Screenwriting : The Responsibility of the Storyteller - do we have any? by Leonardo Ramirez

I personally feel there's only one responsibility when telling a story, and it's to entertain, whether it's to be fun or thought-provoking or whatever (but never, EVER lecture). Literally everything else is best left as an achievement in ignorance. I know full well that my art can have a huge impact on many people, but I'd never actively seek out to do that, because it's not why I personally write. If someone decides I did that... cool.

Yeah I'm with you on that Banafsheh Esmailzadeh - I am absolutely dead-set against lecturing or being preachy through story. For me...I like being hopeful and inspiring. Preachy? Never.

There’s no such thing as a film that only entertains. Every film or story carries a message, a theme, and some kind of agenda, especially those backed by large corporate investments. If you can show me a film that is purely entertainment, with no message in its subtext, I’ll change my mind. Every film is political, even when that isn’t the intention.

I once heard someone say that if you don’t know the message of your film, it’s because you’re passing along a message that isn’t really yours.

There is no such thing as a person without a political ideology. Even people who claim to be “centrist” or say they follow no ideology often do so because they ignore or hide their own ideological positions. We are all products of political and ideological processes. Stories have always carried the role of transmitting the cultural knowledge of a people across generations.

That doesn’t mean every film is intentional ideological propaganda. Of course not. But films are capsules of information that, along with other artistic expressions, carry cultural weight.

And of course you don’t need to worry about this while writing. You can write something personal in whatever way you want. Even so, your stories will connect with people who recognize themselves in those characters, their journeys, the images, and the sounds. Personally, I think that carries weight, and I like to think about it. I see my screenplays as philosophical arguments, even when I’m writing something absurd, like the lives of pigeons or the horror of a carnivorous bee attack.

Today I look back at my past and think about how films influenced my life and my choices, and how they brought me ideologies shaped by realities far from my own. I believe each film, each artistic expression, is another piece in a puzzle that gradually reveals, in a personal and human way, the life and world around us.

Now it’s your turn to add another piece to this puzzle that never ends.

I love your transparent honesty Luciano Mello. There are times where I'll sit and watch a movie while ruminating on a life event and be pleasantly surprised when an encouragement or a hint of direction for a decision I need to make, comes disguised as dialogue in a movie. We are all summations of our experiences. It only makes sense for that to come out in our writing.

Leonardo Ramirez definitely do not consider it a responsibility but for me I personally feel a desire and an opportunity to contribute to dialogue that I feel is important to have. So I think it is a gift or a benefit of having the ability to craft an interesting story to provide my message in a way that I feel is productive.

Personally, I love the idea of calling it a "gift" Darrell Pennington. It implies something that we must steward with care, develop with diligence and share with an open hand. It's not really mine to hoard or place my identity in but something that can lift someone else.

Leonardo Ramirez I think the only responsibility is to be true to our voice and the story we want to tell in that particular script. I think the "meaning" of it is always going to be something different for each individual reader or viewer. Kind of like a song might make one person cry with nostalgia and drive another person insane because their college roommate played it nonstop their entire sophomore year. The emotional impact our stories have is ultimately out of our hands and up to them. And for what it's worth, in my opinion, sometimes setting out with "something to say" in a script bonks people over the head like a sledgehammer and can come off as too "try hard" and clunky.

Agree Mike O'Neill and why I always say we hold our stories with an open hand. Once in their final form, it's up to the audience to decide how it affects them. Nicely said friend.

I've always believed that your audience should feel better walking out of the theater than they did walking in. That's what we OWE them for the price of their ticket and 2 hours of their time.

If we can also make them think, or open their minds to new ideas or perspectives, that's a bonus.

I do agree Thunder Levin that the audience should feel better walking out than they did walking in. I do think there's a difference between owing them and doing it because we care about them. It's like a relationship whereas I want them to leave hopeful or make them think but we can't control it if they don't. I like your thinking though.

I feel it's all about being authentic. I also feel it's also a responsibility about what I put out there. Most importantly, it's all about the story.

Don't forget we are movie/tv watchers as well. I want to be entertained. I want to laugh, cry or be moved. Life is hard right now, so right now I want to watch comedy, Sci-fi or movies that combine comedy and drama.

We as story tellers have a responsibility about the messages we put out there. So, be you, write what you know and tell it to the best of your ability with a beginning, a middle and an end. Easier said than done. If we achieve it... all the more power to us. Everyone has a story. It's how you tell it that makes the difference.

JMHO and I think I only repeated what you wrote... =)

Perhaps Natalie Diorio but you said more poetically. It’s all about being authentic. Everything else will follow.

Never knowingly leave a truly damaging influence, especially with the vulnerable.

Wonderful advice David Taylor.

Leonardo, I just want to tell audiences the truth...I just want them to keep feeling.

And you have the heart and spirit for it Jim Boston. You spread joy wherever you are my friend.

I’d argue it depends a lot on the context.

If you’re working for a company, trying to get something produced, or simply aiming to entertain an audience, the priorities can be different. Sometimes the goal really is just to create something engaging that people want to watch, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

At the same time, every story inevitably carries the writer's point of view. It shows up in the theme, in the decisions characters make, and in how those decisions are ultimately rewarded or punished by the story.

I don’t think people watch a film and immediately change who they are because of it. But stories do leave marks. They stay with us, shape conversations, and over time they can influence how we see the world.

So maybe the responsibility isn’t about preaching or teaching. Maybe it’s simply about being aware that our stories do carry meaning, whether we intend it or not. And we can be responsible for what we send out.

Jim Boston The Truth is subjective, to one perspective, try to bring your reality, add a little fantasy to it, people will fell and relate.

Agreed Phil Leasure - working for someone else is a totally different boat...or mostly different. On your second point, it's why I "let it fly" on its own after the piece leaves me. The reaction is going to be different for each and in its own time.

I don't think I owe the audience anything, a good evil story will be treated right by the audience, same goes for the other way around it.

I love that question.

I think my responsibility as a writer is to bring my ideas to life. Sometimes I feel as if my ideas are like real souls that chose me to tell their stories. That feeling gives me a greater sense of responsibility to tell them well, as they trust me more than anyone else on the planet.

I love that Meriem Bouziani “real souls that chose me” - it sure does feel like that!

I think of a screenwriter's responsibility to society as being similar to the Doctor's Hippocratic Oath (paraphrased): "First, do no harm." And if you can do some good in the world, even better. But I also subscribe to what Sam Goldwyn used to tell his writers: "If you have a 'message', phone Western Union."

If you are even so much as a half-decent writer, you'll be putting stuff in that's profound. It's not so much a responsibility as a by-product. There will be people it resonates with on different levels too.

As ever, factoring in the target demographic can be critical. If someone is asking you to chase the Fast & Furious crowd, they aren't expecting you to have the deep life-affirming moments of Fight Club.

That’s a great analogy Staton Rabin!

Agreed CJ Walley and thanks. I also believe that the level of what we have to share will match our spiritual and emotional maturity that is, like you said, a by-product.

Provoke thoughts. Inspire hope. Energize adrenaline. All three. Or any combination.

Well said Michael Dzurak!

I think it also depends on the kind of storytelling someone wants to pursue. But certain archetypes seem to appear in every genre—redemption, improvement, the strength to move forward against difficulties. In the world we’re living in right now, I believe offering some form of hope is important. And why not, sometimes even with a bit of irony and adrenaline.

Love the question, Leonardo Ramirez! I do think we have a responsibility, as storytellers are often the best positioned to shape how people see the world around them. I believe it’s part of our responsibility to shed light on the bad things happening in the world and sometimes hint at ways to improve them, but that does not mean it has to be the central focus of the film.

I started writing because of the things I went through. Some of my stories lean into escapism, while others carry quieter messages about the world we live in and the future it might become. But I do believe escapism itself is also a responsibility, giving the audience a place to breathe, reflect, and step outside their reality for a while.

Leonardo, thanks for posing the question about us having responsibilities as storytellers! (And Luciano, I meant to say: "I just want to be authentic.")

I'm with you Alex Bridge - hope is so important right now, especially (for me) in the area of redemption. We sometimes feel like what has been lost can never be recovered in some form or another. But that's simply not true. I had a tough season last year with losing my two dogs and my mom but through friendships that have come back around, I feel like I've reached a turning point just this past weekend. That's a redemptive story in itself.

Dwayne Williams 2 Yours is a perfect example of hardships not being wasted. Those things that you went through turned into a story that became a means to encourage someone else. And escapism is a part of that - the joy that we feel having a good laugh or intense interest can be healing.

You are very welcome Jim Boston. It's always good to see you here.

Agree with @CJ (A by product, over a responsibility.) Most writers yearn to give the best possible experience to their readers or audience, it’s part of the core nature of their creativity. The “giving” flows naturally, without thought, over an outside influenced, box ticking “chore.” Some writers experience catharsis too, aswell as reader.

Absolutely Debbie Croysdale. It’s the belief that whatever is inside of the creative, flows out naturally into the creation. If it’s hope, then hope. If it’s life, then life, which I wholeheartedly agree with. Not an obligation, but a gift to the receiver.

I agree, Leonardo Ramirez! Conversations like this are why I believe this community holds some of the greatest minds out there, and you’re definitely one of them.

Honored Dwayne Williams 2. Back at you my friend.

I think films like It’s a wonderful life answers this question . Both the Frank Capra and James Stewart made the film they needed to see at that point in time . It’s one if the most life affirming films.

I don't think it's a responsibility as much as society is shaping us as a storyteller and while writing we are reflecting on the world whether we want it or not. Could be conscious, intentional or not -- but your story will carry a message.

Geoffroy Faugerolas I think the impact of a story often depends on where someone is in their life when they experience it. The same film can mean something very different to different people. So yes, I do think we have to think about what message we are choosing to put out there.

As for society shaping us—I think that’s certainly true when we’re young and still forming our worldview. After that, though, it becomes much more individual. People start deciding for themselves what influences they take in and what they question.

What concerns me a bit today is how much of younger generations’ experiences are filtered through the internet, gaming, and online culture. There’s a much bigger world beyond that, and I think storytelling can help remind people of it—without hitting them over the head with our personal opinions.

As storytellers, we can only suggest that other possibilities exist—and let people decide for themselves. Ultimately, it’s how you tell the story that makes the difference.

You are what you write! Our persona will always show through. Often, the very subject(s) we take on reveals who we really are and what our belief system is. Great topic, Leonardo!

The only responsibility a writer has is to tell a great story that is at its highest potential. What the audience feels, interprets, and takes home is subjective and on them.

That is interesting Marie Hatten - if we make the film we want to see, what we want to say is a natural outcome. We seldom put the two together.

That begs the follow-up question Geoffroy Faugerolas - how much should we allow society to shape us? Naturally, it does to some extent, but I do believe that what we take in, no matter the medium, is what is deposited. And that's not always good. I do agree with Natalie Diorio in saying that the message people hear should be decided by them.

Paul Condon - could not have said it any better. Agreed!

So long as we're authentic Lindbergh Hollingsworth, I agree.

As Alan Moore put it all writers have the responsibility not to write another "Mein Kampf". We absolutely can write things that include fascism, nationalism, etc. as examinations of them, as examinations and illustrations of how ordinary people get involved in things like this, but there is a line, and understanding that is important. Alan Moore, as a third gen anti-fascist absolute writes pro fascist characters. But we must understand that we can write something that can absolutely forever damage the world in the way Mein Kampf did/ still is and we have the responsibility not to. No we don't need to always offer happy endings, hope, etc. But we need to make that choice intentionally and understand the message we convey when we do. Some things in life are absolutely awful and to fully understand the problem sometimes cannot/ should not be softened. But as long as writing as a whole has a balance - some utopian fiction with some dystopian, some heroes that fail with some heroes that succeed, some good guys twisted into bad guys with some good guys that stay good by story end, some unredeemed bad guys with some redeemed bad guys, then writers are being responsible.

Leonardo Ramirez Great point. It does require some self-introspection. Which frankly, many are not capable of doing. That's why being an artist means being on the fringe, somehow. You can't just accept things for what and how they are. But if you have it in you, then you can say something through your art!

Absolutely agree Geoffroy Faugerolas. Well said!

I personally feel that, whether we are writers or movie producers, as individuals, we have a moral responsibility to project what will not cause harm and mental problems to others. Some people are mentally unbalanced and may be motivated to act violently after seeing a violent movie. Look at what is happening in the world today. I do not want to call names or point fingers, but I am sure you all can figure it out. I love movies and novels where good triumphs over evil.

Stories deliberately rewritten to fit an agenda, are rightfully resented. Such heavy-handed preaching usually has the opposite effect -- like the preponderance of stories obviously rewritten to give a woke message and instead insulted the viewers.

That said, I have proof from 1965 that a movie that tells a story first, even with an obvious message, but one integral to the story, not forced in, can change attitudes.

I had use of a car. Several of us girls in summer school wanted to go to the drive-in to see the movie. Only one showing that weekend: A Patch of Blue.

I was surprised to learn that all the other girls, while they were eager to be "out on our own" were agreed that it was immoral to have a mixed racial romance, which they heard was the point of the movie (information was limited in Montana).

After the movie, driving home, everyone of us was in love with Sidney Poitier.. And were convinced character within out trumped skin.

But the movie 100% delivered on entertainment.

I think your question could benefit from some examples, to test the hypothesis put forward. Some shift is visible if the discussion is limited to Hollywood or would indulge screenwriters from all over the world. I personally think that Maslow's hierarchy of needs could be easily adapted and applied to 'storytelling' with entertainment at the base, as the low hanging fruit, and self-actualisation at the very top. Then again self-actualisation has an elusive quality and the story may feel pretentious as many pretentious films failed to convince the audience. For people who grew up with censorship around them, I think it is evident why we had to develop a sense of assumed responsibility for what we write and strategies to beat the censors at their own game. For those in the other camp I personally deplore not to use a stronger word, when self-censoring one's work for commercial gain or other reasons happens. So I think 'the responsibility' includes at some level the audience but it extend beyond it when you write.

So right now - the "Love Story" on Fox and Hulu about JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bisette makes many Kennedy family members angry and Daryl Hannah portrayed in a sensationalized way that isn't true has pissed her off. I personally see no reason to tell crap that isn't true about people still living. And even their families should be considered if the person is gone.

Hi Brenda Mohammed. That logic seems solid but where does it end? The PMRC were notorious in the 80s for trying to do exactly what you are suggesting (albeit with malicious intent of their own) and I have yet to find a subject everyone universally agrees upon so the person entrusted with that responsibility is someone not currently on the planet in my humble opinion. I choose to present my stories in a way that conforms to my personal expectations for myself but I would be loathe to impose those on another human, let alone another artist.

Fran Elaine Tabor what a great story. When Schindler's List came out I was a WAAYYY to jaded and cynical 24 year old searching for faith in humanity. Sounds overly dramatic, I know but I'm a writer hahaha. My truth at the least. I went into that movie cynical and jaded and came out 3 hours later with a renewed faith in humanity AND a desire to be part of that possibility of improving someone's outlook by writing.

Radu Popp-vinteller: I think Maslow's hierarchy of needs could be a much more powerful story-telling tool than the Hero's journey. If gives a deeper motive.

Honestly, there are many untold stories in fun!! Old movies like “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” and the recent “Killers of the Flower Moon” and more have addressed the sad history of native Americans. There have been a few Holocaust movies and films about slaves. I have loved them all.

My story about women pilots in WWII has diversity in female pilots from around the world who wanted to help in WWII. Rosie the Riveter is known and Tyler Perry just told a true story about “The Six Triple Eight” battalion of black women in the WAC.

The women pilots had many nationalities flying and Asian women in the WASP along with a Lakota Oglala woman I knew and Jewish women and Latinas! Sadly, black women were excluded due to segregation laws. Who knows this history??

So many great comments have been shared. My take on responsibility is the aim to be true to oneself. To be sincere with one's craft with hope that some part our awareness may be transmuted to the audience. To connect on this human level continues the conversation of our time on this Earth and evolve the collective language we share.

I've recently come across the tragedy films of Carlos Enrique Taboada (Veneno Para Las Hadas, Rapiña) and I wouldn't say they left me feeling "hopeful", yet with strong feelings of reflection and the reality consequences. I'm sure you could pick out suggestions that speak towards a larger narrative, but the story of the characters and how we relate to them is what made a real impact.

Have you seen Hayao Miyazaki's TV show "Future Boy Conan"? That one has political and ecological commentary dressed up in a youthful adventure of charming characters.

At the end of the day, what is it we want to share? Why did we get into the business of storytelling? To connect with others and feel seen? To dress the old myths in new clothes? To share something tragic, perhaps even cathartic? As a means to express our cleverness? To explore and get to know ourselves? Maybe we have an agenda outside of the story? Eitherway, I believe there's an audience for every flavor and inevitably, we are a reflection of our place and times.

And sadly right now, Ryan Murphy’s take on a true story about JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bisette is being criticized by many who knew the real people. You have to handle history and true stories carefully and we should value the truth.

IMO, our only responsibility is the truth. Of the characters. Of the story. Of life (as WE know it to be).

I wrote my project in a way that gives hope, while also showing that not everything is perfect, even if it sometimes looks that way.

I believe no one is perfect. That’s why I shaped my characters so they make mistakes. Our mistakes are what teach us and help us grow. I think the world needs to see that everyone is human and imperfect.

At the same time, someone can still be lovable despite their flaws. In fact, sometimes those flaws are exactly what make a character feel real and meaningful to the audience.

For me, storytelling is about reminding people that even with our imperfections, there is still hope, growth, and love.

My drama series was borne of a series of erotic stories I penned in 2000. I have adapted them into four novels, so far - which, funnily enough, are not all about romance. The premise is all about consequences, ending in a crime suspense drama. I feel that my story (part-bio) highlights the opportunity for people to make the right judgement in life - to do the right thing. Hoping my pitch for a TV drama comes to fruition, for the first novel (published) Forgetting Lorna Rose.

Producers Commentary:

This question moved me.

with how the Inquiry ended , it seems to imply that no matter the opinion, there is always a responsibility. So I'm guessing, you’re not really looking for opinions, you’re looking for validation?

My father once told me, “The moment what you love to do becomes your job, it’s time to find something else you love to do.” So the real question here is: do you love being a teacher, More than being a creator?

of course one can do both, but If you love being a creator, then what happens is, you spend less time being creative and more time trying to figure out what the message is supposed to be and/or how to deliver that message. A race‑car driver enjoys racing other people around a track, or doing short bursts like drag racing. But they wouldn’t want to drive across America every time they get in a car.

Having a message isn’t wrong, but if that’s not what motivates you to be the creator you are, then you’re turning your passion into work.

My comment is not to criticize or praise either side of this conversation, it’s more to bring clarity to what the question really is: Are you an activist, or are you an entertainer?

Therein lies the answer to this topic.

Following this Results in everything you produce being loaded With pressure to learn and accept whats being taught.

We can illustrate cause and effect, but that may not be with the intent of teaching anyone how to make decisions. Allow people to find and take whatever interpretation, message, or lesson they find meaningful, But we shouldn't forcing anything down their throats.

Most often, a felon doesn’t commit a crime to teach a lesson, but people learn the lesson on their own when they see him on death row. You don't have to work so hard to teach a lesson, All Works are subject to an illustration of cause and effect. In conclusion: live your life create as you will, and allow people to get their own lesson from it. Write how you will, and let people extrapolate their own meaning vs. serving them obligation.

When you go to the Louvre Museum, every visitor arrives at their own conclusion for each piece of art. Some may see beautiful colors and magical enchantment; others may see a statement of resistance. Allow people the choice to interpret free expression the way they will.

Again: Are you an activist, or an entertainer?

Thesis:To summarize my earlier long-winded response:

The moment your intent, as a writer or producer, is to "teach" morality, push a narrative, or whatever topic you feel is the most important to embrace with your "work", one is no longer a creator of art, but instead the author of instruction, which Inherently may become divisiveness, for not all people have the same values and views. Writers create narratives, but not every sentence is narrative.

If you force a message, you risk killing your own creativity, and your "work" becomes recruitment.

All in all, If you create authentically, people will find their own meaning anyway, It's okay if they don't get what you had hoped they would get, you wouldn’t want to strip your viewers of agency; freedom is the most welcoming, Insults to one's intelligence and/or agency is the easiest way to turn viewers/readers away.

Responsibility isn’t something you impose, it’s something the audience and/or creator discovers throughout the journey.

So the real question is:: Are you :

a) creating to express (This requires being true to oneself)

b) creating to instruct (This requires the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, Along with structure)

c) creating to persuade/recruit (This requires being true to the agenda)

d) or you're creating to entertain. (This requires being true to the target demographic)

The only obligation here is to choose one.

Creating to express - with the end result being the reader is somewhat inspired by what they’ve read. I have attempted to take them on a journey of self-belief and to understand a fight for justice, against all odds.

Wow!!! I woke up this morning to so many amazing comments. I feel like this thread has taken on a life of its own and I've been loving the exchanges. I've read every single comment so please forgive if I didn't respond to every single one (day job) but the exchanges have been inspiring. Thank you so much for who you are and who you are to each other and your audiences!

To answer your question Paulo Ruvalcaba - I've not seen Hayao Miyazaki's TV show "Future Boy Conan" but it sounds like it's right up my alley so I'll have to search for it. Thank you for that. There does seem to be a common thread throughout the comments...authenticity - being true to who we are. The take I've shared with many is whatever is on the inside, whatever forms our "core" is what will bubble out.

This is why comparison is so destructive, deceptive and in itself powerless, unless we give it power. Each of us have a voice that cannot be replicated so there's no point in comparing our journey to someone else's.

Leonardo Ramirez Hi Leonardo, that’s a great question.

I do think we have responsibilities as a writer. One is to the craft, the other is to our audience.

To the craft - in that we master it and be the best writer we can be. Always learning, always growing. Always cultivating our imagination. Read deeply. Write widely.

To the audience - to create stories which have an emotional resonance at their core, otherwise we are just giving the audience information and who wants to sit through 90 minutes of an infomercial service.

Beautiful and detailed answer Geoff Hall. And a whopping "here, here" on not wanting to sit through an infomercial!

One of my favourite quotes about this is from Agnus Vader. "I don't just want to show things, but give people the desire to see."

Oh man, I love that Ewan Dunbar. I wonder if he didn’t just mean film but life as a whole. Either way, I really like that.

Beverly Thompson And in that, I raise a toast to you, ma'am.

Ewan Dunbar, I have not seen that quote before. It's brilliant. Thank you very much for sharing it.

The quote goes straight to the heart of what's wrong with the "preachy" writing so many of us rail against (& pray we are not guilty of). Creating the "desire to see" is a humble, honest goal.

Showing our own truth -- which assumes the writer knows The Truth -- is the ultimate exercise in hubris and assumes whatever preconceptions our audience has, if they disagree with the "wiser" writer is wrong. It implies the writer no longer has a desire to learn, only to share his pre-ordained conclusion.

Perhaps "the desire to see" must start within the heart of the writer before it can appear on the page?

We purveyors of ideas are too often the "physician who must first heal himself."

Anyone: How do you make the person you're addressing appear in blue?

Hi Fran Elaine Tabor. Type in @ and names will appear right after that. Click on the name you want to tag and continue your message. There are times where, for some reason or another, the name doesn’t appear but most times, it does.

Leonardo Ramirez Thank you! Just tried editing an above comment, but didn't work, so evidently can only be done the 1st time.

You are very welcome Fran Elaine Tabor. Loving your participation.

Yes, I aim to understand my own role as first audience, writer, editor, sounding board, so I am always testing the material from page 1 to first festival screening

to strive powerfully for completing a project that I will still be authentically 100% supporting for all the right reasons even after I am dust.

I aim high and that's why it takes me average two years to write a script, I am relentless and it comes from writing two or three really terrible screenplays and four or five good ones,

I am my toughest audience so by the time it gets to screen seems like the results are stratifying in a good and appropriate way, there are no universal values among humans, only opinions and actions,

my first film has a 40% Selection Rate on Film Freeway with 76 Selections and 20 Awards so I know there's something recognized there, and that is sufficient to keep me grinding this year and beyond and continue writing and producing heartfelt fulfilling stories!

Thanks Daniel Stuelpnagel - so many of us forget to be the audience of our own work. This is a wonderful reminder.