The Psychology of Screenwriting

As a screenwriting instructor and mentor, the very first thing I always discuss with my students and mentees is the psychology of screenwriting. 

I urge them to be fearless in digging deep to understand the root of their insecurities and how that self-awareness will (ideally) inspire the stories, themes and characters they write.

I share with them how I was incessantly bullied and teased at a young age about my big ears and large lump on the back of my head (a form of birthmark that was surgically removed when I was in second grade). As a result, I became self-conscious, shy and insecure, leading to my affinity for underdog stories with themes involving inner-strength and self-acceptance.

To backtrack a moment, my belief is that everyone has been bullied in some way.  It could be verbal teasing like I experienced, physical bullying, or a form of emotional bullying where parents place undue pressure and unrealistic expectations on kids when it comes to academics, sports or any other endeavors, resulting in a child who never feels good enough or smart enough – along with lifelong struggles with anxiety, depression, and more.

For screenwriters, this kind of self-awareness and vulnerability will add depth and authenticity to their work, translating into a more emotional and visceral connection for the audience. It’s the difference between sympathy and empathy, with the latter being the deeper connection that leads to a more meaningful experience for all.

One of the students I taught last year was on the spectrum. He was high-functioning and verbally communicative, but when it came to his screenwriting he tended to write these strange fantasy/horror scripts that had no real theme or meaning. It became apparent to me that he was avoiding anything personal and was essentially escaping into these weird worlds that had no relation to his inner self.

So, at the point in the semester when the class would be writing their next short script that they would actually produce, I sat down one-on-one with this student and  had an honest and open discussion about some of the issues he faced growing up (which he was more than willing to share). The gist of what he told me is that he had always been the target of bullying (both physically and verbally), leading to severely damaged self-esteem and some very dark moments in his life.

We then discussed how the best films and stories come from a place of pain and honest vulnerability – and that’s what helps them resonate and connect with the audience. We also talked about some of his own favorite films and how the themes of those stories and the arcs of the characters are what resonate with him.

I encouraged him to write something from his own life for his next script. I suggested writing a drama with a theme that’s relatable, real and meaningful to him…something he’s experienced himself. If not the exact situation, then at least in terms of the heartfelt, honest emotions.

That led to a discussion about the difference between sympathy and empathy. Tied into that, we talked about “undeserved misfortune” and how introducing it early on in a story is a way to engage the audience by creating both sympathy and empathy for the protagonist, resulting in an even more powerful and complex connection to the character.

By the end of our discussion, he was motivated and excited to get to work. I’m pleased to say that the next script he wrote was incredibly beautiful – and authentic. And the script he wrote after that, about an autistic protagonist dealing with grief, was chosen out of all the scripts in his class to be produced as the Capstone film the following semester.

I couldn’t be more proud of him.

At a time when AI’s role in filmmaking is expanding, what the world needs -- and I believe what audiences crave -- is originality and authenticity.

And that’s all the more reason for screenwriters to dig deep into their own life experiences, including the most painful ones, in order to write from the heart and connect with others. Because one thing AI – the artificial kind – will never have is empathy and the power to connect on a genuine human level.

On a final note…

As a relapsed cancer survivor, the most important thing to me now is inspiring others by my story – and in the stories I tell. Below is an essay I wrote after my relapse that I hope will touch and inspire some of you.

Thanks for reading – and best of luck writing. Most of all, please become a  mentor to aspiring writers and others. There are so many diamonds in the rough out there just waiting for a chance to turn their pain into purpose.  But they can’t do it without a champion in their life.

By Larry Postel 

For the second time in my adult life, I have cancer. And I appreciate the love, support and prayers I receive. I really do. But please don’t feel sorry for me. I have the best doctors, a comfortable home, and a wonderful support system of friends and family, including my beautiful wife and daughter.

So, instead, think about those who have it so much worse.

Think about those who have cancer and other serious illnesses, including so many children, who don’t have access to decent, affordable healthcare.

Think about our war veterans who suffer from severe injuries and PTSD and don’t have access to proper care.

Think about those living on the streets through no fault of their own.

Think about those -- also through no fault of their own – who struggle so mightily to make ends meet for their families, even when working two or more jobs.

Think about those who have been sexually abused and are scarred for life.

Think about all the lonely people out there, including so many senior citizens, who live in isolation with no one in their lives to even take them for care when they desperately need it.

Think about those who are unemployed and see no light at the end of the tunnel due to circumstances beyond their control.

Think about those in communities in America and across the world who live in dire poverty without even having clean water to drink.

Think about those who can’t afford healthy food for themselves and their families, and, as a result, face a future of illnesses, from heart disease to diabetes.

Think about those who suffer from severe depression, addiction and mental illness who feel they have nowhere to turn.

Think about the victims of domestic abuse and violence who feel trapped and hopeless.

Think about those who live in debilitating chronic pain with no real remedy.

Think about those in war torn countries, again, including so many innocent children, with no relief or hope in sight.

And we mustn’t forget about all the wonderful dogs and cats (and other animals) that are abandoned, abused, neglected – and worse.

Sure, cancer is bad. But for those of us who are fortunate enough to have a strong support system, a comfortable place to live, healthy food to eat, and access to excellent healthcare, it could be worse.

Please be kind to everyone. Because you never know what they’re going through.