24 Fps - Monday, March 1, 2010 14:19

Script Talk

Character Study

Screenwriting expert Julie Gray reveals her methods for ensuring that character remains the rightful focus of any screenplay.

Movies are arguably the most powerful, immersive and cathartic intersection of art and commerce that we humans have yet to produce. Even as film continues to evolve, entertain and delight us, as James Cameron demonstrates with Avatar, the possibilities are truly endless.

No matter how original, visually alluring or provocative a film might be, however, without compelling and organic characters it’s like staring at the pages of the Bon Appetit issue. The cakes, pies and tarts look tantalising but it’s all show and no full tummy. All sweet and no savoury. All cake and no supper. You can’t get no satisfaction. As audience members, we have become increasingly addicted to quick results, instant gratification and bigger and bigger spectacle. And it’s starving our souls. Continue…