For all
the copious books on Screenwriting and endless re-hashings of Hero's
Journey, 3-Act Structure and misappropriations of Aristotle; sometimes
the best advice comes not in lengthy paragraphs but in concise,
powerful and singular Words and Phrases.
Producer/Screenwriter Ted Hope has penned a fascinating article entitled 32 Qualities of Better Film
This is no 12 step formula or another diatribe of structure from a
script guru who has never actually written a screenplay; it's simply an
investigation of the distinct qualities that engage and edify us as
viewers.
Qualities Of Ambitious Film:
1. Ambition
2. Originality
3. Innovation
4. Integrity To The Concept
5. Discipline
6. Truthfulness
7. Joy Of Doing
8. Singularity
9. Communication Of Themes
10. Clarity of Intent
11. Synthesis of Style & Themes
12. Application Of Techniques
13. Reality Of Actors
14. Pleasure
15. A Good Story Well Told
16. Accomplishment Within The Means
17. Awareness & Appreciation Of The World
18. Acknowledgement Of The Limits Of Feature Film Form
19. Consideration Of Effects Of Representation
20. Recognition Of Film History
21. Subversive To The Status Quo
22. Provocation Of The Audience
23. Respect For The Audience
24. Confidence In The Filmmaking
25. Restraint
26. Awareness Or Avoidance Of Pretension
27. Access To The Subconscious
28. Differentiation Among Characters & Environments
29. Leaving Some Things Unexplained
30. Emotional Use Of Technique
31. Depth Of Character / Depth of Characters
32. Impassioned Point Of View
He then goes on to flesh out those terms and it's an article well worth the reading.
