Skip to main content
DRAFT ZERO

DZ-60: Unfilmables 1 - Engaging imagination

How can unfilmables enhance the experience of your script?

Legacy Episode — Migrated from our original site. Will take time to tidy up!

⏱ 2h 25m
7 AUG 2019

Show Notes

*AKA Why your screenwriting guru is wrong *

In this episode, Chas and Stu deep dive into the controversial area of “unfilmables” — those alleged screenwriting sins, where a writer writes a line that (apparently) cannot be seen or heard. But many produced spec scripts use unfilmables to great effect. So how and why do they “get away with it”?

In this first part, they look at unfilmables in micro moments: to describe locations, set (or change) the mood/tone, bring performances to life, and communicate certain types of humour. To that end, they breakdown into examples from LETHAL WEAPON, MY BRIDESMAID IS A BITCH, HEREDITARY, FLEABAG, KILLING EVE, A QUIET PLACE, KILLING THEM SOFTLY, SHARP OBJECTS, SPARTAN, THE NICE GUYS, DRIVE, THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI, TREE OF LIFE, and MICHAEL CLAYTON.

Thanks to Chris Walker for editing this episode, and Carissa Lee for performing the big print.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.

Thanks to our Patrons, especially Devin, Jack, Paul, Chris, Khrob, Sandra, Nick, Rob, Matteo, Daniel and Carrie.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.


Scripts


More Draft Zero is brought to you by our awesome Patreons.

If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a rating on Spotify, or a review on Podchaser.

We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.