5 Screenwriting Tips from James Mangold

Screenwriting is never easy. Sometimes an idea will come to you that seems that way, but when you put it on paper, unpacking it gets a little murky. That's why I try to seek out the advice of the best of us to see how they'd put these things in play. While looking for some inspiration to crack my latest spec screenplay, I stumbled upon this video, hosted by our very own Jo Light, where she talks to director James Mangold about his best screenwriting advice. Naturally, I thought this would be a great thing to unpack here. Let's dive in. James Mangold's Screenwriting Advice I have to say James Mangold is one of the filmmakers I most admire working in Hollywood. I feel like he really understands the kinds of movies he's making, and his work on the page reflects these tones and ideas. Let's unpack some of his best advice. Minimize Filmmaking JargonMangold cautions against littering scripts with technical filmmaking terms. He believes this can obstruct the storytelling flow, forcing people out of the world you've been building. Instead of dictating camera angles, he suggests describing the scene in a way that naturally implies the shot you have in your mind. For instance, describing the vastness of clouds over a house hints at a wide shot, whereas detailing flaring nostrils inherently suggests a close-up.Write for the "Blind Person" This piece of advice is going on a post-it note for my wall. The whole thing is to imagine describing the scene to someone who cannot see the screen. You want to attack the senses of the reader and give descriptions that are concise and aligned with the film's pacing.It's all about bringing the imagination forward and elaborating with the right amount of stuff to get people engaged. Keep it Engaging Speaking of engaging people, you have to make sure every scene captures that sense of wonder. A screenplay needs to grab the reader from the very beginning.Make sure those opening ten pages pop so you can hold onto them for the next 95. Mangold stresses the importance of avoiding excessive detail that doesn't propel the story forward or contribute to its overall feel. Every element should serve the narrative's momentum.Don't Force CreativityYou can't make yourself be creative. Mangold is not totally sure he believes in the concept of "writer's block". His practical advice? If the words aren't flowing, step away. Engage in a different activity to refresh your perspective and return to writing only when inspiration or a clear idea strikes. Always Have a PlanI'm a massive fan of outlining my screenplays because I like a map of where we're going at all times. But Mangold's preferred metaphor has to do with cooking. Mangold notes that just as you wouldn't start a meal without a recipe, you shouldn't begin writing without a clear objective. If you take the steps to do some prewriting and get the whole idea out, you can see where things are missing or need to be added. Summing It All Up James Mangold is a superior writer and director who puts a lot of key ideas here that we can learn to use. I really liked his whole visual philosophy and the way he so nonchalantly dove into these pillars of his storytelling. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Apr 23, 2025 - 02:36

Screenwriting is never easy. Sometimes an idea will come to you that seems that way, but when you put it on paper, unpacking it gets a little murky.

That's why I try to seek out the advice of the best of us to see how they'd put these things in play.

While looking for some inspiration to crack my latest spec screenplay, I stumbled upon this video, hosted by our very own Jo Light, where she talks to director James Mangold about his best screenwriting advice.

Naturally, I thought this would be a great thing to unpack here.

Let's dive in.

James Mangold's Screenwriting Advice

I have to say James Mangold is one of the filmmakers I most admire working in Hollywood. I feel like he really understands the kinds of movies he's making, and his work on the page reflects these tones and ideas.

Let's unpack some of his best advice.

Minimize Filmmaking Jargon

Mangold cautions against littering scripts with technical filmmaking terms. He believes this can obstruct the storytelling flow, forcing people out of the world you've been building.

Instead of dictating camera angles, he suggests describing the scene in a way that naturally implies the shot you have in your mind.

For instance, describing the vastness of clouds over a house hints at a wide shot, whereas detailing flaring nostrils inherently suggests a close-up.

Write for the "Blind Person"

This piece of advice is going on a post-it note for my wall. The whole thing is to imagine describing the scene to someone who cannot see the screen.

You want to attack the senses of the reader and give descriptions that are concise and aligned with the film's pacing.

It's all about bringing the imagination forward and elaborating with the right amount of stuff to get people engaged.

Keep it Engaging

Speaking of engaging people, you have to make sure every scene captures that sense of wonder. A screenplay needs to grab the reader from the very beginning.

Make sure those opening ten pages pop so you can hold onto them for the next 95. Mangold stresses the importance of avoiding excessive detail that doesn't propel the story forward or contribute to its overall feel. Every element should serve the narrative's momentum.

Don't Force Creativity

You can't make yourself be creative. Mangold is not totally sure he believes in the concept of "writer's block".

His practical advice? If the words aren't flowing, step away. Engage in a different activity to refresh your perspective and return to writing only when inspiration or a clear idea strikes.

Always Have a Plan

I'm a massive fan of outlining my screenplays because I like a map of where we're going at all times. But Mangold's preferred metaphor has to do with cooking.

Mangold notes that just as you wouldn't start a meal without a recipe, you shouldn't begin writing without a clear objective.

If you take the steps to do some prewriting and get the whole idea out, you can see where things are missing or need to be added.

Summing It All Up

James Mangold is a superior writer and director who puts a lot of key ideas here that we can learn to use. I really liked his whole visual philosophy and the way he so nonchalantly dove into these pillars of his storytelling.

Let me know what you think in the comments.