Robert Eggers’ Scribbling Secrets

Have you ever watched a movie so immersive that you felt transported to another world? Maybe it was a flick by Robert Eggers, the filmmaker behind Nosferatu, The Northman, The Witch, and The Lighthouse. Eggers uses research, personal voice, and bold choices to make his work unique and unforgettable. Let’s unpack his scribbler’s toolbox to see what we can gank that will power up our own creative process.

Embrace Your Unique Voice

What sets your scribbling apart? Eggers leans unapologetically into his quirks and interests, creating fresh and deeply personal stories. Studios and audiences aren’t looking for cookie-cutter scripts; they want something that only you can offer.

Takeaway: Your voice is your superpower. Don’t shy away from what makes you different— lean into it.

Avoid Forcing a Message

Eggers doesn’t approach his work with a specific agenda. He trusts his yarn to reveal its themes naturally. The Witch explores paranoia and faith, but these themes emerge from the characters and their world, not from a heavy-handed message.

Takeaway: Let your story speak for itself. Audiences connect more deeply when themes arise organically.

Let Research Fuel Your Scribbling

Eggers spends months immersing in historical texts, artifacts, and folklore before he starts scribbling. This doesn’t just inform his scribbles. It sparks his imagination. For him, research and writing are a dialogue.

Practical Tip: Research a little, scribble a little, repeat. This rhythm keeps your ideas evolving and grounded.

Balance Structure and Mystery

Eggers’ scripts are meticulously structured but retain an air of mystery. This balance keeps audiences intrigued while delivering a satisfying narrative arc.

Takeaway: Blend clarity and atmosphere. Structure is the skeleton, and mystery is the soul.

Atmosphere First

Before Eggers writes a scene, he envisions the vibe. The sights, sounds, and textures. In The Lighthouse, the howling wind and crashing waves aren’t just setting details; they’re characters.

Takeaway: Start with the mood you want to evoke. Build your story around it.

Personal Experience

Even in historical settings, Eggers infuses his scripts with personal truths. Family arguments inspired the tense dynamics in The Witch.

Takeaway: Ground your work in universal truths. Personal connections add authenticity.

Scribble Your Vision

Eggers is famous for including ultra-specific details in his screenplays. How an actor moves, holds a prop or reacts. This level of control may not suit every scribbler. It underscores the value of having a clear vision.

Takeaway: Write with intention. Be specific about what you want to convey.

Historical Accuracy is a Guideline, Not a Rule

Eggers uses historical accuracy as a springboard, not a cage. In The Witch, he made educated guesses when historical records fell short, prioritizing story and vibe over rigid adherence to the facts.

Takeaway: Let the spirit of your setting guide you. Don’t let strict rules stifle creativity.

Don’t Sweat Production While Scribbling

Eggers doesn’t let production challenges limit his creativity. He writes the best version of his story first, trusting that logistics can be addressed later.

Takeaway: Dream big. Don’t self-censor when you scribble.

Proof-of-concept Projects Build Momentum

Before The Witch was greenlit, Eggers created a short film to showcase his vision. A showcase for the tone, atmosphere, and storytelling style that would define the feature.

Practical Tip: Consider creating a short project to test your ideas and gain support from collaborators or investors.

Eggers’ approach is about embracing authenticity, curiosity, and being bold. Doesn’t matter if you’re writing a historical drama or a modern thriller. Tap these tips as needed. Trust your voice, do the research, and take creative risks. Like Eggers, go hard and create something that transports your audience to another world.

Remember, you’re not facing the blank page alone. You have your scribbler’s toolbox. So, ABS. Always. Be. Scribbling.