Photo via Go Into the Story.
To perform well in a competition, your script has to be able to answer the critical question, “Why now?”
Successful, readable scripts hinge on an event, the outcome of which has the power to change the life of the protagonist. A showdown, a mountain to climb, a home run to hit. The importance of that event is the stakes, and stakes have to be high to give a good answer to “Why now?”
- Emotional investment. Establish why the event is a turning point for the protag. Align their flaws with their challenges to ramp up the investment. In The King’s Speech the struggle to overcome a stutter answers the question “Why now?” with a scandalous abdication, a world war, and a man in a tiny comfort zone saddled with an enormous sense of duty to an entire nation.
- Block all the exits. Leave no options but to move forward to the turning point. Soft landing spots, leeway, and fallback positions are all enemies of “Why now?” If it doesn’t have to succeed, it’s not important enough to answer the question.
- Protags got to learn. Show the consequences of failure in early attempts at the goal. Reveal the cost. If there is no cost, there is no good answer to “Why now?”
Stories that can’t answer the question feel loose and unfocused. Without “Why now?” you get “Why bother?”
Annie is a screenwriter, story consultant, and reader for major screenplay competitions.
nywift
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Katrina Montgomery
Please join us in welcoming new NYWIFT member Katrina Montgomery! Katrina is an NYC filmmaker with an affinity for the Bronx, the neighborhood where she grew up and still considers home. Katrina served as both Director and Director of Photography for Get Away For A Day with Allyshia Renay, which aired on BRIC, MNN, and BronxNet. Currently, she is studying film directing at Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema and will be receiving her diploma shortly. Katrina spoke to us about her inspirations, using comedy to tackle tough topics, and lessons learned from a successful fundraising campaign.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Derya Celikkol
Welcome to NYWIFT, Derya Celikkol! A proud graduate of the Experimental Theatre Wing at Tisch Schools of the Arts, Derya Celikkol is a Turkish filmmaker who lives in New York City and has contributed her extraordinary artistry to numerous projects. In addition to acting and production designing, Celikkol has directed and produced films, some of which have been showcased and won awards at film festivals worldwide.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Kate Walker
With a knack for merging film with her passion for science and journalism, Kate Walker has triumphed as an environmental and science producer, director, writer, and editor. Her projects, which have aired on networks such as PBS, Vice, HBO, IFC, and MSNBC, among other media platforms, typically raise awareness of prevalent social and environmental issues such as marginalized identities and climate change. Read more about this former high school science teacher’s remarkable career journey as we discuss some must-see documentaries and Kate’s approach to developing a captivating filmic style that simultaneously educates and entertains audiences.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: LaKisa Renee
Welcome to NYWIFT, LaKisa Renee! LaKisa is a multitalented media/film industry professional, journalist, host, actress, videographer, voice artist, and award-winning makeup artist. She is the owner and Founder of LaKisa Renee Entertainment, a media, fashion and events company. As a media professional, she is a contributing journalist for Cultured Focus Magazine, In Black Magazine, and Steller Magazine. LaKisa spoke to us about her wide range of roles in media, fashion, and entertainment.
READ MORE
