Screenwriting Essentials: Instinct

The Principle of "Because I Said So"

This section discusses the importance of personal and irrational choices in creative work.

Personal and Irrational Choices

• Creative work has to be personal and somewhat irrational.

• Mondrian and Michael Bay are examples of hyper-rational or hyper-commercial artists who still make personal and irrational choices within a strict set of rules.

• The spirit, talent, or vision is what makes an artist's work personal.

• Sometimes the worst reason is the best plan.

Learning to Trust Your Instincts

This section discusses how to get comfortable with making instinctive choices in creative work.

Making Instinctive Choices

• Recognize that instinct is a necessary part of creative work.

• Consciously allow yourself to follow your own impulses when making a choice.

• Accept that your choices will come from a wide variety of places inside yourself.

• Learn to listen to yourself by practicing recognizing the feeling of creative choice.

Creativity and Trusting Your Instincts

In this section, the speaker talks about how negative thoughts can hinder creativity and encourages listeners to trust their instincts. The speaker also discusses the importance of being open to criticism while still maintaining confidence in one's own work.

Negative Thoughts and Creativity

• Negative thoughts can hinder creativity.

• When feeling overwhelmed with negative thoughts, tell yourself "I will judge this later" and focus on creating.

• Learning to create from your instincts is not necessarily a path to success, but it is your best shot.

Trusting Your Instincts

• Trusting your instincts does not mean ignoring all criticism or feedback.

• Use your newfound access to your thoughts and feelings when getting advice or criticism.

• Be prepared for the fact that some people will not like what you do when following your instincts.

Taking Responsibility for Your Work

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own work. They discuss the need for practicality, hard work, determination, strength, commitment, and willingness to fail in order to succeed as an artist.

Practicality and Hard Work

• To make your instincts work, you have to be practical and hard-working.

• You have to commit and see it through over and over again.

• Figure out what you do well and what you like, then do it as well as you can.

Taking Responsibility

• Take responsibility for your choices; admit when something fails.

• Plan a path that will make the most of what you do.

• Your work will be what it will be; focus on doing your best.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes their talk by encouraging listeners to go write something and offering resources for those who want to work with them.

Final Thoughts

• The speaker encourages listeners to go write something.

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