Creating A Perfect Ending
March 5th, 2010
My recent challenge was creating the perfect ending for the revision of my newest screenplay. I added a lot to the whole story that summing up and tying together five story lines resulted in puffy eyes and pulling hair. So far, I believe I found success. My ending resolves all the minor story line arcs as well as leaves something for the unseen future.
What makes a “perfect” ending?
It’s a debate. Personally, I don’t think the perfect ending is a happily ever after senario. Life is much more unexpected. In a round about way, we always get what we want but not quite the way we expected. That is the perfect ending. Of course, the topic right now is really based on how you view life working out and I don’t want to jump into a philosophical debate.
Therefore, let’s briefly talk about what technically makes a great ending for a screenplay.
A story and screenplay can be related to a circle and an arc. Every one contains resolution. (Granted, there are exceptions but let’s stick with the general.) Within that resolution, each storyline and each character must come to a resolution or have changed from the start of the story. Write a list of each story line and each character. What is the arc? Has it or have they reached that goal yet?
In addition, each story line and each character interacts with the other stories and characters. How does the arc in each one affect the arc of the others?
Can you see the complex web I’m describing? The best thing to do is create a chart or graph that states each element and how they intersect. From there, you can discover and create the perfect ending.
Now you can fully visualize my frustration. However, once the pieces are put together, it feels fantastic like you just finished the most complex puzzle ever.
Filed under: screenwriting, story | 5 Comments »
Welcome to ScreenplayGenius!
February 3rd, 2010
Thank you for visiting my new site called ScreenplayGenius.
After five years of learning and writing screenplays, I have decided to share my knowledge with other aspiring screenwriters. Writing a feature script is like a long journey with many challenges, obstacles and frustrations with great reward at completion. The trick is completing. Right? Well, ScreenplayGenius is here to help. Not only do I love writing screenplays, I love reading them. With all my knowledge, my goal is to provide clear, understandable, expert analysis of every script I take notes on that will help you to your end goal of completion and ready for the marketplace.
What do you do when you feel stuck in your story?
Take it to the Genius!
In addition to my services on story analysis, I will also be posting blogs regarding different aspects of writing, story and format. This will provide additional knowledge and education totally free.
I love writing and storytelling with all my heart and can’t wait to share it with you!
Filed under: character, format, screenwriting, story | No Comments »