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Watching movies or binge watching your favorite TV show is often regarded as a way to relax or  “wind down” for the day. But have you considered the work and effort that is put into these  programs for your relaxation and enjoyment? In this lab, we will go behind the scenes, breaking  down the thinking and writing that builds a phenomenal movie/show. We will look at dialogue,  transitions, comedy, tragedy, and the nuances of layered conversations to build the world and  characters of our favorite films. We will also look at cliches and awkward dialogue so we better  understand how to avoid these pitfalls in our own writing.

To get you started on this path, try out this helpful exercise: Watch a scene from your favorite movie  or TV show. As you watch, write every line of dialogue, every beat, and every stutter. Not only will  you be able to examine how the scene is written, but learn the rhythms of what makes a scene so  successful. You can also do this activity with a movie or TV show you don’t like in order to better understand what makes a scene fail. Learn the rhythms you want to avoid in your own work.

Think about films that you’ve never seen. Watch things outside of your comfort zone. Watch things  that challenge your writing or show you a whole different genre that you haven’t dabbled in. This is a writing lab, but also a watch party. Come with an open mind and a critical mind. Let’s discuss and  have fun!