You Can Never Write A Good Story Without An Outline – Cody Smart

In this Film Courage video interview, Writer/Script Doctor/Teacher Cody Smart believes in the importance of outlining for creating a cohesive and compelling story. While she acknowledges that some writers may have unique approaches and can be successful without strict outlines, she emphasizes that outlining saves time and helps in understanding the emotional arc and structure of the character’s journey. By mapping out the plot and key turning points, writers can easily identify and resolve plot holes. Cody recommends considering the ending from the beginning and ensuring that it connects to the setup in the first act. Whiles he teaches the eight-sequence approach, she also acknowledges that different writers may find other outlining methods more suitable, and he encourages writers to choose what works best for them. Ultimately, the goal is to create a story that resonates with audiences and effectively communicates the writer’s vision…(Watch the video interview on Youtube here).