How To Write A Great Scene - Michael Hauge & Mark W. Travis

Summary of Artistic Techniques, Concepts, and Creative Processes for Writing a Great Scene

Key Concepts and Questions to Ask Before Writing a Scene

• Identify the hero of the story.
• Understand the hero’s wound (emotional or psychological vulnerability).
• Know what the hero fears.
• Define the hero’s visible goal.
• Determine where the scene fits structurally in the story and how far along the character is in their inner journey.

Steps to Develop a Scene

1. Clarify the Character’s Desire in the Scene

   • What does the character want to accomplish?
   • Does this desire move the character closer to their visible goal or help overcome an obstacle?
   • If the scene does not serve this purpose, it should be cut.

2. Define the Action of the Scene

   • What will the character do to try to achieve their desire or goal?
   • Focus on the character’s actions before writing dialogue.

3. Identify the Obstacle

   • What conflict or obstacle must the character face in this scene?
   • Conflict drives the emotion of the scene.
   • The obstacle can be immediate or anticipated (e.g., suspense or thriller elements).

4. Writing Dialogue

   • Initially, write simple dialogue expressing what the character feels and wants (even if it’s “on the nose” or obvious).
   • Dialogue should reveal feelings, desires, or attempts to persuade or control others.
   • In later drafts, refine dialogue to:
     • Avoid overt statements of feelings or desires.
     • Use subtext and surface-level language to hide true intentions or emotions.

5. Refine the Scene

   • Make the character’s journey harder by increasing obstacles.
   • Use subtext and subtlety in dialogue.
   • Repeat the process through multiple drafts to deepen the scene.

Advice for Directors (from Mark, implied)

Bring the scene to life by focusing on the character’s desires, conflicts, and emotions as outlined above.

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Creators/Contributors Featured

• Michael Hauge (screenwriting expert)
• Mark W. Travis (director)