Tweetstorm: Monica Beletsky on Writing a One-Hour TV Drama Script
“This is NOT a how-to. This is just what works for me.”
“This is NOT a how-to. This is just what works for me.”
Twitter can be a gold mine for writers. Case in point, when pro writers generate a tweetstorm about the craft. Writer-producer Monica Beletsky (Parenthood, The Leftovers, Fargo) posted a tweetstorm about her process in writing a one-hour drama TV script. Reprinted here by permission.
The approach Monica lays out here feels like a really solid one for you TV writers. Moreover, it resonates with me because it sounds like it is heavily character-oriented. Check out the four questions Monica notes in her tweets:
- What is the story? This is about character and plot.
- How will I tell the story? This is about genre, structure and point of view.
- Why will we care? This is about the protagonist.
- Why do I need to tell these stories now? This is about theme, irony, relevance.
Plot? Arises from character.
Point of view? Grounded in character.
Protagonist? The story’s central character.
Relevance? The character’s interface with the script reader’s experience.
I’ll bet a lot of you TV writers will connect with Monica’s approach. Click RESPONSE and let me know your reactions.
Twitter: @MonicaBeletsky.
For more screenwriter tweetstorms, go here.