Why a Film Composer Should Study Screenwriting

Lately I've been reading a lot about screenwriting. I'm not currently writing a screenplay (although I'd like to someday); I'm reading from the perspective of a storyteller.One of the most valuable things a composer can do is aid the development and form of a film's story arc. But in order to do that effectively, you have to have a thorough understanding of how a story is structured. By learning screenwriting, you can learn how to better identify a character's motives, needs, and growth. You can also help define the larger pieces of the film's form to aid the audience in taking it in.Understanding the entire story is crucial for thinking about the "big picture" of a film score. If you get too hung up on a cue by cue basis you can miss vital moments that should be scored differently alone versus in the context of the entire story. Perhaps a murder scene out of context feels like it should be big and bombastic, but within the specific film it would be better played understated and reserved.Widening your knowledge of the craft will make you a better collaborator. Since many directors are also writers, by knowing the language they use for storytelling you'll be better prepared to engage in a conversation about how to score the film. It's much easier for a composer to talk about story and structure than a director to talk about notes and orchestration, so by studying film and screenwriting you'll be acquiring a common language.Some resources to check out if you're interested in learning more about screenwriting:The 101 Habits of Highly Successful ScreenwritersThe Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master StorytellerThe Script Lab