7 Ways Netflix Binging Can Make You A Better Writer

We’ve all seen those go-getters on our social media feeds who are using this time of social isolation to write their ‘screenplay opus’, take an online screenwriting course, or even shoot, edit, and star in their next great short film, all from their basement. If you’re one of these industrious writers – I applaud you. Way to go!

But if you are like the rest of us, who feel distracted, disillusioned, and just plain unmotivated right now - this post is for you. You do not have to write the next great pilot script, or create the next great feature film in your living room. You are more than allowed to ‘Netflix and chill’ during quarantine as a distraction from these uncertain (scary, upside down) times. 

In fact, those evenings (or afternoons) of binge watching can actually make you a better writer. I’m serious. You’re a storyteller and that means you can learn a lot by watching stories. So let the guilt go and allow yourself to tune in (just make sure you do it mindfully). 

Here are 7 practical ways you can use your streaming sessions to up your writing game:

1. Sharpen your dialogue skills

Every viewer knows good dialogue when they hear it. It’s dynamic, fluid and exciting - like a tennis match. We also know when dialogue is just plain bad - it’s clunky, on the nose, and something about it makes you want to cringe and cover your ears. But even though most of us instinctively know the good from the ugly, writing good dialogue is a common struggle for new writers. So, when you’re watching your favorite show and hear a conversation or speech that makes your ears sing - press pause. Take some notes. Why did you like it? What exactly was said (or not said)? Why was it so believable and engaging?

2. Dissect stories to learn structure

There are countless screenwriting books on structure, but sometimes the best way to learn is to put theory into practice. Watch shows or movies that are similar to what you want to make and try to figure out how they’re crafted. What’s the three act structure? Where’s the midpoint? How is the conflict introduced? Trying to dissect someone else’s story structure can teach you a lot about how to craft your own.

3. Write a new ending

Choose a favorite show and rewrite the ending of an episode, or even the entire series (if you rewrote the ending to Game of Thrones, you wouldn’t be alone. What would it be?). If the protagonist dies, ask yourself what would happen if they lived? If the main couple gets married, what would happen if they broke up? You can also challenge yourself to rewrite the beginning or even the middle. What would happen if you looked at your favorite shows like a co-creator rather than just a consumer?

4. Get better at character development

Another challenge a lot of beginner – and not so new -  writers face is creating characters with dynamic arcs, and forward drive. If a character doesn’t grow, face enough conflict, or have a strong goal, it’s easy for an audience to lose interest. When you’re watching a show and find your mind wandering, ask yourself if it’s because of the main character’s arc. Why isn’t it compelling? What could be done differently to keep you interested? Also, take a look at shows you love and notice how much those characters change from the beginning of a series to the end (Walter White from Breaking Bad is a great example). What conflict, choices, and encounters led that character to become who they ended up being? 

5. Patch up the plot holes

Watch a film with plot holes and figure out how to fix them (try a horror movie. A lot of times horror movies or thrillers have at least one ‘jump in logic’). A lot of writing, especially when you’re in a writers room, is problem solving. Strengthen this skill by fixing other people’s plot problems and you’ll inevitably become faster and more adept at fixing your own. 

6. Why are you crying?

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Marriage Story, or even the first five minutes of the Pixar movie Up - we’ve all been caught off guard by a good movie cry. Next time it happens, take the opportunity to figure out how and why that movie had such a big effect on you. Was the dialogue authentic? Did they convey a feeling with just a simple gesture and zero dialogue? This doesn’t just go for crying either. When you’re watching something and it makes you feel anything significant: nervous, excited, scared, or even bored - ask yourself why. All writers hope for an emotional reaction from their reader or viewer, learn from those who have figured out how to do it well.

7. Watch it, then read it 

So many shows and movies are based on existing novels, short stories or articles. Try watching the show or movie, then read the book. Ask yourself if you like the story better on the page or on the screen? Why? What would you change? Hollywood is always hungry for content based on existing IP, knowing how to adapt material is an invaluable skill to have.

Happy watching (and writing)!

What shows are you binging right now? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!