The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 247 | Directing Fundamentals That Make You a Better Writer (ft. Rob Spera)
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May 1, 2025 Veteran director Rob Spera, with over 20 years of teaching experience at AFI, shares invaluable insights from his handbook on directing. He emphasizes the significance of clarity and emotional truth in both directing and screenwriting. The conversation covers essential topics like collaborating with actors, the art of visual storytelling, and the importance of conflict in narratives. Spera also highlights overcoming creative blocks and how deadlines can spark creativity, making this discussion a treasure trove for writers looking to enhance their craft with a director's perspective.
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Unexpected Character Switch Sparks Ideas
- Meg LeFauve shares a breakthrough when changing a character from a dad to a son transformed her story.
- This shift opened new ideas and fresh perspectives, reigniting creative excitement.
Use Hands-On Craft for Flow
- Rob Spera advises physically engaging in carpentry or crafting to free the brain during writing.
- Doing hands-on work can induct creative flow and unexpected ideas for your screenplay.
An Anti-Textbook for Directors
- Rob Spera created an "anti-textbook" for directing focusing on accessible, practical maxims.
- He wanted a quick, pocket-sized manual directors can use on set with immediate application.