Why Writing is Important in Television and Film Production

When it comes to the production of a television show or movie, many people tend to focus on the visual elements - the cinematography, the special effects, the wardrobe. While these elements certainly play a crucial role in the finished product, they are ultimately secondary to the writing.

At its core, a television show or movie is a story - and the writing is what brings that story to life. The script is the blueprint for the entire production, outlining the characters, the plot, and the themes that will be explored. Without a strong script, the other elements of the production will falter, no matter how impressive they may be.

Writing Drives the Emotional Core 

One of the primary reasons why the writing is so important is that it drives the emotional core of the story. A well-written script will elicit powerful reactions from the audience, whether it's laughter, tears, or sheer terror. The writing sets the tone for the entire production, and it's what allows the audience to connect with the characters and become invested in their journeys. 

For example, the critically acclaimed television show "Breaking Bad" relied heavily on its well-written script to drive the emotional arc of its characters and keep viewers engaged throughout the series.

"Breaking Bad" is a prime example of how a television show's writing can make or break its success. From 2008 to 2013, the series followed the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, into a methamphetamine cook and dealer after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. The writing in "Breaking Bad," overseen by creator Vince Gilligan and his team, played a crucial role in the show's acclaim.

In addition to driving the plot, the writing contributed to the emotional depth of the series. From the poignant moments of Walter's illness to the high-stakes action sequences that often hinged on the viewer understanding intricate scientific details. The writing effectively conveyed a range of emotions, allowing the audience to develop a strong connection to the characters and their struggles.

In the "Fly" episode from Season 3, Walter becomes fixated on a fly that has entered the meth lab where he and Jesse are cooking. As he tries to catch the fly, Walter becomes increasingly obsessed and paranoid, seeing the fly as a metaphor for his own personal and professional problems.

The writing in this episode pays close attention to the small details, such as the movements of the fly and the physical gestures of the characters as they try to catch it. These details help to build tension and convey the mounting frustration and desperation that Walter is feeling. The use of symbolism and metaphor also adds depth and nuance to the scene, making it a standout moment in the series.

Writing Establishes the Rules of the World

Another reason why the writing is so critical is that it establishes the rules of the world in which the story takes place. Whether it's a realistic depiction of everyday life or a fantastical universe, the writing must clearly define the boundaries and limitations of the setting. This helps to create a sense of consistency and believability, which is crucial for immersing the audience in the story. In the movie "Inception," the complex and intricately crafted script helped to establish the rules of the dream world and keep the plot from becoming confusing or convoluted.

"Inception" is a science fiction action movie that tells the story of a group of people who are able to enter into the dreams of others in order to plant ideas and influence their thoughts and actions. The script for the movie is complex and intricately crafted in order to establish the rules of the dream world and keep the plot from becoming confusing or convoluted.

One way the script accomplishes this is by introducing and explaining the various levels of dreaming that the characters encounter. In the movie, it is possible for a dreamer to enter into the dreams of another person, and this process can be repeated, creating a nested series of dreams within dreams. The script clearly explains this concept and the ways in which the characters are able to navigate and manipulate the dream world.

Additionally, the script establishes the rules of the dream world, such as the fact that dream time can be significantly different from real time and that certain events or objects in a dream can have symbolic or meaningful significance. The script also introduces the concept of projections, which are dream characters that are created by the dreamer's subconscious and can appear and behave in unpredictable ways.

Overall, the complex and intricately crafted script for "Inception" helps to establish the rules of the dream world and keep the plot from becoming confusing or convoluted, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story and follow along with the characters as they navigate the dream world.

The Writing is the Foundation

In addition to these more obvious reasons, the writing also serves as the foundation for all of the other elements of the production. The dialogue, the blocking, the music, and even the costume design are all informed by the script. Without a strong foundation, these elements can feel disconnected or uneven. For instance, in the hit television show "Game of Thrones," the tight and well-written script helped to seamlessly integrate these various elements and create a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.

The hit television show "Game of Thrones" was known for its strong writing and well-developed characters in the earlier seasons. However, as the show progressed, some viewers felt that the writing began to decline in quality.

One reason for this may have been the fact that the show surpassed the source material (the "A Song of Ice and Fire" book series by George R.R. Martin) and the writers had to work without a clear roadmap for where the story was going. This may have led to some inconsistencies and plot points that felt forced or contrived.

Additionally, with such a large cast of characters and complex plotlines, it can be challenging to give each character and subplot the attention and development they deserve. As a result, some characters and storylines may have been rushed or left unresolved, which can leave viewers feeling unsatisfied. This could be an example of where the lack of focus on the writing, or lack thereof of source material to pull from, led to a show's downfall.

The writing of a television show or movie is the most important element of the production because it drives the emotional core of the story, establishes the rules of the world, and serves as the foundation for all of the other elements. Without strong writing, a production will struggle to connect with its audience and leave a lasting impact.