Scribbling Lessons from James Mangold
I watched a Final Draft interview with James Mangold, the creative force behind films like Logan and Ford v Ferrari, where he offered insights that are as practical as they are inspiring. Watch the original video or take a scroll through his brilliant advice.
Focus on Storytelling Over Technical Jargon
Picture this: You’re writing a screenplay, and the urge strikes to include every camera angle and movement. Mangold’s advice? Resist. Instead of cluttering your script with technical terms like “POV shot” or “close-up,” focus on the emotions, actions, and visuals that naturally suggest the shot. Let the story dictate the flow—the camera will follow.
Write for a Blind Audience
Here’s a fun challenge: Describe your script as if your audience can’t see it. Mangold recommends keeping descriptions concise yet engaging, mirroring the pacing of a film. This approach ensures your words don’t lag behind the story’s momentum. Think of it as audio storytelling—the rhythm and details should paint pictures in the reader’s mind.
Prioritize Essential and Visual Details
What do readers need to know? Mangold urges writers to trim away the excess, focusing only on details that drive the story forward or spark intrigue. Overloading your script with poetic imagery or irrelevant minutiae can bog down the pace. Ask yourself: Does this detail add to the scene? If not, let it go.
Make the Script Both Functional and Exciting
Think of a screenplay as a recipe, a guide to creating a movie. But unlike a plain set of cooking instructions, your script must captivate the reader from the first page. Decisions about greenlighting projects often happen within the first three pages. Grab attention quickly by diving straight into the heart of your story.
Keep the Reader Engaged
Let’s say you’re describing a potted plant. If its veiny leaves aren’t critical to the next scene, why mention them? Mangold’s point is clear: Don’t waste time on unimportant details. Every word should serve a purpose, keeping your reader hooked and invested in the story’s progression.
Write with Momentum
Scripts should move like the movies they’ll become. Mangold advises a lean, fast-paced writing style that mirrors the visual flow of a film. Picture the scenes in your mind as you write, and let your words keep up with that imagined picture. This momentum keeps the narrative lively and engaging.
Combat Writer’s Block by Staying Prepared
Writer’s block? Mangold doesn’t buy it. His philosophy: Don’t sit down to write unless you know what you’re going to write. Preparation is key. Whether sketching an outline or brainstorming ideas, have a plan before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Use Movement to Stimulate Ideas
Feeling stuck? Step away. Go for a walk, do the dishes, or tackle other mindless tasks. Movement has a way of shaking ideas loose, allowing you to return to your desk with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, the best writing happens when you’re not writing at all.
Act on Inspiration Immediately
When inspiration strikes, don’t wait. Mangold believes in acting fast—head to your desk and get the ideas down. The longer you hesitate, the more likely creative paralysis sets in. Treat those moments of inspiration like rare treasures and capture them while fresh.
Plan Before Writing
Writing without a plan is like cooking without a recipe. Mangold’s advice? Know what you’re going to make before you enter the kitchen. Decide on your story, characters, and key beats in advance. This preparation makes the actual writing process smoother and more enjoyable.
Remember, you’re not facing the blank page alone. You have your scribbler’s toolbox. So, ABW. Always. Be. Writing.
