§ RESOURCES / FILMMAKER INDEX
Scott Z Burns
Writer
Films Discussed 3
- · Contagion (2011) (w)
- · Side Effects (2013) (w)
- · The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) (w)
Draft Zero Episodes 3
DZ-127: Secrets and Clues 2 - The Cost of Revelation
What does it cost a character to find something out, or to say it?
In this episode Stu, Chas and Mel apply the Landmark–Hidden–Secret framework (from DZ-126) across two very different genres: the thriller SIDE EFFECTS (2013) and the tragicomic pilot of SHRINKING… →
Listen to learn the emotional impact of revealing secrets vs discovering them.
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DZ-51: Antagonists! 3 - vs Nature
What changes in your story if your antagonistic forces can't be bargained with?
In this Part Three of our Five Part Epic Exploration™ into antagonistic forces (and sources of conflict), Chas & Stu explore “nature” antagonists, including some supernatural ones. What became clear in doing the homework (and recording this episode twice) was that the antagonistic forces - whether natural or supernatural - presented different narrative challenges to the protagonists if (a) they did not seem to make choices and (b) could not be bargained with or defeated… →
Listen to understand why pressure--not obstacles--is what transforms a protagonist when they face an unstoppable force.
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DZ-16: Masters of Time and Whitespace
Does manipulating time on the page make your script feel more cinematic?
Chas and Stu are joined by Khrob Edmonds - an award-winning filmmaker - to discuss manipulation of time… →
Listen if you want your screenplay to feel cinematic before a director ever reads it.
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