This chapter draws on practice that begins the filmmaking process with character performance before developing a script. Hence characterisation precedes the script and suggests a viable model of story development and film production. This chapter examines a development process of creating nuanced characters prior to the screenwriting practice through a comparative examination of the methods used by contemporary filmmakers working with actors and performance prior to story or script. The chapter investigates approaches to screen work and methods used by UK filmmaker Mike Leigh and Indie US filmmaker Miranda July and draws from Angie Black’s filmmaking practice in the development of the feature film, The Five Provocations (Black, 2018) as a case study. This chapter highlights the importance of character in story creation and how collaboration with cast at the initial stages of the screenwriting process can play a significant part in capturing compelling screen performances that lead to greater character verisimilitude and emotional integrity in the completed film.