I just saw this article this morning and thought I'd share it with the forum. Matt Stone and Trey Parker are legendary creators and offer an interesting perspective on why to use the but and, therefore rules when crafting your screenplay. Check it out. And if you hate the word rules, call them guidelines.
Screenwriting : The South Park Guys offer a screenwriting lesson. by Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal"
The South Park Guys offer a screenwriting lesson.
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Great article. Thank you for sharing this. I've read this a few times prior but it's one of those foundational truths that warrant reminding. I find the thought process behind these guidelines inspiring. The one example that really jumps out at me is the first JJ Abrams Star Trek which felt like it really highlighted this line of thinking. I love it.
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Leonardo: Trey and Matt are brilliant.
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This really helped. Right after I read the post, I went back and looked at the outline I was just working on and found a couple of holes that needed filling. Thanks again!
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Leonardo:
Always happy to help.
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Ive read their "guidelines" years ago. Better yet, I met the executive who privately paid the then unknown duo for a South Park short skit, which lead to a tv series.
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Thank you for sharing Phillip, will give it a read!
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Chuck Jones had guidelines for Coyote & RoadRunner cartoons
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Many engagements that lead to stellar careers come of just by sharing a spark idea in between the right pair of ears...and it almost always goes unplanned, so best "rule" is to always be yourself either ure meeting manager of "Carty TV", Brandon Ohio or ure meeting Jason Blum...
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Great share, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal"! Thanks. I haven't heard of the “But and Therefore” Rule before. I bookmarked the article so I can test out the "rule" in a script.
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"Right after I read the post, I went back and looked at the outline I was just working on and found a couple of holes that needed filling." Leonardo Ramirez I can see how the “But and Therefore” Rule works for an outline. Thanks for the idea!
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That's pretty cool, Dan MaxXx. :) I never knew there were rules for Coyote & RoadRunner. I wonder if there are rules for other Looney Tunes characters.
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Excellent advice, Kiril Maksimoski.
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Maurice: Glad this is helpful.