Randall_Oelerich
Veteran
Curious what you all decide on first when initially formulating a story idea-- a theme, or a hero's goal? And why. And if it works for you.
Which do u do first: theme or goal ?
- Thread starter Randall_Oelerich
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Richard J. Johnson
Joystick Member
I think story first and try to conform that into the theme.
I have dozens of stories in my head and on paper. If one doesn't work I start on another.
Once I get a story that fits I start doing character breakdowns (which I need to get better at) and after that I write out a 4 to 5 page story.
From there if it's looking good I get a second opinion and then I start writing the script. And this process goes thru many re-writes and changes depending on budget, skill level, and the ability to lock down locations.
It works for me and the process from story to first draft only takes about a week.
I have dozens of stories in my head and on paper. If one doesn't work I start on another.
Once I get a story that fits I start doing character breakdowns (which I need to get better at) and after that I write out a 4 to 5 page story.
From there if it's looking good I get a second opinion and then I start writing the script. And this process goes thru many re-writes and changes depending on budget, skill level, and the ability to lock down locations.
It works for me and the process from story to first draft only takes about a week.
I think story follows theme.
Charli
cool little "title"
I think about the ending, that defines the theme and goal, if you end up in Disney World, you know you're going on a fun family trip, if you end up in Paris, you know you'll go to a romantic get-a-way, if you end up in Africa, there may be both political and elements of nature - danger at every turn - once you know where you end up, you'll know your theme.
Capt Quirk
Veteran
I start with an idea, maybe some ludicrous scene in my head, and work it out from there. It is just a matter of deciding what happened to build up to that moment, and the logical result. Sometimes I can get a full story, sometimes just a short.
Nektonic
Veteran
For me it depends on the initial subject matter or basic concept. I would say usually I start with the hero's goal and then I will discover the theme as I outline the basic plot, or at least I might get a notion of the theme so I can start figuring out what it is. If the idea is more conceptual and I can't think of who my protagonist is right off the bat, then the theme is what gives me an in to the story and its world. I don't think it matters which comes first as long as you get to a point where all the essential elements are in the outline or beat sheet. Then just write.
I think that some films are just better carriers for a theme, while others are more about providing an entertaining ride for the audience as they experience the hero's journey.
Some examples:
Aliens vs. Network
Die Hard vs. Schindler's List
Beverly Hills Cop vs. The French Connection
Some movies seem to be made more for their entertainment value while others are made because the writer or filmmaker wants to explore an important topic or subject matter in a deep and meaningful way. Popcorn films can still have a theme, and serious minded films can still be entertaining. They just do it in a different way and in a different dose of each component.
I think that some films are just better carriers for a theme, while others are more about providing an entertaining ride for the audience as they experience the hero's journey.
Some examples:
Aliens vs. Network
Die Hard vs. Schindler's List
Beverly Hills Cop vs. The French Connection
Some movies seem to be made more for their entertainment value while others are made because the writer or filmmaker wants to explore an important topic or subject matter in a deep and meaningful way. Popcorn films can still have a theme, and serious minded films can still be entertaining. They just do it in a different way and in a different dose of each component.
kylekmd
Well-known member
Both approaches work equally well for me.
Sometimes a unique idea for a story pops into my head; other times I might read or hear a great phrase or quote and "reverse engineer" it into a story.
In any case, I always use THEME and FLAW to generate the details of the tall tale.
Sometimes a unique idea for a story pops into my head; other times I might read or hear a great phrase or quote and "reverse engineer" it into a story.
In any case, I always use THEME and FLAW to generate the details of the tall tale.
RodThompson
Veteran
I personally never choose the theme for my scripts. I simply allow the story to play out and pull a theme from it later.