The Screenplay Strategy

Using story to sell your project.

Here are 40 questions I had CHAT-GPT4-o generate using Blake Snyder's book Save the Cat, on writing scripts and screenplays. These questions might be helpful when promoting projects to your customer segments. Blake’s book was an amazing read, and many reality shows have been set up this way. I do not plan to promote the pots like a reality show, but there are some great questions below in the different sections of story progression that are very helpful to ask when creating your work.

Opening Image

1. How can I make the opening image stand out in a crowded social media feed?

2. What colors, textures, or elements can I use to create a strong visual impact?

3. How can I use lighting and composition to enhance the appeal of my pottery?

4. What story does this image tell about the overall project?

Set-Up

5. How can I introduce the main characters in my project, such as myself or my team?

6. What details about my creative process will resonate most with my audience?

7. How can I use the set-up to establish a connection with new followers?

8. What personal anecdotes can I share to make the project more relatable?

Theme Stated

9. How can I reinforce the theme throughout my marketing campaign?

10. What other artists or movements influence the theme of this project?

11. How does the theme of this project reflect my broader artistic goals?

12. How can I use the theme to differentiate my work from others?

Catalyst

13. What emotional triggers can I use to spark interest in my audience?

14. How can I create a sense of anticipation leading up to the catalyst moment?

15. What partnerships or collaborations can serve as a catalyst for broader exposure?

16. How can I use timing to maximize the impact of the catalyst?

Debate

17. How can I use social proof to address potential doubts about my project?

18. What questions might my audience have about the functionality of my pottery?

19. How can I frame the debate in a way that leads to a positive resolution?

20. How can I invite my audience to participate in the debate through polls or feedback?

Break into Two

21. What incentives can I offer to encourage immediate action?

22. How can I make the transition from awareness to action seamless?

23. What storytelling techniques can I use to build suspense before the break?

24. How can I visually or verbally signify that the story is moving into a new phase?

B Story

25. How can I use customer stories to support the main narrative?

26. What behind-the-scenes challenges can I share to add depth to the story?

27. How can I highlight the role of community or collaboration in my project?

28. What other creative projects or endeavors can I tie into the B story?

Fun and Games

29. How can I create interactive experiences that allow customers to engage with the project?

30. What playful or unexpected elements can I introduce to keep the audience interested?

31. How can I highlight the versatility of my pottery in a fun way?

32. What contests, giveaways, or challenges can I use to encourage participation?

Midpoint

33. How can I use the midpoint to introduce a surprise or twist in the narrative?

34. What visual or thematic shift can I use to signify the midpoint?

35. How can I build up to the midpoint with a countdown or teaser campaign?

36. What message do I want to communicate at this crucial turning point?

Bad Guys Close In

37. How can I use competitors as a foil to highlight the uniqueness of my pottery?

38. What fears or concerns might my audience have, and how can I address them head-on?

39. How can I use this phase to show resilience and adaptability in my creative process?

40. How can I maintain momentum and engagement as challenges arise in the narrative?

All Is Lost

41. How can I craft a compelling narrative around overcoming setbacks?

42. What emotions do I want to evoke when sharing stories of struggle?

43. How can I frame failures as valuable learning experiences?

44. What visual metaphors can I use to represent moments of difficulty?

Break into Three

45. How can I highlight the positive outcomes of overcoming challenges?

46. What specific actions or decisions led to the successful completion of the project?

47. How can I use testimonials or reviews to reinforce the resolution of the story?

48. What new opportunities or insights emerged from the challenges faced?

Finale

49. How can I create a sense of celebration or accomplishment in the finale?

50. What final call-to-action can drive urgency and excitement?

51. How can I recap the journey in a way that highlights growth and success?

52. How can I create a visual or emotional crescendo that leaves a lasting impact?

Final Image

53. What final image best captures the transformation or completion of the project?

54. How can I use the final image to encourage future engagement with my brand?

55. What lasting message or theme do I want to leave with my audience?

56. How can I use customer testimonials or reactions as the final image?

General Narrative Structure

57. How can I balance tension and resolution to keep the story engaging?

58. What pacing strategies can I use to ensure the story flows smoothly?

59. How can I build anticipation for future projects through this narrative?

60. What storytelling techniques can I borrow from other mediums (e.g., film, literature)?

Character Development

61. How can I develop my personal brand as the “protagonist” of the story?

62. What supporting characters (e.g., collaborators, customers) can I introduce to enrich the narrative?

63. How can I use character arcs to show growth and change over time?

64. What role does my audience play in the narrative, and how can I involve them more deeply?

Emotional Engagement

65. How can I use the narrative to evoke a specific emotional response?

66. What elements of vulnerability can I share to create a deeper connection?

67. How can I use humor or lighthearted moments to balance the narrative?

68. How can I ensure that the emotional journey feels authentic and relatable?

Visual Storytelling

69. How can I use color, texture, and composition to enhance the narrative?

70. What role does lighting play in conveying mood and emotion in my imagery?

71. How can I create a visual progression that mirrors the story’s structure?

72. How can I use video content to bring dynamic elements to the story?

Thematic Consistency

73. How can I ensure that all aspects of my promotion align with the core theme?

74. What recurring motifs or symbols can I use to reinforce the theme?

75. How can I tie the theme into broader social or cultural conversations?

76. How can I use the theme to guide future projects and marketing efforts?

Audience Interaction

77. How can I use interactive content to involve the audience in the narrative?

78. What feedback or input can I solicit from my audience to shape the story?

79. How can I create opportunities for my audience to share their own related stories?

80. How can I use social media to build a community around the narrative?

I hope you can find some of these questions helpful. The parts around the competition or “The bad guys close in” might need to be reworked differently. I don’t see competition as an issue, as I work from the abundance mindset rather than scarcity. Let me know what you think!