This is my first blog post in freakin FOREVER. I’m talkin months – like many many months. Not sure why exactly I stopped in the first place. Probably a time thing if I’m being honest. That’s such a lame excuse though. Whatever I’m making it anyways.
I really want to start blogging more and I have a free half hour so here we go…
I’ll start with a brief little update about what my life has been like the past five or six months. Here’s a tidy list that you can feel free to skip past if you want – I won’t be offended…
- Acted in two short films and one commercial.
- Recorded several new podcast episodes for The Millennial Lawyer podcast.
- Was on a dating show which I lost (sheds tear)
- Discovered that I live down the street from the best taco stands in Nash, and have been taking full advantage.
- Directed a short film.
- Started giving ghost tours in downtown Nash.
- Still working at the lemon
- Went on a two-month hiatus from Planet Fitness (SMH).
- Am now back on my Planet Fitness game (#HealthIsWealth).
- Went to Destin, FL for literally 24 hours (it was well worth it)
Yup – that about sums it up.
Anyways, I recently went on an Amazon Prime book buying binge and started reading all about writing screenplays. I’ve written a few short screenplays in the past but if I’m being honest, they all kinda sucked. I’d give them a solid C+ and that’s being generous. I originally wanted to write a short screenplay that I could produce myself and act in so that I could add the footage to my acting reel. But once I realized that my stories were lacking, the lawyer in me went into research mode and I started combing the web for information.
Don’t worry – this won’t be a long boring post about how to write a good screenplay. I wouldn’t even know how to do that. I’m only two books into the ten I purchased from Amazon. So yeah basically an expert.
This post, on the other hand, is mainly about PREMISE – and how having a solid one is critical to writing a good story.
After reading The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri, I realized how important it is that every story have a solid premise. None of my screenplays had a good premise. Are you surprised? I already told you they were pretty JV squad. They had cool stories and characters and scenes but no concrete premise.
The premise of a screenplay is essentially the central idea or theme of the story. AKA what is the point?? Some examples given by Egri are..
- Foolish generosity leads to false gaiety
- Ill-temper leads to isolation
- Dishonesty leads to exposure
- Egotism leads to loss of friends
After reading Egri’s book and fully understanding the importance of starting with a premise, I started writing with purpose and towards a goal. I basically just automatically became the next Aaron Sorkin. Just kidding. Sorkin is a legend – mad respect. Plus, I’ve still got eight books to read. I’ll probably post additional writing epiphanies as I learn more about the craft so be forewarned.
To sum up this post, I found the brief but important nugget about premise extremely helpful. It was on my mind this morning so I thought I’d share my thoughts. Cheers to my next screenplay being better than my last! Well – hopefully.
Have an AMAZING DAY!!
~Brendan
Brendan Bald 