Steve Salt's Lounge Discussions

Tarantino, Hal Hartley, Whit Stillman, Ed Burns and even Kevin Smith would often write actors entire scenes of dialogue where the subjects they discuss have nothing to do with the plot. If you're doing that kind of thing, it better be really fun dialogue. I've seen plenty of copycats fail at this because the lines aren't interesting, funny or that original. Stick to the story unless you got a really great exchange going that serves the characters well.

My schools motto was FACTA NON VERBA (deeds not words). You judge a person by what they do not what they say.

Now depending on how you write will also depend on what you lean on. I am have script where two guys are trying to figure if they should open a barrel that could contain a bomb or cash. This is super dialogue heavy. But I need a little action to set up the characters.

In my other script “The Valley” a man is hunting a teenage girl because she stole from him. Mostly action not much dialogue.

There is no right or wrong answer just tools.

Dillon,

It is a common misconception that a film is either one or the other. And it's often a mistake to assign your work a category before you write. People tend to jump into a camp and stay there.

Write YOUR story, Dillon. If you have a correct grasp of structure, your story with it's plot, characters and action will come out just right (with the required amount of drafts, of course).

A film that is considered a "character" piece always has a compelling story -- though often a somewhat contracted timeline and use of limited locations. Vicky Cristina Barcelona and American Beauty are two great examples. These characters sit on top of great -- although not necessarily prominent -- story lines.

And the best action films have terrific characters. Cast away and The Revenant both have tremendous character portrayals -- hence, Leonardo's Oscar.

If you really know who your main protagonists and antagonists are, and you drop them into a compelling story with a dynamic plot their characters will bounce, flow and compel all the way the the finish.

Don't fall into the trap of analysing films with a one-dimensional viewpoint. There is often more components to a successful film than is immediately obvious. Character is the most obvious, thus people wax lyrical on it; without understanding the foundations that hold the character up.

Get stuck into your screenplay -- and watch your characters reveal themselves as they negotiate the obstacles you place before them.

Best of luck brother!

Steve.

"A character may have motivation but what does he/she do with it?"

i think that depends on the character and the situation. for instance: you might have a character who is normally cool and collected, but an event, or series of events, gets them hurling profanity or murderous threats. they might not say anything, during action, because they are too busy trying to stay alive; or their talking a mile a minute to try to hide their fear/anxiety.

the manifestation of their motivation will be shaped by their characterization, goals and the various situations that character will go through (including interaction with other characters).

thanks guys.....i just like hearing other peoples viewpoints and talking about it since writing is such a personal endeavor....you can get lost.....I'm pretty confident in my latest drafts but its taken me years of learning and honing to get there....Just pulling peoples opinions so thanks again.

t it, how exciting is fantastic Vincent Keep me posted if they're going to pick it up and proDuce It

Thank you eric, I love acting

Yes Vincent send a private message and I will send my email address

Vincent I sent you a message with my email

Yes I got it been since I'm at work right now as soon as I'm off I will read it thank you so much for sending it to me I can't wait to get started on it

Thank you all so much! Boomer I couldn't stand that! Ugh. I've stopped the car in the middle of a busy street and jumped out before, because a spider was crawling near my rearview mirror. UGH

Welcome Michelle.

Welcome to Stage 32 Michelle. No spiders here (at least I don't think so, lol)

Thanks for the luv everyone! Jeremy, that's comforting.

Hello Garriell, the type of actors depends on the production. We recently held auditions here in Chicago, but you can feel free to either email your materials to Michelledivyfilms@Gmail.com or send hard copies to: Michelle D. Ivy Ent, P.O. Box 4464, Oak Park, IL 60304.

Congrats!

Good job and good luck!

Well done!

Congrats! Well done!

That is awesome, Devere! Congratulations.

Thanks :)

most importantly, who's your hockey team???

Nice to meet you! Go Flyers :)

What's the movie business like in Texas? A lot of people from cali are moving there. I imagine the number of indy filmmakers in Austin has skyrocketed.

Hi Joshua: Congrats on your script and best of luck for your film! Warm wishes, Bec

Love that cast.

We're not finished yet

I will have an ask around. If you need a composer, drop me a line. I am sure it will all come together for you my friend, you are working hard by the looks of it. Gareth

Thank you Gareth I will keep you in mind, it has taken a while to put together the cast because I do not have financing yet, I plan on doing a crowdfunding campaign so I got the talent to agree first, kind of like when doing an indie film, not the norm in TV but I think we can get it done

Welcome to Stage 32, Jf!

Hey, Samantha! Welcome to our crew! This is what you do: Add my friend, DAVE McCREA, to your network. He's in NY making things happen! He'll lead you in the right direction.

Hello everyone. Thanks Shawn - that's awesome to know. Will do. Ciao.

Ciao!

Good luck Sam.

GR8 to connect Samantha! continue to follow your path, see self elevated...

congrats!!

Awesome! Congrats!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Awesome! Congrats!

Congratulations, Jakob!

Fantastic dude! All the best from the R.E.P Knights.

Superb Jakob! Go get em.

Awesome!!

Well done Jakob, that is an amazing achievement!

Thanks Shawn. I appreciate the feedback. All is needed. And awesome I definitely will consider doing so.

Welcome Sabryia. All the best from England. Go get em!

All the best from India.

Cool. Nice 2 meet you too! Bout to check ya music! Check me out! https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sewacida2

I checked you out, Howard. Good stuff. I left some comments. I'm a musician and radio man, so It's always a pleasure to see other musicians working the site. You guys are doing your thing. That's what's up!

Hey Laura, independent film producer also from Texas :) Welcome! www.mistersifuentes.com

Hey Laura, All the best from England

Hello Laura! It's never too late to live your dream!

Hi Laura, All the best with the hopes and dreams!

Welcome Laura! Your dreams will come true because you have courage and conviction!

Welcome Steve and best of luck with your projects.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome...much appreciated.

Hi Steve, Welcome.

Hello Steve. Best of fortunes. Any relation to the great Waldo Salt?

lol. Hey Ehrick...sadly no. Thought about asking his daughter Jennifer for a job though.

Hey Catalina, Nice to meet you. Keep writing and smiling.

Great to meet you, Catalina. A screenwriter, too!

Welcome to Stage 32, Catalina!

Fantastic Dylan! Congrats!

Well done mate! Proud of you.

Congrats Dylan! Love to hear about the local talent doing well.

Congratulations and best of luck with Sundial! One of the best emails you can receive is the REQUESTED ones by Joey and his team!

Good luck, Dylan. An agent requested a script of mine, and I plan on pitching another tonight. (Tonight, in Norway, that is - where my wife and I are on musical tour.)