked about their best advice for new screenwriters. This post is number 1 of 10. They are not ranked in any particular order.
Pro tip #1 - START WITH A STRONG CONCEPT "Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon." — E.L. Doctorow The foundation of a great screenplay is a unique and compelling idea that hooks the audience from the start. It should provide irony or the potential for conflict. It should be something condusive to the film/movie format (as a media). And it should intrigue a large demographic or target audience. Here are three suggestions:
The film must work conceptually. Make the audience feel something. Evoke emotion. Manipulate the screenplay reader to react the way YOU want them to. Write, write, write… Here's a Logline Creation Guide you can download FREE! Check out my SubStack Enroll in my Screenwriting Course! Check out my Screenwriting Quote Book #screenwritingtip “I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. ” —Joss Whedon
Let your writing force you to face your fears, your apprehensions, and issues that bother you. Learn about yourself as you write. The characters can (and should) be there to make mistakes, stupid statements, have controversial opinions, and drive you crazy. Let them. Work things out through them. You’ll become a better person (and writer) as you do. What is your greatest fear? Write about it, or at least have one of your characters face it head-on. Stretch yourself through your writing. sheimdal.com Why Movies Are Filmed Out Of Sequence - And What Determines The Shooting Order
Films get shot out of sequence. Why? Here are the Parameter Factors: Location: Location, location, location… Will the entire crew be flying to Rio de Janeiro? If so, that’s a lot of travel to arrange and scheduling to be done, not to mention shipping gear and getting permits, etc. The availability of the location and permits required to shoot at the location are essential, and can be tricky. Locations can be tough to book, especially during peak seasons. It's important to ensure that all the necessary permits and legal requirements are met before scheduling a shoot. These things make Locations the top priority to consider. If the location isn’t a big problem (scene will be shot indoors or on a set - for example), then the producer looks at - Cast: The availability of your lead actors will determine the shooting schedule. The lead actors' schedule should be given the utmost priority, as they are the face of the film. If they have other projects or commitments, it can impact the film's shooting schedule and budget. Day vs Night: The time of day is also a crucial factor to consider when scheduling scenes. Daytime scenes usually require natural lighting, which can limit the time of day they can be shot. Nighttime scenes may require artificial lighting, which can take longer to set up and may require different equipment. The availability of lighting equipment and the need for permits to shoot at night may also affect the shooting schedule. Interior vs Exterior: The type of shot, whether it is interior or exterior, can significantly affect the shooting schedule. Interior shots are usually easier to control, and there are fewer variables to consider, such as weather and lighting. Exterior shots, on the other hand, require more planning and flexibility as they are dependent on weather and natural lighting. It’s much harder to control the environment if you’re shooting outside. Inside a studio, you control the lighting and sound. Outside, if the sun pops from behind the clouds, it changes the lighting scenario. Motorcycles in the distance drive production audio people nuts (same with airplanes). So, knock out the exterior scenes first, if possible. Shooting in Sequence: It’s actually preferred to shoot in sequence (scene 1, then 2, then 3, etc.). So, if the factors 1-4 aren’t an issue, shooting in order takes precedence. Shooting in sequence can be beneficial in terms of the actors' performance and character development. It can help them stay in character and maintain the emotional continuity of the story. However, it may not always be necessary or practical for the overall storytelling of the film. Child Actors: Working with child actors can present unique challenges for film producers, directors, and the entire production crew. Some of the challenges include: Legal Requirements: Child labor laws require special consideration for minors on set. There are strict regulations around the number of hours they can work, the types of scenes they can be involved in, and the need for a guardian or chaperone. The production team must comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the child actors. Limited Schedules: Child actors often have limited schedules due to school and other commitments. This can make scheduling scenes challenging and require flexibility and creative solutions to work around their availability. Limited Attention Span: Child actors may have a limited attention span, which can make it difficult to maintain focus on set. They may require more breaks, special attention, or shorter shooting days to accommodate their needs. Emotional Support: Child actors may require additional emotional support on set. They may become overwhelmed or feel anxious, especially if they are working on a difficult or emotional scene. It is essential to have a supportive environment and provide resources such as an on-set therapist or counselor. Acting Experience: Child actors may have limited acting experience, which can impact their ability to perform on set. The production team should provide guidance, support, and training to help them deliver their best performance. Time Period: Shooting different time periods, such as filming scenes that take place in different decades or centuries, can be challenging for film producers and the production team. Here are some considerations when shooting different time periods: Historical Accuracy: If the film involves historical periods, it is important to ensure that the sets, costumes, and props accurately represent the time period. Research and attention to detail are critical in creating an authentic and believable environment for the audience (verisimilitude). Production Design: The production team will need to design and build sets that reflect the time period, which can be time-consuming and costly. They will also need to source appropriate costumes and props. Location Availability: Filming in authentic locations can enhance the accuracy of the time period and add visual interest to the film. However, finding suitable locations can be difficult, particularly if they no longer exist or have changed significantly since the time period depicted in the film. Technical Considerations: Shooting different time periods can also involve technical considerations such as camera techniques, lighting, and visual effects. For example, filming a scene set in the 1920s may require specific camera filters or lenses to achieve the desired look and feel. Post-Production: In post-production, the visual effects team may need to enhance or modify certain elements of the film, such as adding or removing objects, to achieve the desired time period. Time of Year: the time of year is a priority when scheduling a film shoot. Here are some factors considered: Weather: The weather can significantly impact the film shoot, particularly for outdoor scenes. Rain, snow, extreme heat or cold can all disrupt shooting schedules and make it difficult to achieve the desired look and feel of the scene. It is essential to plan accordingly and schedule scenes for the most suitable weather conditions. Daylight Hours: The number of daylight hours changes throughout the year, which can impact the schedule for outdoor shoots. For example, during winter months, daylight hours may be limited, making it difficult to capture all the necessary scenes. Production teams may need to adjust shooting schedules to ensure they capture the scenes during optimal daylight hours. Seasonal Aesthetics: The time of year can also impact the look and feel of the film. For example, if the film is set during the fall, it may be important to capture the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, or if the film is set during the winter, it may be essential to capture the snow-covered landscapes. Production teams must plan the shoot to ensure they capture the seasonal aesthetics that are important to the story. Holidays and Festivals: The time of year can also impact the availability of actors and crew members due to holidays and festivals. Production teams must consider these events when scheduling the shoot and ensure that they have the necessary personnel to complete the shoot. Weather: Weather is another critical parameter to consider when scheduling scenes. If the scenes are outdoor, weather can play a significant role in the production schedule. Rain, snow, or extreme heat can delay or cancel a shoot. It is crucial to plan for these contingencies and have backup plans in case of weather-related issues. Weather is a critical factor when it comes to filming because it can significantly impact the quality of the footage and the safety of the cast and crew. Here are some reasons why: Aesthetics: Weather can impact the look and feel of the film. For example, rain, fog, or snow can add visual interest and create a particular mood or atmosphere in a scene. However, extreme weather conditions can also make it difficult to capture the intended aesthetics. Lighting: Weather can also impact lighting conditions. Overcast or cloudy days can create softer lighting conditions, while bright sunlight can create harsh shadows and cause glare on camera lenses. Production teams must adjust the lighting setup to compensate for weather conditions. Safety: Extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms can pose a safety risk to the cast and crew. The safety of the production team is of utmost importance, and it is critical to ensure that everyone is safe while shooting. Logistics: Weather can impact the logistics of the shoot. For example, heavy rain or snow can make it difficult to transport equipment and personnel, causing delays or even cancellations. Production teams must plan for such eventualities and have contingency plans in place. Continuity: Weather can impact continuity between shots. For example, if a scene is shot on a sunny day, and then the next shot is on a cloudy day, the visual continuity can be disrupted. Production teams must plan and schedule scenes accordingly to maintain continuity. Special Effects / Stunts: Scenes with stunts and special effects are challenging to film, and the production team must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the cast and crew while achieving the desired visual effects. Here are some factors to consider when scheduling special effects or stunt scenes: Safety: Safety should always be the top priority when filming stunt scenes or using special effects. The production team should work with experienced stunt coordinators and special effects experts to ensure that all safety protocols are followed. Timing: Special effects and stunt scenes may require additional time to set up and execute. Production teams must plan accordingly and allocate sufficient time in the shooting schedule to allow for these scenes. Continuity: Special effects and stunt scenes can also impact continuity between shots. For example, if an actor's hair is styled a particular way in one shot and then filmed with special effects or performing a stunt in the next shot, their hairstyle must be consistent. Production teams must plan and schedule scenes accordingly to maintain continuity. Location: Special effects and stunt scenes may require specific locations or set designs to achieve the desired effect. Production teams must ensure that the necessary locations or sets are available and plan the shooting schedule accordingly. Weather: Special effects and stunt scenes may also be impacted by weather conditions. For example, rain or high winds can make it difficult to film a particular stunt or special effect. Production teams must plan for such eventualities and have contingency plans in place. Second Camera Unit: Scenes filmed by the 2nd Unit can be challenging to film due to continuity, communication, logistics, technical expertise, and time constraints. The 2nd Unit must have a clear understanding of the director's vision, be able to communicate effectively with the production team, and possess the technical expertise needed to capture high-quality footage. By planning and coordinating effectively, the 2nd Unit can capture footage that seamlessly integrates with the principal footage, enhancing the overall quality of the film. Special Equipment: Scenes involving special gear or equipment require extra planning and precautions to ensure that they can be filmed safely and effectively. Production teams must plan ahead to ensure that the necessary equipment is available and that the cast and crew are properly trained to use it. Additionally, safety, time constraints, and backup plans are all factors that need to be considered when scheduling scenes with special gear or equipment. There are many types of special gear and equipment that can pose unique challenges for film productions. Here are a few examples: Drones: Drones are commonly used in film-making to capture aerial footage, but they require specialized expertise and pose safety risks if not handled properly. Production teams must ensure that they have experienced drone operators on set and that they follow all safety protocols. Underwater camera equipment: Filming underwater requires specialized camera equipment, including waterproof housings and lighting. Production teams must plan ahead to ensure that they have the necessary equipment and expertise to operate it safely and effectively. Steadicams: Steadicams are used to capture smooth, stable footage while the camera is in motion. They require specialized expertise to operate and can be physically demanding for the operator. Special effects equipment: Special effects equipment, such as pyrotechnics or animatronics, can be expensive and pose safety risks if not handled properly. Production teams must ensure that they have the necessary safety protocols in place and that the equipment is operated by experienced professionals. Motion control rigs: Motion control rigs are used to create precise camera movements, but they require specialized expertise to operate and can be time-consuming to set up. As you can see, a lot of thought and consideration goes into which scenes get filmed first and in which order sequences are produced first. The Producer’s job isn’t easy. But, in conjunction with the 1st AD, they create a schedule that considers these Parameter Factors and sticks closely to the budget requirements. Live life to the fullest, my friends. Keep writing! -Stu When you’re ready, check out my planning and goal setting tools and resources. I’d love to take 15 minutes with you and go over your plans, aspirations, and even review your log lines - all for free. Just follow the link on my website to set up a quick video chat. THANKS! Positions of Power: 30-60-90 sheimdal.com You drop the ball. I know you do.
I do too. Sometimes we simply don’t get everything done. Sometimes, we get lazy and slacken our efforts. How do you plan for success? How do you set goals? What’s the difference between the two? Today, I’d like to focus on the differences. Understanding key differences between planning and goal setting can help you develop effective strategies and achieve your objectives. Planning and goal setting are two, different, key processes in achieving desired outcomes in personal and professional contexts. While they may seem interchangeable, they differ in significant ways. So, let’s outline five, main differences between planning and goal setting. Here are five: 1- DEFINITIONS Planning is the process of determining what actions need to be taken to achieve a desired outcome, and then developing a strategy to implement those actions. Goal setting, on the other hand, involves establishing specific, measurable objectives that an individual or organization aims to achieve. A study conducted by Locke and Latham (2002), goal setting involves the identification of a specific performance target and the development of a plan of action to achieve it. Planning, involves the identification of necessary resources, tasks, and timelines required to achieve a particular goal. 2- FOCUS Planning is concerned with the process of achieving the goal, while goal setting is focused on the outcome or result. According to a study by Bandura and Schunk (1981), planning is an essential element of goal attainment as it helps individuals anticipate and overcome obstacles that may prevent them from reaching their goals. Goal setting, however, is focused on defining and clarifying what the desired outcome should be. 3- FLEXIBILITY Planning is more flexible than goal setting as it allows for adjustments and modifications to the strategy in response to changing circumstances. Goal setting is typically more rigid, with specific targets set that are not easily changed. According to a study by Swann and Pratt (2002), planning allows individuals to adapt their approach to achieve a desired outcome, whereas goal setting can lead to a focus on achieving a specific target at all costs, even if circumstances change. 4- TIME FRAMES With time frames, planning is typically shorter-term and may focus on the immediate future, while goal setting involves longer-term objectives. As noted by Covey (1994), planning is more focused on the immediate tasks and actions required to achieve a particular goal. Goal setting is more focused on the long-term vision and direction an individual or organization wishes to pursue. 5- LEVEL OF DETAIL Planning involves more specific and detailed steps, while goal setting is more high-level and conceptual. A study by Klein and Lim in 2008 reported that planning is concerned with developing specific steps that can be taken to achieve a desired outcome. Goal setting differs in that it involves defining broad objectives and outcomes without necessarily specifying how they will be achieved. "While goal setting provides the destination, planning provides the road map to get there." - Covey Planning and goal setting are distinct processes that differ in definition, focus, flexibility, time frame, and level of detail. By understanding these differences, individuals and organizations can better develop effective strategies to achieve their desired outcomes. Are you ready to start planning? Let’s do it. Let’s hit your goals! Sign up for a FREE 15 minute video chat consultation with me to start the process. Also, visit sheimdal.com for books, journals, articles and more - all focused on putting YOU in a Position of Power - to plan and reach your goals. Enjoy your weekend and keep moving forward - one, small step at a time! -Stu Join me on LinkedIn References: Bandura, A., & Schunk, D. H. (1981). Cultivating competence, self-efficacy, and intrinsic interest through proximal self-motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 41(3), 586-598. Covey, S. R. (1994). First things first. Simon and Schuster. Klein, H. J., & Lim, B. C. (2008). Understanding career success: A comprehensive framework. The Journal of Applied Psychology, 93(2), 276-286. Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717. Swann Jr, W. B., & Pratt, M. G. (2002). Desired futures: The impact Everyone gets the blues. Maybe it’s writer’s block, maybe you’re bored. Just to make clear, I’m not talking about depression. If you’ve been in a dark place or disinterested in life for more than a week or so, then activate #9 below. Here are some ways to get back to productivity. They can get you over the hump and back on track when you’re feeling a little down. My top 10 ways to get over the blues and get out of a funk:
Hang in there. Don’t overthink things or create a circular anxiety loop. Take a step back and evaluate your situation from an outside perspective. Cut yourself some slack, but own up to your mistakes. -Stu Sign up for a free 15 minute consultation and let’s talk about getting you on-track. One thing I preach over and over is the need for continuous improvement. Small steps that lead to the objective and fulfill us profoundly along the journey. In today's fast-paced world, it is more important than ever to have a system in place for continuous improvement. Kaizen is a philosophy that can help us all achieve just that. So, let’s explore what Kaizen is, how it can help us plan and set focused goals, and three, simple steps that we can take to get started along the journey. What is Kaizen? Kaizen is a Japanese word that means "continuous improvement." It is a philosophy that was developed in Japan after World War II, as part of the country's efforts to rebuild its economy. The basic idea behind Kaizen is that small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. According to Masaaki Imai, author of the book, "Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success," Kaizen is "a way of life, a way of thinking, and a way of doing business." It is not a one-time event or a quick fix; rather, it is a long-term approach to improvement that requires commitment and discipline. How Kaizen Helps Us Plan and Set Goals Kaizen can be a powerful tool for planning and setting goals. Here are three ways that Kaizen can help: 1 - Focus on Continuous Improvement Kaizen encourages us to focus on continuous improvement, rather than just achieving short-term goals. By setting our sites on constant improvement, we begin to make small, incremental changes that add up over time and lead to significant improvements in productivity, quality, and deep satisfaction. According to Tom Peters, the author of "The Circle of Innovation," Kaizen is a "…way to focus on improving processes and practices, rather than just achieving specific outcomes. By focusing on continuous improvement, organizations can stay ahead of the competition and deliver better value to their customers." 2 - Empower Employees Kaizen also empowers employees to take ownership of the improvement process. By involving employees in the planning and implementation of Kaizen initiatives, organizations can tap into the creativity and expertise of their workforce. According to Norman Bodek, author of "Kaikaku: The Power and Magic of Lean," "Kaizen empowers employees by giving them a voice in the improvement process. When employees feel that their ideas are valued and that they have a stake in the success of the organization, they are more motivated and engaged." Toyota is a company that is often cited as a prime example of how Kaizen can be applied to business operations. The company's "lean manufacturing" approach is based on the idea of continuous improvement, with a focus on eliminating waste and improving efficiency in every aspect of the production process. One of the key principles of lean manufacturing is "jidoka," which means "automation with a human touch." This principle is all about empowering employees to take ownership of the production process and make small, incremental improvements in order to eliminate waste and improve quality. By implementing Kaizen principles like jidoka, Toyota has been able to achieve significant improvements in efficiency and quality, while also fostering a culture of continuous improvement among its employees. This approach has helped Toyota maintain its position as one of the world's leading automakers, even in the face of fierce competition from other companies. 3 - Create a Culture of Continuous Improvement Finally, Kaizen can help individuals and organizations create a culture of continuous improvement. By making Kaizen a part of the organizational culture, organizations can ensure that continuous improvement is a priority at all levels of the organization. According to James Womack, the author of "Lean Thinking," "Kaizen is about creating a culture of continuous improvement, where everyone is committed to making small, incremental changes that lead to big improvements. When Kaizen is part of the organizational culture, it becomes ingrained in the way people work and think." Three Steps to Get Started with Kaizen Here are three steps to get started with Kaizen: 1 - Define the Problem The first step in implementing Kaizen is to define the problem that needs to be solved. This could be a process that is inefficient, a product that is not meeting customer needs, or a customer complaint that needs to be addressed. According to Masaaki Imai, "The first step in Kaizen is to identify the problem. Without a problem, there can be no improvement." Once the problem has been defined, the organization can begin to gather data and analyze the process to identify the root cause of the problem2 2 - Involve Employees The second step in implementing Kaizen is to involve employees in the improvement process. This could be through brainstorming sessions, suggestion boxes, or Kaizen events. According to Norman Bodek, "Kaizen empowers employees by giving them a voice in the improvement process. When employees feel that their ideas are valued and that they have a stake in the success of the organization, they are more motivated and engaged." By involving employees, the organization can tap into the creativity and expertise of its workforce and ensure that the improvements are sustainable. 3 - Implement Small, Incremental Changes The third step in implementing Kaizen is to implement small, incremental changes. These changes should be focused on addressing the root cause of the problem and should be implemented quickly and with minimal disruption to the process. According to James Womack, "Kaizen is about making small, incremental changes that add up over time. These changes should be focused on improving the process and eliminating waste." By implementing small, incremental changes, the organization can avoid the risks associated with large-scale changes and ensure that the improvements are sustainable over the long term. James Clear is a writer and speaker who is known for his book "Atomic Habits," which is all about the power of small, incremental changes in building better habits. In the book, Clear talks about the idea of "habit stacking," which involves adding a small, new habit onto an existing one in order to build momentum and make progress over time. Habit stacking is a great example of how Kaizen can be applied to personal goal-setting. Rather than trying to make a big change all at once, start with a small, manageable change and build on it over time. By focusing on the process of building better habits, rather than just achieving a specific outcome, we can develop a mindset of continuous improvement that is at the core of Kaizen. Kaizen is a powerful philosophy that can help organizations achieve continuous improvement. By focusing on small, incremental changes and involving employees in the improvement process, organizations can create a culture of continuous improvement that leads to significant improvements in productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. By following the three steps outlined in this newsletter, organizations can get started with Kaizen and begin reaping the benefits of this powerful philosophy. In my Positions of Power: 30-60-90 video course, we go into great detail about the effectiveness of the Kaizen approach to goal setting and focused intention. Start small, and keep chipping away. Live life to the fullest, my friends! -Stu sheimdal.com Positions of Power: 30-60-90 |
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