Video: 10 Screenwriting Tips from Charlie Kaufman

Reflections on the craft from the writer of Being John Malkovich, Adaptation., Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Synecdoche, New York, and Anomalisa.

Another excellent compilation of observations about screenwriting from Outstanding Screenplays: Charlie Kaufman whose writing credits include Being John Malkovich, Adaptation., Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Synecdoche, New York, Anomalisa, and I’m Thinking of Ending Things.

1. Failure is a badge of honor.
2. Make the story and themes eternal.
3. Make your writing honest and meaningful.
4. Say who you are and people will recognize themselves in you.
5. Don’t explain themes of your own work, let each individual take their own meaning from.
6. Leave it ambiguous for the audience, but explain your thoughts to your collaborators.
7. Approach your work like your dreams would and throw away conventional approaches.
8. Add layers to your story so it will be interesting for multiple viewings.
9. Find your own way into the industry until you get to the work you were meant to do.
10. Find your unique writing process that works only for you.