In the vast landscape of screenwriting, where every scene must captivate and every line should advance the plot, understanding the core of storytelling is paramount. Screenwriter Glenn Gers, known for his insightful and practical approach to writing, unravels the art of storytelling with a fresh perspective that resonates with both budding and seasoned writers. In a recent conversation with Film Courage, Gers dives deep into the mechanics of what makes a story tick, offering invaluable wisdom on how to craft narratives that grip and engage.
Every Character's Journey Matters
At the heart of any story is the character—a figure with a goal, a desire, a mission. Gers explains that storytelling is not just about following one protagonist; it can involve a web of characters, each with their own path. Whether you're writing a story about a single hero or juggling multiple leads, the essence remains the same: each character believes they are the star of their own story. This principle becomes particularly useful when you're building a narrative with several central figures. By ensuring that each character’s journey is fully realized, you create a richer, more dynamic story where every interaction and every obstacle feels authentic and necessary.
The Billiard Ball Theory of Characters
Gers offers a metaphor that's both vivid and practical—think of characters as billiard balls in motion. Each one is heading in a certain direction, driven by a force (their desires, goals, or motivations). The story unfolds as these characters collide, altering each other's paths and leading to new developments. This dynamic is the crux of dramatic action, where a character's efforts to achieve something are met with challenges, whether they come from other characters, internal fears, or external forces.
Imagine a character trying to catch a train while carrying a suitcase. If they simply place the suitcase on the train and leave, the story falls flat. But if someone steals the suitcase or if the character is terrified of loud train stations, the stakes suddenly skyrocket. It's these obstacles that turn an ordinary situation into a compelling narrative, keeping the audience invested in the outcome.
Questions Drive the Writing Process
For Gers, writing is an endless process of asking questions. From the moment you decide to write, every choice you make stems from a question: Who is this story about? What do they want? Why can't they have it? What do they do to overcome their obstacles? These questions are the building blocks of your story, guiding you through the development of scenes, characters, and plot twists.
Gers champions the idea that asking the right questions—and continuing to ask them—is key to unlocking a narrative's potential. By interrogating your story at every turn, you not only flesh out the characters and plot but also create a roadmap that can guide you through the sometimes murky waters of writing. His six essential questions—who, what, why, what do they do, why doesn’t it work, and how does it end—provide a foolproof structure that can be adapted to any story, whether it’s a feature film, a short script, or even a video game.
Finding Your Unique Writing Process
One of the most liberating insights Gers shares is that there is no right or wrong way to write. The process is intensely personal and varies from one writer to another. Some thrive in short, intense bursts of creativity, while others might need long, sustained periods of writing to hit their stride. The key, according to Gers, is self-awareness—paying close attention to what works for you and being willing to experiment until you find your groove.
Gers candidly shares his own journey of discovering that short bursts of writing yield the best results for him. He recalls the frustration of trying to grind out long writing sessions, only to find that it led to diminishing returns. By recognizing his natural rhythm, he was able to increase his productivity and produce better work. His advice is clear: be honest with yourself, try different approaches, and embrace the process that feels most natural to you.
Embrace the Imperfect Process
Gers dispels the myth of the "aha moment," emphasizing that growth in writing often comes not from sudden epiphanies but through gradual, iterative progress. It's a journey of two steps forward and one step back, where each setback is an opportunity to refine your process and deepen your understanding of storytelling.
He encourages writers to put something—anything—on paper. Even if it’s just a rough outline or a basic scene description, getting your ideas out of your head and into the world is the first step toward building something great. From there, it’s all about asking the right questions and letting your creativity guide you to the answers.
Conclusion
In this enlightening masterclass, Glenn Gers demystifies the process of storytelling and screenwriting, offering practical tools and insights that can help any writer—no matter their experience level—craft compelling, engaging stories. By focusing on characters, embracing a process of constant questioning, and finding your own rhythm, you can unlock the full potential of your narratives. So whether you're writing your first script or your fiftieth, remember that every story is a journey, and with the right approach, it's one that can captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
Watch the original 15 minute source video from Film Courage here:
About PAIFF: The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) is dedicated to showcasing the best in independent filmmaking from around the world. Now in its second season, PAIFF continues to celebrate the art of cinema by bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals in a vibrant and inspiring environment.
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