What makes a good story?
Posted by mazza88 on January 11, 2012
What’s sup all?
Been figuring out the fundamentals applied to make a good story. This is based upon the various types of communication material that is available for individual writers utilise. A few things I do believe that makes a good story is creating suspense, drama, climax, comedy (avoid over doing / the joke becomes old and dry), leave the audience guessing what’s happening next etc.
However, avoid the concept of “predictable moments!” That’s one thing I dislike seeing in movies and tv shows. However this is determined by the overall effect of being predictable. A good example would be Hangover 2. I must say I did enjoy Hangover which featured the “wolf pack” venturing around Las Vegas. Which is definitely awesome (been to Las Vegas for a holiday) however when it came to Hangover 2 – it was very predictable! Hangover 2 had the similar story line as the first one but the only difference they replaced / added characters. Watched the first 5 minutes of that movie I really wanted to switch off or even rewatch a past episode of Happy Endings or Sh*t My Dad Says. That’s a good example of where the audience can actually tell what’s going to happen, some moments of the story line were a bit dry… The writers did a good job all up.
American Dad – Season 7, Episode 5
I must say American Dad has been an awesome show to watch. This episode introduced part of Buffy the Vampire Slayer back on the screen! I was happy to see Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan back on our screens taking on an animated form. Got a flashback to the days of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – such good times. I really enjoyed this episode as the jokes, story line and character interactions isn’t predictable, its kept fresh and of course entertaining! Keep it up!
Desperate Housewives
Ah Desperate Housewives is one show I did maintain interest which is due to the interesting story line told in each season. These story lines (I do think) have captured the essence of real life families and adventures – which they have done a good job with that! There is some predictable moments throughout the season(s) – like the concept secrets, notes or death of a character.
However these concepts have been introduced as fresh ideas! Take Season 7 of Desperate Housewives and the note that Mary Alice received (which was told in Season 1)
This is what the note said:
The writers reintroduced this idea back in Season 7. They way they did it was interesting but I’m not going to go into detail… you’ll just have to watch it!
If I end up writing a story sometime I would probably look at “predictable moments” and try to keep the outcome of these moments fresh and avoid it becoming dry.
What do you think makes a good tv show and or movie? Feedback greatly appreciated 
Have a good one!
