Screenwriting : Screenwriting advice by Adrianna Flintosh

Hi, Adrianna Flintosh. Welcome to the community. Here's a blog that'll help you navigate Stage 32 and make connections: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

Congratulations on finishing your outline! My advice is to not worry if you can't figure out things in the first draft. You can figure them out in the rewrites.

And even though you made an outline, be open to things changing in the story as you write the script.

I suggest using a screenwriting software to write your script. If you need software, I suggest using WriterDuet. It's fast, easy to use, and you can write three scripts for free with it before having to pay a monthly fee. Here's the link to WriterDuet: www.writerduet.com

I also suggest checking out this blog for up-and-coming screenwriters: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...

Also, I suggest adding a profile picture and a detailed bio to your profile. People will feel more comfortable networking and collaborating with you if they know what you look like. And if you have a picture, your profile will show up when someone searches for you. A detailed bio will help you build relationships/network on here. You could add things to your bio like why you became a screenwriter, your goals, and what movies and shows you like.

thank you so much! I really appreciate you helping me! i definitely will change my profile picture and add to my bio!

A logline can be very helpful. You might be able to improve your outline by rewriting the logline, until it hits it out of the park.

You're welcome, Adrianna Flintosh. If you need any more screenwriting advice, let the community know.

Welcome, Adrianna! My advice before writing a first draft is to make sure your outline is in alignment with some kind of story structure standard: either the "save the cat" beats or the 4-Act/8-sequence structure. This will ensure your characters are "arcing" the way they should and the story is unfolding logically. It will save you a lot of time in revisions. Ask me how I know. (lol)

Adrianna,

I may not be the best person to give advise as it seems every path I’ve taken is the one of most resistance.

But, one that I do feel pretty confident in is to make sure you but all the effort in beforehand. In that I mean when you actually sit down to write the actual screenplay you shouldn’t have many questions about your story.

The first screenplay I wrote I did minimal outlining and basically wrote it in the fly.

It showed. haha, but good luck in your endeavor.

Yes, I do. And man, I wish I was in your shoes. If I started at your age, I might've made it already!

I won the LA Int. Screenplay awards out of multiple rounds, 1,300 scripts and I am from Ohio, having taught myself mostly on Google and through Stage 32.

BUT

That script was far from my first draft. I paid for "Coverages" look that up. Over and over. By doing this, I continued getting feedback after feedback from real, working people in this industry. I highly encourage you to ask your parents for $300, or save that money yourself, and buy three coverages from here or another site like it after you're done with your draft.

These people will give you advice, and it'll be different. What you need to pay attention to is which parts of your script they are ALL saying the SAME thing about.

Example: three execs read my script, and one says the ending sucks, one says the ending is good. That means it could go either way, and I don't have a real answer on that.

Now, if ALL THREE say "Your ending sucks" then your ending sucks. That way, you can operate on multiple opinions, and you know what to change.

Lastly, as for your draft, shoot for 90 pages. That's a feature film. Or, if you just want to roll with a short script, think 15-30 pages. Each page is a minute. But my advice is to shoot for the stars. If you're only capable of writing 30 pages, people will take your project, turn it into a long movie, and then it's official their project that you get a little chunk of. You want your idea to be yours and completed by you.

Take your time! You're 16! If you made it by 25, you're the greatest writer ever and that likely won't happen.

Use this first script as your teaching tool, good luck, and keep writing!

Hi Adrianna! It’s so exciting that you’re already working on a script for your film school application at such a young age! You're definitely on the right track. Bravo to you to following your passions :)I’d recommend focusing on building your network and portfolio. We have some great educational resources here at Stage 32 that could really help you:

- How To Network Effectively As A Screenwriter with Steve Desmond: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-network-effectively-as...

- How To Build Your Portfolio As A Writer To Get Noticed By Reps with Kelly Edwards, plus 3 worksheets: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-build-your-portfolio-a...

Feel free to reach out to me directly at edu@stage32.com if you need any more advice or recommendations. Always happy to help! Good luck with your script and I’m sure you’ll do great!

Adrianna Flintosh I'm so happy you're here! This is awesome, and you are in the right place. In addition to what Maurice said, check out the Lounges, too, where you can learn a lot from some of the conversations and find like-minded people to connect with.

My best advice is always to write what you know! Share your experiences so far in life through your stories, the good and the bad, and don't give up when the going gets tough! Cheers!

Also, network as much as you can! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. :)