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'EastEnders' and 'E20' - How to write a story

What makes a gripping story? Writers, directors and cast members from EastEnders and E20 discuss approaches to writing a successful story for EastEnders.

The importance of good characterisation is explored using extracts from recent storylines from the series. There is discussion and illustration of some key principles of creating effective narrative, including conflict, pursuit of goals and overcoming obstacles. Elements of narrative theory are exemplified with examples from the series.

Scriptwriters explain the process of script creation for a popular soap opera and how consideration of potential impact on target audience is an integral part of their creative process and decision-making.

The creation of E20 is used to demonstrate how a working knowledge of your audience and creating an authentic world is essential to successful soap opera scriptwriting. The younger script writers of E20 explain some of their own methodologies and give advice on the methods they employ.

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8 minutes

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