The difference between “process” and “technique”

One of the most important distinctions screenwriters can make is the difference between process and technique. Virtually ALL screenwriting education is technique-based. Even those that call themselves a "process" are really a "process" for doing a specific technique (otherwise known as a "formula").

To make this clear, let's first define the words:

PROCESS

A series of repeatable actions or steps taken to achieve a specific outcome.

TECHNIQUE

A specific, often unique way of carrying out a task.

A process can incorporate techniques — or it can be used to achieve a technique.

Let's use an example.

Consider the 3-Act structure story form. In Hollywood, it's often considered "correct" structure. But, in fact, it's only one possible structure form. To be sure, it's a very effective structure in many different kinds of stories (because it reflects natural human experience) — but it's not the only possible structure.

Rather, it's a technique — a specific way of structuring your story.

So any screenplay development approach whose ONLY possible outcome is a 3-Act structure story... is a technique-based approach.

You may have a process for writing a 3-Act structure story — for example: "Step 1) Start by identifying your beginning, middle and end. Step 2) Identify the plot point twists at the end of Act 1 and 2..." etc — but because there is only one type of possible structure outcome, it leads only to one type of story.

 

Complete creative flexibility

FAST Screenplay, on the other hand, is built upon the natural creative process. It doesn't matter which structure you use. It's not limited in form — because it's built on process.

A process-based approach enables you to drop ANY technique into the process.

And here's where FAST Screenplay creates a breakthrough.

Let's use an example.

The Focus Phase of FAST Screenplay takes any idea and grows it organically into a compelling screen story. We start by exploring the idea and why you're passionate about your idea — and then we maximize that idea over a number of steps. We then build the structure and characters out of that idea, and then find the structure that will best express the idea.

The process comes first; techniques come second. If the most effective structure for your story is NOT a 3-Act structure, you're not limited to that technique.

On the other hand, if you have a favorite technique (say, the 3-Act structure or a 5-Act structure), you can simply use it at the appropriate point in the process.

Do you have a favorite dialogue technique? Drop it into the process. Did some industry guru give you 12 "mandatory points" you have to include in every screenplay? No worries. Drop them into the process — and then revisit them later in the process — we'll even show you where.

Does a producer you're working with have a specific set of "rules" you need to abide by? Easy. Just plug them into the system, and the creative flexibility of the process empowers you, rather than inhibits you.

 

A simple breakthrough

Building a step by step system out of the natural creative process is just one of the many breakthroughs of FAST Screenplay.

Remember: Every story is made real the same way — by going through this process: It starts as an idea in your head... you shape it into a story... you get that story onto the page... you strengethen the pages to ensure the story is solid... you polish the pages into a gripping read... you get feedback and adapt your project to their exact needs... and then you get it into the hands of the producer.

This is why FAST Screenplay works for any writer, with any idea, anywhere in the world.

And why it even works with all the techniques you'll find elsewhere. We amplify the power of those techniques — and they amplify the power of FAST Screenplay.

Because process