Eurovision is a cult phenomenon which cannot be ignored. The ever-expanding singing contest which is part pissed up karaoke session with elaborate costumes and part attempt at uniting the Earth in peaceful existence through song was always ripe for a Ferrell-esque comedy outing.
However, what is it that we can learn as screenwriters from: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga?
Write about a Special Subculture
A Special Subculture is a group that together looks at the world in a unique way. If there’s a Discord server where you’re able to share your opinion on it then it’s certainly a Special Subculture.
Eurovision clearly is one of these and it is evident that writers Will Ferrell and Andrew Steele understand the world that they are writing about inside out and what an audience expects from a film about their source material.
The depiction of Eurovision is an ‘authentic’ one, but one that seeks to show us something that we are familiar with in a non-conventional way.
The tone is pitch perfect (excuse the pun) as the piece understands that the whole endeavour has its tongue firmly in its cheek from beginning to end.
Also, we’re shown all of the elements of the competition that we want to see on our screens through the lens of the plucky underdogs trying to break into it. We get the big numbers with the high notes and the glimpses of the catty commentators, outrageous parties and the disastrous tech rehearsals.
So, when you’re formulating your next idea find that Special Subculture that you can write about with authority and importantly reverence but discover your unique way into it and how it is that you and your characters are able to explore it in a new way.