Tuesday 19 August 2014

David S. Goyer: Screenwriters Lecture

David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, The Dark Knight Rises, The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Blade, Dark City) discusses his first script, writing for TV and why persistence pays off.


1 comment:

Unknown said...

Henry, only you can make me watch a 35 minute screenwriter lecture. Okay, so here's what I learned from watching the charismatic David S (don't forget the S) Goyer:
*show confidence
*be able to pick yourself off the floor after someone has completely crushed your soul
*convince people to risk all their money in making your film
*a good script can open doorways even if it never gets made
*television is no longer regarded as a second-tier medium; characters and plot are given opportunity to grow
*you get good television when the creators refuse to compromise on their creative vision
*you need perseverance, life experience
*write what you feel passionate about, not what the market is dictating

I was interested that Mr Goyer went back to basics in creating his Batman and Superman stories. He studied the canon and identified the elements which did not change, which are found in every version, which he saw as crucial to the story. This is done when fairy stories are retold well.

Finally, Mr Goyer explained the most important reason for his success. Even when he doesn't have an idea, he still turns up to his desk and sits there during work time.

Excellent lessons from a master screenwriter.