AI Scribble Machine?
The pressure to come up with original stories, compelling characters, and intriguing plotlines is ever-present. But screenwriting can be a lonely endeavor. Not everyone has a writing partner they can riff with. And the opportunities for writers to work together in physical space aren’t what they used to be.
There’s a new tool that can facilitate your process without judgment. It can help you get off page one. It’s called ChatGPT. This AI language model could become your new favorite writing partner or research assistant and won’t drink all the Lacroix in your fridge.
Say you're struggling to come up with an idea for your next script; give ChatGPT a topic or a prompt, and it will generate ideas for you. Lots of them. Instantly. Most of them un-original. And trite. Let these motivate you to come up with a good version.
You can refine your search by adding keywords or asking the AI to drill down on a genre. Analyze examples. Explore tropes. Talk to the machine like you would the person lining up beside you at the New Beverly to see “The Nice Guys” for the fiftieth time.
Creating complex and believable characters that feel fresh is a key part of screenwriting. With ChatGPT, you can get instant inspiration for various character traits, relatable backstories, and relevant motivations you may not have considered. It’ll be up to you to bring them to life through layers of your own human experience.
The AI can even generate sample dialogue for your scenes. Cut and paste into Final Draft and unleash your inner showrunner by rewriting the material into oblivion.
Are you writing a story set in a specific time period or location? Ask ChatGPT for information on historical events or cultural customs. Let it suggest books, articles, and other resources. Or let it summarize arcane texts it would take you hours to wade through.
If you need to incorporate technical or scientific details, the AI can explain complex concepts or terminology in a way that's easy to understand. Like the beats of a medical procedure or the protocol of an arcane profession. Don’t assume ChatGPT is giving you the correct version. But it’s a start to riff on.
If you're stuck on a scene and need some inspiration to get your juices flowing, ChatGPT can suggest different ways to go. Let it be a sounding board for your wildest ideas. It can explore plot possibilities or alternate endings almost instantly so you can get back to work.
So don’t be scared. Give AI a try. Maybe you can build a personal relationship with the machine. So when it’s prompted to wipe out humanity, you’ll be spared.
