Why are there so many television shows about cops and doctors? Because both professions encounter life and death situations every day. The key to creating compelling drama is to keep the stakes high for your characters.
JK Rowling has become one of the wealthiest writers in the world thanks to the Harry Potter series. She created a believable world of wizards living alongside our 'muggle' world, complete with its own sports (Quidditch), school system (Hogwarts) and government (Ministry of Magic). She then places her compelling characters in life and death situations, fighting to preserve their world against ultimate evil. Some of them die. Her ability to create a world draws us in, but the high stakes her characters fight for keep us there.
High stakes are important for both scripted and documentary/reality shows. On American Idol, it's the chance to live your dreams and have a career as a singer. On The Biggest Loser, it's literally a chance to save your life by losing weight.
Thank about your own idea. What will change for your characters if they succeed? Are the stakes high? If their lives won't transform, rethink your idea. Make the story important for your characters to make it compelling for the audience.
No comments:
Post a Comment