Filmmaking / Directing

21. Character vs. Ideologies: Conflict involving differing ideologies or belief systems, often leading to debates or struggles over which viewpoint should prevail. This type of conflict highlights the clash between traditional values and progressive ideas, often driving character and plot development. It can expose underlying societal tensions and lead to profound personal and collective transformations.

"Dead Poets Society" - This film centers around the ideological conflict between traditional educational values and progressive, free-thinking ideals. The students and their unconventional teacher clash with the conservative administration and parents over the purpose and methods of education. This conflict drives the story and underscores the transformative power of challenging the status quo.

22. Character vs. Injustice: This is an external conflict where a character's goals or actions conflict with perceived injustice, such as a character fighting against oppression or discrimination. These conflicts often highlight themes of social justice, equality, and the fight for rights and freedoms. They can be a powerful tool to critique societal flaws and inspire change.

"12 Angry Men" - Juror #8 challenges the prejudice and bias of his fellow jurors to ensure a fair trial for an accused teenager from a marginalized background. His stand against injustice brings to light issues of racism, prejudice, and the moral responsibility of the justice system. This conflict emphasizes the importance of standing up for fairness and integrity in the face of widespread societal bias.

23. Character vs. Interpersonal Relationships: Conflict arises from personal interactions and relationships, such as disputes between friends, family members, or romantic partners, often resulting from misunderstandings, differing opinions, or competing desires. These conflicts can drive character development and emotional depth in a story. They allow for the exploration of complex human emotions and the dynamics of personal connections.

"Marriage Story" - This film examines the conflict between a couple going through a contentious divorce. The raw and emotional struggles between the characters highlight the complexities of relationships and the painful process of separation and personal growth. This story showcases the impact of interpersonal conflicts on individuals and their paths to finding closure and understanding.

24. Character vs. Legal Systems: Conflict involving legal issues or disputes, such as court cases, battles over rights and legislation, or conflicts between individuals and the legal system. These conflicts often explore themes of justice, morality, and the impact of legal decisions on individuals' lives. They highlight the struggles individuals face when confronting legal institutions and the complexities of navigating the legal landscape.

"A Few Good Men"- This film centers around a military court case where two U.S. Marines are accused of murdering a fellow soldier. Lt. Daniel Kaffee defends them, arguing that they were following orders from higher-ranking officers. The film explores themes of justice, power, and the moral complexities of blindly following authority within the legal system. It highlights the tension between individual accountability and institutional corruption, culminating in the famous courtroom confrontation over the search for truth and justice.

25. Character vs. Machine/Technology: This is an external conflict where a character's goals or actions conflict with technology, such as a character struggling to adapt to a new piece of technology or fighting against a technological threat. These conflicts often explore the ethical implications of technological advancements and the potential dangers they pose.

"The Terminator" - Sarah Connor battles against advanced cyborg assassins sent from the future to prevent the birth of her son, the future savior of humanity. The film explores the tension between human resilience and technological threats. This narrative addresses the fear of technology overpowering humanity and raises questions about the ethical use of technological advancements.

26. Character vs. Moral Dilemma: This is an internal conflict where a character's goals or actions are tested by ethical or moral quandaries, forcing them to weigh the consequences of their choices and confront their own values or principles. These conflicts often drive significant character development and thematic depth. They challenge characters to navigate complex moral landscapes and often lead to profound personal growth or tragic outcomes.

"Sophie’s Choice" - Sophie Zawistowski grapples with an impossible decision during the Holocaust, forced to choose which of her children will live and which will die, leading to lifelong anguish and guilt over her choice. The film poignantly explores the impact of moral dilemmas. It showcases the heart-wrenching decisions individuals must make under extreme duress and their lasting emotional scars.

27. Character vs. Occupations: Conflict involving professional life, such as workplace rivalries, career aspirations, or ethical dilemmas at work. These conflicts often highlight the challenges and pressures of professional environments and the personal growth that arises from these struggles. They can explore themes of ambition, integrity, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of career success.

"The Devil Wears Prada" - This film explores occupational conflict through the story of Andy Sachs, a young woman navigating the cutthroat world of high fashion. She faces intense workplace rivalries, ethical dilemmas, and struggles with her career aspirations while working under the demanding editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. The film highlights the personal and professional costs of striving for success in a highly competitive industry.

28. Character vs. Politics: Conflict involving politics or government, such as power struggles, ideological conflicts, or governance disputes, leading to political instability, unrest, or revolution. These conflicts often reflect real-world political issues and drive significant plot and character development. They can explore the dynamics of power, corruption, and the impact of political decisions on society.

"All the President's Men" - This movie details the political conflict and scandal surrounding the Watergate break-in. It highlights the power struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by journalists uncovering corruption within the highest levels of government. The film underscores the importance of free press and the impact of investigative journalism on political accountability.

29. Character vs. Principle: This is an internal conflict where a character is in direct opposition to a divine being, a higher power, or a fundamental principle. These conflicts often explore themes of faith, morality, and the human struggle to align personal actions with broader ethical or spiritual beliefs. They challenge characters to reconcile their actions with their core values and beliefs.

"The Mission" - A Jesuit priest struggles with his faith and moral convictions as he confronts the atrocities committed by colonial powers against indigenous peoples in South America during the 18th century. The film delves into the conflict between religious principles and political actions. It portrays the priest's inner turmoil as he grapples with the ethical implications of his actions in the face of injustice and violence.

30. Character vs. Pride: This is an internal conflict where a character's goals or actions are in conflict with their own pride or ego, such as a character struggling to admit when they are wrong or to ask for help. These conflicts often drive significant personal growth and humility, leading characters to confront their limitations and develop deeper self-awareness.

"Pride and Prejudice" - Elizabeth Bennet's pride clashes with her growing affection for Mr. Darcy, leading to misunderstandings and personal growth as she learns to overcome her prejudices. The story explores the transformative power of overcoming personal pride. Elizabeth's journey highlights the importance of self-reflection and openness to change.

NEXT ARTICLE: Other Types of Dramatic Conflict (pt4)

2/28/2026 is the day! I start filming my first short film called “The Call”. I am using my IPhone 16 Pro Max and it is going to be silently filmed inside my home. I have a rough script and shot list in hand. Wish me luck!

This past month and a half, I’ve been intentionally challenging myself to study thrillers.

The market appetite for thrillers has been booming, and instead of just talking about it, I wanted to really immerse myself in the genre. So I made a decision: I would watch widely and across formats: Network, premium cable, streaming, U.S. series, international series, big IP. and smaller character driven pieces.

Over the last six weeks, I’ve watched:

Cross — Amazon Prime

Untamed — Netflix

The Hunting Party — Peacock

Mr. Mercedes — Audience Network

Top of the Lake — BBC

His and Hers — Netflix

Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials — Netflix

Happy Face — Paramount+

Happy Valley — BBC

Blue Lights — BBC

Long Bright River — Peacock

Girl Taken — Paramount+

Not all of them were brilliant. A few genuinely blew me away. Some were uneven. Some were fascinating case studies in tone or pacing even when they didn’t fully land.

But that wasn’t really the point. The point was immersion.

Watching this many thrillers back to back has given me so much clarity about what’s working right now, what feels tired, how protagonists in this space are evolving, and how mystery plotting has to be both propulsive and character-driven to sustain momentum.

I’ve noticed how much tone and atmosphere matter. How the best thrillers don’t just rely on twists, but on flawed, compelling characters who make you lean forward. How reveals have to feel inevitable in hindsight but surprising in the moment. How restraint can be more powerful than shock.

How are you challenging yourself creatively right now? Let’s talk about what you’re immersing yourself in and what you’re learning from it.

There's a shift happening in the creative community that's worth talking about. More and more writers, filmmakers, and creators are measuring their worth by influencer metrics: follower counts, likes, engagement rates, viral moments, instead of the work itself. The question "How many followers do you have?" has somehow become more relevant than "What have you made?"

And I get it. Social media visibility feels like leverage. It feels like proof you matter. Executives ask about platform size. Producers want creators with "built-in audiences." The industry has conditioned us to believe that unless we're also influencers, our work won't get seen.

But here's the trap: influencer syndrome makes you optimize for attention instead of craft. You start making decisions based on what will perform well on Instagram rather than what story you actually want to tell. You spend more time building your personal brand than building your skills. You measure success by how many people know your name instead of how good your work actually is.

Creator ownership is different. Creator ownership means you care more about what you've made than how many people have seen it. It means you'd rather have one great script in the drawer than 50,000 followers who don't know what you write.

As part of that seismic shift, we're seeing more and more writers want to direct. More directors want to act. More actors want to write. Everyone's becoming a "multi-hyphenate" or "triple threat"—writer-director-actor, producer-writer-director, actor-writer-producer.

And I get it. The industry rewards people who can wear multiple hats. Studios love "packages." Having creative control sounds empowering. Donald Glover does it. Jordan Peele does it. Greta Gerwig does it. So why shouldn't you?

Yes, some people successfully transition into multi-hyphenate roles. But those people usually spent years mastering one craft first. Jordan Peele was an elite sketch comedian and actor before he directed. Greta Gerwig was a respected actor and writer before she directed. They didn't start by trying to do it all.

So ask yourself: Are you building real skills, or are you building a résumé?

Are you becoming a writer-director because you've mastered writing and genuinely have a vision you need to direct? Or are you calling yourself a writer-director because it sounds more impressive than "just" a writer?

There's no shame in specializing. In fact, that's how you actually build leverage. Tell us more about your strategy!

https://youtu.be/tOlUo-DGqJI

I am frustrated been told i am a fantastic screenwriter, My problem is i am disabled and poor, I know i have the talent but i cant afford to upgrade my memberships or pay to enter festivals any advise?

For me, it's life long dream to be a writer, screen writer, and director. I have passion for storytelling and would love some advice on breaking though the glass ceiling. Best of luck a best wishes to everyone trying to make something happen.

Ashley Renee Smith wrote, "More writers want to direct.

More directors want to act.

More actors want to write.

Everyone seems to be becoming a “multi-hyphenate.”

None of that is for me. I wrote three screenplays, and I just want them to be sold. I must mention that Screenwriting is my fourth career, and I am too old to get involved in anything else at this stage of my life.