Write Movies, Not Scripts
“The only goal is to make them see the movie.”
Let’s explore how Justin Kuritzkes approaches character introduction in screenwriting… And the unconventional strategy that made “Challengers” stand out.
Here’s his groundbreaking approach to visual storytelling:
“Before anybody says anything, you want to already know enough about who these characters are in relationship to each other to want to know more.”
Let’s break down his core principles:
1. Visual Introduction First
- Establish character through appearance
- Use wardrobe to communicate status
- Create immediate relationship dynamics
2. Natural Structure Development
- Let the subject matter guide story structure
- Build tension through organic frameworks
- Use existing elements (like sports) as narrative devices
3. Reader-Focused Writing
- Prioritize the reading experience over technical format
- Create evocative visual scenes
- Give readers tools to “direct the movie in their head”
The game-changing insight: Success in screenwriting isn’t about perfect formatting or exhaustive character backgrounds. It’s about making readers see the movie before dialogue begins.
His advice for writers:
- Write the story you want to see
- Focus on visual storytelling first
- Let technical precision come in later drafts
Quick mindset shift: Stop thinking about “showing who a character is.” Instead, focus on creating visual worlds that reveal character relationships before anyone speaks.
Keep writing,
- Brock Swinson
