Shop – ETB https://etbscreenwriting.com Screenwriting Sun, 13 Oct 2024 15:41:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 The Power of Will eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-will/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-will https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-will/#respond Wed, 02 Jun 2021 17:00:52 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=641 Power of Will characters believe that expanding their power base, extending their territory, protecting and defending what is rightfully theirs (according to them) and swiftly avenging any wrong (or perceived wrong) is how one gets along, gets ahead and stays ahead in the world.]]> Power of Will characters believe that expanding their power base, extending their territory, protecting and defending what is rightfully theirs (according to them) and swiftly avenging any wrong (or perceived wrong) is how one gets along, gets ahead and stays ahead in the world.

Power of Will characters take what they want, fight for every inch of turf, refuse to show any weakness themselves and pounce decisively on the weakness of others. They have a kill or be killed framework for everything. They believe absolutely in the Law of the Jungle.

These characters divide the world into aggressors and victims, hunters and prey, and the strong and the weak. They believe it is better to be feared than to be loved. They never want to be seen as “soft” or vulnerable. They show no mercy and they expect none.

A character driven by the Power of Will is one of the mostly frequently utilized characters in film and television. Although typically cast in the role of the antagonist, villain, heavy, muscle, enforcer or nemesis, this Character Type also makes a vibrant and complex protagonist. Although most often developed as a male character, a Power of Will character can also be a formidable female.

 

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-will/feed/ 0
The Power of Love eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-love-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-love-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-love-ebook/#comments Sat, 29 May 2021 20:20:53 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=610 Power of Love characters believe if they make themselves indispensable and/or irresistible the other person will need them and will be obliged to love them. This might be stated: “I’ve done everything for you. I sacrificed and slaved for you. I made you who you are. You owe me.” Or in the case of a spouse or lover: “I gave you the best years of my life. You owe me.”

On a paper valentine it says simply, firmly and powerfully “Be Mine.” Possessiveness and passive/aggressive domination are the hallmarks of these characters. Power of Love characters often lavish their attention and affection on others in order to exercise control, prevail, gain dominance or conquer another’s heart.

They see their own value reflected in the eyes of their love object. Their philosophy might be stated: “You’re nothing without me. (And I feel I am nothing without you.)”

A character driven by the Power of Love is often a best friend, a mentor, an over-zealous parent, a beleaguered assistant or someone who tirelessly pushes another forward in a story. At their worst, these characters are stalkers, jealous lovers, crushingly caring parents, needy spouses, clingy codependents or self-pitying martyrs for love.

Although typically developed as a female character, a Power of Love character can also be a compelling male lead. These characters— often soft, gentle and compliant on the outside—are made of strong, even steely, stuff on the inside.

 

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-love-ebook/feed/ 10
The Power of Reason eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-reason-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-reason-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-reason-ebook/#comments Sat, 29 May 2021 20:19:59 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=304 Power of Reason characters see the world as a series of intellectual, practical or scientific problems, dilemmas or puzzles to be solved. They believe anything and everything can be explained rationally or solved logically. They examine the situation carefully, consult other expert opinions or past experiences and put their minds to the issue in a thorough and objective fashion.

These characters cannot abide deviation from their systematic and orderly approach to the world. They tend to discount or ignore emotional or spiritual (or supernatural) factors in a situation or a problem. If they can’t see it, measure it, categorize it or quantify it they don’t believe in it.

Power of Reason characters don’t believe in getting personally involved or emotionally entangled in any issue. They always try to maintain a sense of cool detachment and personal objectivity. They are good listeners but deflect or avoid any intimate questions about themselves and are extremely private about disclosing anything they consider to be personal. They are excellent problem-solvers and experts on matters technical, scientific or arcane.

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-reason-ebook/feed/ 14
The Power of Idealism eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-idealism-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-idealism-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-idealism-ebook/#respond Sat, 29 May 2021 20:08:59 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=605 Power of Idealism characters believe that life and love should involve a grand passion or an heroic destiny. They see the world in terms of sweeping epic poetry or as a struggle of operatic proportions. Intensity of feeling (good or bad) makes this character’s life worth living.

Power of Idealism characters believe it is better to be in intense pain than to feel nothing at all or to be simply content or complacent. These characters are more than willing to suffer for their art, their iconoclasm or their noble or romantic gestures. They believe pain is necessary to living a life of passion. They embrace their pain and even tend to wallow in it.

Power of Idealism characters have high standards and seek excellence in whatever they do. They appreciate the finer things in life and special luxuries large and small. They strive for aesthetic perfection in all areas. They abhor anything they consider to be coarse, gross, common, ordinary, mediocre, inelegant or ungallant. They believe that what is perfect but unavailable or unattainable is infinitely more desirable than what is flawed but possible or achievable. They are always reaching for the unreachable star.

A character driven by the Power of Idealism wants to stand out from the crowd, to be extraordinary, unique and special. They are youthful rebels, Epic Heroes or lovers whose passion lives forever. In addition to the examples below, see the Power of Idealism blog posts for more examples.

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-idealism-ebook/feed/ 0
The Power of Excitement eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-excitement-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-excitement-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-excitement-ebook/#comments Sat, 29 May 2021 20:07:36 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=603 Power of Excitement characters believe life is a playground and a grand adventure. They often are an innovator, an explorer, a merry pranksters or the perennial “forever young” person in a story (who never grew up). In whatever role these characters play, they are good humored, endlessly optimistic and great fun.

They keep things lively, entertaining, interesting and off-balance for all the other characters. However, these characters are not interested in anything that requires a comforting hand, a long-term commitment, personal responsibility or a deep intimate attachment.

Power of Excitement characters are usually an agent of chaos. Their rakish push-the- envelop devil-may-care attitude inevitably shakes things up in a story. But their charm, ready wit and natural talent as an escape artist or improvisor often saves the day.

In a comedy these characters are the life of the party. They find ways to make things fun. They are risk-takers who seek out the next diversion, the new thrill or the most daring escapade. They love the variety and are willing to try anything.

In their Dark Side they are irresponsible users always looking for the next high. They often have a “junkie mentality” with a ready excuse for every mishap or whatever mayhem they cause along the way.

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-excitement-ebook/feed/ 15
The Power of Conscience eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-conscience-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-conscience-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-conscience-ebook/#respond Sat, 29 May 2021 19:57:54 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=601 Power of Conscience characters know instinctively if something is wrong, unjust, unfair, improper, corrupt or out of line. Their judgment and response is swift and immutable. They are propelled forward by personal outrage and moral indignation, usually on another’s behalf.

These characters believe they are their brother’s keeper. They feel responsible for the greater good and for doing good. They wrestle with how far they should go in seeking justice and fairness for others, in exposing corruption and injustice or in standing up against evil or wrong-doing. They worry about with what is the higher duty and what exactly is required of them in response.

The answer, in a drama, is everything this character holds dear. Over the course of a drama these characters are drawn further and further down the path of righteousness. They are compelled to do one small thing, then another and another until, in the end, they have sacrificed their personal concerns, their safety, their security, their family, their fortunes or often their lives.

They can be a force for good or evil in a story. In their Dark Side these characters believe the ends justify the means (evil behavior for a good or moral purpose). At their worst they can become rigid, accusatory, sanctimonious, judgmental and hypocritical.

On the comedy side, Power of Conscience characters are often pious hypocrites who are exposed in a comedic way or respectable establishment types who get a humorous comeuppance. Or, they can be straight-laced or uptight individuals who need to relax, be more spontaneous and have more fun.

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-conscience-ebook/feed/ 0
The Power of Imagination eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-imagination-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-imagination-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-imagination-ebook/#comments Sat, 29 May 2021 19:53:33 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=607 Power of Imagination characters see the world as or make the world into a miraculous and magical place. They can access what others can’t. Their reaction to this unique perception is affirming and all embracing. They never doubt their vision, special insight or call from beyond.

These characters are launched on a quest when something in the wider world is disrupted, thrown out of balance or is causing danger or deep divisions. They are reluctant heroes who are pushed into their roles by larger circumstances. Greatness is usually thrust upon them via a special message, personal intuition, vivid vision or supernatural imperative that calls to them in some deeply powerful way.

In calling others to heed their vision, these characters naturally collect diverse individuals who share a common purpose despite significant outward differences and even conflicting agendas or opposing points of view. Their goal to keep the potentially divisive group together and to restore harmony and balance to the world.

A character driven by the Power of Imagination used to be a fairly rare character in film and television. More recently, these Character Types are more common. Power of Imagination characters are the naifs, innocents and eccentrics, seemingly the last person anyone would think of as a hero. They are, in fact, the classic mythic hero or the reluctant hero that Joseph Campbell and Chris Vogler describe.

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-imagination-ebook/feed/ 13
The Power of Ambition eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-ambition-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-ambition-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-ambition-ebook/#respond Sat, 29 May 2021 19:52:28 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=599 Power of Ambition characters believe that nothing is as important as projecting a successful, polished or accomplished image– Even if the character has to go deep into debt or lie, cheat and steal to do so. Image is everything to these characters.

How others view or rate them is crucial. They value themselves and others by the toys, the trappings, the prestige, the awards, the money, the status or the other public forms of recognition accrued. How it is accrued is irrelevant.

Power of Ambition characters want the reassurance of the visible, tangible evidence of their outward success or status. The definition and meaning of “success” is at the heart of a Power of Ambition character’s story. Is success truly measured from the outside or from the inside?

A character driven by the Power of Ambition can be a hardworking, eager, charming optimist with a “can-do” spirit—or a lying, manipulative, backstabbing striver who will do anything to get ahead in life. These characters are eager charmers, con artists, slick salesmen/saleswomen, lovable impostors and literal or metaphorical prostitutes.

They can be aspirational characters who want to rise from a lowly station to a more exalted one. Or they can be selfish whores, frauds, fakers or con artists, always on the hustle. In either case, their perceived status, popularity and social importance is key their sense of themselves.

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-ambition-ebook/feed/ 0
The Power of Truth eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-truth-ebook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-power-of-truth-ebook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-truth-ebook/#comments Sat, 29 May 2021 17:54:30 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=305 Power of Truth characters fear being unable to distinguish truth from lies or being unable to spot or prove cover-ups...]]> Power of Truth characters fear being unable to distinguish truth from lies or being unable to spot or prove cover-ups, conspiracies, hidden pitfalls or the secret agendas of others. They suspect and try to detect what someone’s real motives might be or what is hidden from an initial or superficial assessment of a situation.  They test and probe any inconsistency or uncertainty. Their greatest fear is misjudging people or circumstances and being tricked, deceived, getting hurt or being betrayed as a result.  They can be paranoid, anxious, worried or skeptical in the extreme.

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/the-power-of-truth-ebook/feed/ 18
How to Evaluate Stories eBook https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/how-to-evaluate-stories/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-evaluate-stories https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/how-to-evaluate-stories/#respond Thu, 06 May 2021 17:57:38 +0000 http://etbscreenwriting.com//?post_type=product&p=309 An executive for a major broadcaster was transitioning into a creative position in that company. The executive, one of my long time corporate clients, asked me for a recommendation of a book on story evaluation.

I did a search on Amazon and in the bookstore and found nothing that would suit her need for a quick but comprehensive primer on the crucial elements that go into evaluating a project. I decided to write such a primer myself.

Here’s what the executive said in response to the material I prepared: “I’m speechless. This is incredible. Thank you so much.” This primer is still in use in the company today. I decided to put this information an eBook for everyone who must evaluate a story

What I’ve learned is good storytelling is good storytelling regardless of project size, budget, or genre. Whether your project is a novel or a screenplay, if the story you are working on doesn’t have the crucial elements discussed here it won’t have the compelling narrative drive that captures and holds an audience’s interest.

Here’s what others have to say about this eBook:

“This little book is so packed with story wisdom it is mind boggling. Each concise suggestion is so clear and — easy —and yet as you apply them to your work, they will continue to open up and deepen in your understanding. These are the great film story tenets that the best storytellers—and executives!—know and work from. Read it, learn it, use it, because these checklists are packed with a story punch that will get you way ahead of the pack.”
– Meg LeFauve, screenwriter, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Captain Marvel, former President of Jodie Foster’s Egg Pictures

“Laurie’s storytelling techniques have shaved HOURS off of my work day and off of the script development process. I’ve been able to apply her lessons to film, television and even advertising projects. I wish every writer, director and ad industry professional would buy this book.”
– Bernadette Rivero, President of The Cortez Brothers production and multi-platform content company

“This is an excellent guide for any new and existing writer or producer to have by their side as they embark on a project. It gives a really clear reminder of what is vital for success”.
– Naomi Joseph, Former Executive Director of International Scripted Programming, Endemol Group, London

“It’s a great little guide, very useful and dripping with truth. The creative process can be messy, murky and bewildering, but Laurie’s short, precise story guide shines enough light for all to see.”
– Nick Malmholt, screenwriter and former Head of Drama, FremantleMedia Worldwide Drama

“This is the most comprehensive overview of screenwriting I’ve read. Why read 100 pages of some other writer’s journey when you get what you need in just a few pages? This is a quick amazing read. Don’t spend your time reading while you are trying to write.”
– Jamison Reeves, actor, writer, director

]]>
https://etbscreenwriting.com/product/how-to-evaluate-stories/feed/ 0