What separates the handful of screenplays that spark bidding wars from the mountain of scripts that never leave the slush pile? Two-time Emmy-winning writer–producer Erik Bork argues it all starts with one thing: the core idea.

In this episode Erik – whose credits include HBO’s Band of Brothers and From the Earth to the Moon – explains the seven-part test he uses to decide whether a story concept is truly worth months (or years) of drafting.

‘If the writer doesn’t start with a rock-solid idea, they’re building a house on sand’ – listen for Erik’s blueprint for the foundations of success.

Erik is an award-winning screenwriter, producer and script consultant best known for helping Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg turn epic true stories into acclaimed HBO mini-series. His book The Idea distils decades of industry experience into a practical checklist that shows writers – for screen, stage or page – how to tell at a glance whether their concept could capture a mass audience.

In this conversation Erik recalls breaking into Hollywood from an assistant’s desk, writing under the pressure of multi-million-dollar productions and why he now believes 60 per cent of a project’s success is decided before you outline a single scene.

Pick up The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage or Fiction on Amazon, read Erik’s blog and explore his coaching services at FlyingWrestler.com.

Hosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.

Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.

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The post The Essential Elements of a Successful Story with Erik Bork appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.