Northern Script program participants reflecting on their own craft

The masterclasses in our Northern Script scriptwriting program have been a great success this year! We have now finished with all online masterclasses; one held by Finnish screenwriter Anna Heinämaa, one by Danish scriptwriter-director Andrias Høgenni, one by our Estonian screenwriter coach Leana Jalukse and one by writer-director-script doctor Camilla Roos. We invited all young writers from across the Nordic and Baltic countries to participate and asked for their own reflections based on what they had learned. We then asked our AI friend Chat-GPT to summarise our participants’ thoughts.

Masterclass reflections from autumn 2024

Young screenwriters today seem to be grappling with the tension between tradition and innovation, the commercial realities of filmmaking, and their desire for creative expression. Their thoughts reflect a complex, often disillusioned view of the craft and its current state, with themes of experimentation, education, and the shifting role of cinema in the 21st century.

  1. Disillusionment with Industry and Education: Many young screenwriters express frustration with the lack of a vibrant indie scene and the commercialization of filmmaking. There’s a sense that the creative freedom once championed in independent cinema has been lost, replaced by a system that prioritizes simplified narratives and commercial success over artistic experimentation. Some lament the decline of institutions that once supported this experimentation. This feeling is compounded by a belief that contemporary cinema, particularly in the North, is being reduced to an educational and societal tool – emphasizing morality or purpose over genuine artistic expression.
  2. Desire for Creative Freedom: Despite the commercialization of film, there is a clear desire among young screenwriters to push boundaries and experiment with form and content. They express dissatisfaction with the “keep it simple, stupid” mentality that dominates both film schools and the industry at large. They desire to break free from traditional structures, such as the three-act structure, particularly when writing smaller projects or shorts. They seek liberation from formulaic storytelling, hoping to create works that feel authentic and original rather than constrained by convention.
  3. Frustration with Conventional Pedagogy: There’s a recognition that many screenwriting programs focus too heavily on basic storytelling structures, which many students feel they have already internalized. For those pursuing a career in film today, there’s a sense that the basics are too simplistic and don’t reflect the realities of modern filmmaking. Instead, they advocate for deeper, more specialized workshops that focus on the nuances of writing, rather than reiterating foundational concepts.
  4. Commercial and Artistic Tensions: The commercial viability of shorts, in particular, is a point of concern. Many young writers see short films primarily as a stepping stone to larger projects (such as feature films or TV shows), rather than an art form in its own right. The idea of shorts being used more as “concept art” for bigger project – similar to comic books or TV miniseries – feels limiting. The sense that short films, particularly in the commercial context, leave little room for creative risk-taking.
  5. The Importance of Community and Dialogue: Despite the challenges they face, there’s a palpable sense of excitement when young screenwriters come together to discuss their craft. The energy that comes from sharing ideas and hearing others speak is invigorating, and these moments of exchange are seen as opportunities to reignite inspiration and expand their understanding of the medium. Although the advice they receive – such as drawing inspiration from daily life or literature – may sometimes seem basic, the act of engaging in dialogue with like-minded individuals helps to keep their passion alive.
  6. Inspiration and Mentorship: Young screenwriters also express a desire for more specific, hands-on mentorship. They appreciate when workshops and masterclasses dive into concrete aspects of writing, offering actionable advice and real-world insights. For example, one writer appreciated a masterclass that focused on a smaller, more specific aspect of writing, which felt more valuable than broad, theoretical discussions. Similarly, the idea of finding one’s own voice is emphasized – writers want to trust their instincts and cultivate their own unique approach to storytelling, rather than follow rigid guidelines.

In summary, young screenwriters today are caught between a desire for creative freedom and the constraints of both the industry and formal education. They are frustrated by the commercialization of filmmaking, the over-simplification of narratives, and the lack of opportunities for genuine experimentation. Yet, they remain committed to the craft, seeking inspiration from community, literature, politics, and their own lived experiences. They crave deeper discussions and more specific guidance that will allow them to carve out their own voice in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.

Reflections on Anna Heinämaa’s masterclass held on 30 May 2024

(We asked ChatGPT 3.5 to create a synthesis of the participants’ thoughts of Anna’s masterclass in writing. Here is what AI summarised:)

The masterclass began with Anna sharing her personal journey and later delved into the structure of storytelling and the role of rules in creative writing. Participants appreciated the human connection established through personal stories and found comfort in understanding how rules can be innate and guide creative expression. They emphasized the importance of creative discussions in shaping one’s artistic character and future work.

All the participants were motivated by Anna Heinämaa’s journey into scriptwriting later in life, emphasizing the importance of pursuing their own artistic ambitions. Despite discussing challenges in the movie industry, participants found inspiration in honing their writing skills through constant editing and seeking feedback from others.

Participants appreciated Anna’s direct feedback and honesty about the realities of success and struggles in the arts, particularly in the current state of cinema. They valued the detailed examination of screenwriting and the importance of clarity, simplicity, and engaging storytelling. Many felt a renewed focus on streamlining their work and making it more reader-friendly in future projects.

Some participants felt the balance between personal anecdotes and technical discussions could be improved to keep the focus on the learning aspects. They found value in the mix of personal experiences and structural insights, reinforcing previous lessons learned while providing depth to their understanding of the industry.

Overall, participants found the masterclass inspiring and reflective, highlighting the importance of finding one’s creative flow and building upon core skills. Suggestions for improvement included consolidating questions at the end or utilizing visual aids for better engagement. Despite its brevity, the masterclass left attendees with fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of their creative processes.

Anna Heinämaa

After Andrias Högenni’s masterclass, the participants were given freer hands to reflect on what they had learned and here are some snippets of their thoughts (once again aided with our friend Chat GPT)!

The masterclass with Andrias was incredibly enriching, offering valuable insights into character development. One key takeaway was the idea that fictional characters, like real people, must possess flaws and imperfections. Andrias emphasized that even the most “kind” characters should reflect the messiness of human nature, and villains should not merely be defined by their evil but also by their brilliance and complexity. By not prematurely judging characters, writers can allow them to evolve in more authentic, well-rounded ways, making them more relatable to audiences. This approach encourages a deeper, more nuanced understanding of character creation, freeing writers to build richer, more dynamic personalities within their stories.