ACT ONE Studios

06/01/2025

"The scariest moment is always just before you start." – Stephen King

Take the leap. The fear of beginning is temporary—the stories you create will last forever.

01/01/2025

30/12/2024

"Quality of your writing will be directly related to your understanding of human behavior." – B**g Joon Ho

**gJoonHo

28/12/2024

Every story is driven by a central conflict.
These conflicts shape the narrative and give rise to different types of stories based on their nature. Here are the major types of conflicts:

1. Person vs. Self
The character struggles with their own emotions, fears, or desires.

2. Person vs. Person
The character is in direct conflict with another individual, and this rivalry becomes the story's driving force.

3. Person vs. Society
The character clashes with societal expectations, norms, or injustices, challenging the world around them.

4. Person vs. Nature
The character battles against the forces of nature or the wilderness.

5. Person vs. Technology
The character faces challenges with technological advancements or machines.

6. Person vs. Supernatural
The character struggles with forces beyond the natural world, such as ghosts or mythical entities.

7. Person vs. Fate
The character grapples with their destiny or the circumstances imposed by fate.

8. Person vs. Unknown
The character confronts mysterious or incomprehensible forces or situations.

Understanding these conflicts helps storytellers craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Which type of conflict drives your story?

23/12/2024

"If you want to be a great director, be a great screenwriter." – Akira Kurosawa

20/12/2024

A New Take on the Festival Movie Genre
Director: Tinu Pappachan
Writers: Kichu Tellus, Vineeth Vishwam

With its bold visuals, relentless energy, celebrated violence, and unexpected twists, Ajagajantharam redefines the festival movie genre. Set amidst a temple festival, the story revolves around a clash between organizers, elephant caretakers, and outsiders, spiraling into chaos. The festival grounds transform into a battlefield of pride, survival, and masculinity, making the film an intense, high-octane experience.

Unlike traditional festival films that often center on aristocrats or heroes in positions of power, Ajagajantharam shifts the focus to the raw heroism of the common man. The film maintains an unrelenting pace, reflecting the frenetic energy of a Kerala festival while eschewing conventional narrative pauses.

Rooted deeply in Kerala’s festival culture, the film tackles universal themes such as masculinity, ego, rivalry, survival, and unpredictability. By presenting the rustic charm of Kerala’s festivals through a fresh visual language and pulsating music, the film reinvents a familiar narrative world into a new cinematic experience.

For writers seeking to break traditional storytelling molds and craft narratives with unique stylistic approaches, Ajagajantharam is an inspiring example of redefining established genres.

18/12/2024

"Let the setting speak for your characters."

Use locations to reflect your characters' emotions, struggles, and growth. A cluttered room can reveal the chaos in their thoughts, while an empty street can mirror their loneliness. Let the world they inhabit become a part of their story.

16/12/2024

"I write to figure out what the story is." – Greta Gerwig

13/12/2024

"Bheeshma Parvam" (2022): The Creation of a Modern Patriarch
Director: Amal Neerad
Writers: Amal Neerad, Devadath Shaji

Bheeshma Parvam presents Michael, brought to life by Mammootty, as a modern-day patriarch deeply rooted in the familial and cultural dynamics of Kerala. Drawing inspiration from classics like the Mahabharata and The Godfather, the film crafts a compelling character defined by leadership and moral dilemmas.

How "Bheeshma Parvam" Creates an Unforgettable Patriarch:
A Protector with a Dark Past
Michael’s leadership emerges from a violent and challenging history, which he accepts as a necessary sacrifice to ensure his family’s stability.

Commanding Both Fear and Respect
Michael leads his family with love and authority. While his presence instills fear in enemies and even some family members, his empathy for the downtrodden earns him loyalty and admiration.

Loyalty to Family Amidst Conflicts
As the head of a dysfunctional family filled with betrayals and power struggles, Michael’s decisions are driven by his unshakable commitment to protect his kin.

Mythological Resonance
The film portrays Michael as a modern-day Bhishma—bound by loyalty and duty, yet entangled in the flaws of his family. This mythological parallel adds depth to his character.

The Burden of Leadership
Michael carries the emotional weight of leadership, which isolates him while making his struggles realistic and heartfelt.

A Study in Patriarchy for Writers
Michael in Bheeshma Parvam serves as a perfect example of crafting a patriarch whose influence resonates across the socio-cultural fabric of the narrative. For screenwriters, his character is an invaluable study in balancing strength, vulnerability, and legacy.

11/12/2024

Strengthen Your Supporting Characters

Give your supporting characters a backstory and secrets that the audience may never fully discover. Hidden motivations, fears, values, and desires—even those that don’t directly impact the plot—bring depth and life to your story. These characters hint at a world beyond the film, connecting your narrative to a larger reality. Small details like these make your characters unforgettable and your story more immersive.

09/12/2024

"A bad script written is still better than an amazing one that isn't." – Taika Waititi