DZ-110: Voiceover

Draft Zero: a screenwriting podcast

How can you use Voiceover without it feeling like a cheat?

In this episode, we finally delve into the world of VOICEOVERS (as part of our larger series exploring craft tools that allow characters & storytellers to talk directly to the audience). Chas, Stu and Mel deep dive into the VERONICA MARS pilot, Disney’s THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE, and the Michael Bay epic PAIN & GAIN.

In exploring what makes these particular examples of Voiceover great (and not feel like a cheat or a well-worn trope), we apply the four levers identified in our Part 1 (in particular ‘when in time is the Voiceover coming from’). In this episode we discover how Voiceover can set tone, reveal character motivations, enhance viewer empathy, or even create tension.

Don’t forget to check out the Backmatter (https://www.patreon.com/posts/backmatter-for-105083575) to this episode answering Patreon Abigail’s question.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.

Thanks to Chris Walker for his excellent editing this episode.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00:00 - Cold open
• 00:00:23 - Voiceover craft levers to pull
• 00:03:48 - Veronica Mars (pilot)
• 00:32:43 - The Emperor’s New Groove
• 00:54:11 - Pain & Gain
• 01:31:30 - Key Learnings & Wrap Up
• 01:39:34 - Thanks Patreons!

RELATED EPISODES:

• DZ-109: Talking DIRECTLY to your audience
• DZ-18: Michael Bay – F*ing the Frame and P*ing the Page

How can we forget our awesome Patreons, especially Lily, Alexandre, Malay, Jennifer, Thomas, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, and Khrob.

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We are @stuwillis, and @chasffisher on twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.

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