This week we welcome Screenwriter Tim Auld to the Round Table to discuss the trend in film and literature toward didactic writing, when the (often moral) message of a piece overpowers the story trying to be told. Why is this still happening if audiences are weary of it? What about writing a message-focused story—is there a right way to do it? We’re excited to have a fresh perspective from the screenwriting side of the craft.
Don’t miss the next SWRT when Tim joins us to talk heroes.
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tim Auld
A writer/director whose veteran action film, Minotaur, won 5 screenplay competitions and has now been optioned.
Tim’s short films have been selected for various festivals, most notably Palm Springs International, and in 2022 he directed a pilot for a 6-part television series set in London.
Tim is determined to make meaningful action films that his wife and daughter would watch over and over again.
SHOW NOTES
What we talked about:
What is the definition of didacticism. (1:12)
Why did Tim bring this topic to the round table? (2:12)
But what if you do have something to say? (3:55)
Have you lost sight of the art form? (5:54)
Where does this trend of moral signalling come from? (8:52)
The popularity of simple narratives. (13:15)
The problem of over-simplification. (14:55)
We don’t like to be told. (17:31)
The importance of metaphor in human experience. (18:19)
Inspiring empathy. (20:36)
Propaganda. (24:45)
The danger of the question: what are you trying to say? (25:30)
The structure of your story dictates your theme. (26:30)
Think about credibility. (27:17)
Creating a discussion. (28:45)
Why do these films keep getting made? (31:30)
Have your theme, argue your point, just do it right. (37:45)
LINKS
Have thoughts, questions, other examples? Join the conversation at the Story Works Writers Facebook group.
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About Your Hosts
Kathryn Arnold writes fantasy and anything else that sparks her creativity from her home in Kingston, Washington. She currently earns her living as an insurance underwriting assistant, where she also creates marketing and web copy. When not writing, she plays (and teaches) piano and keyboard in a band (or two), and is working on starting a ministry team with her husband. You can find Kathryn at www.skyfirewords.com.
Robert Scanlon was born in Australia, but whisked off to England when only a baby. After many years complaining about the weather, he did the sensible thing and moved back to Australia. Despite a career in the music industry, followed by decades teaching public speaking, Robert is an introvert who adores reading. Robert grew up on a diet of sci-fi masters, eventually discovering he had read the library’s entire science fiction section. Now he has to write his own. Robert is the author of Constellation, book one of the Blood Empire space opera series. Find out more at www.RobertScanlon.com
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