Hey everybody. I´ve been writing screenplays for only 2 years but I´ve reached a point where it´s simply too difficult for me to go on, at least all by myself. Part of the problem is that english is my second language and that´s a barrier I always feel while writing, even though I speak the language fluently. Without disregarding that I could keep practicing the craft and the language for the next years, I wanted to ask the forum how good the idea was of writing a detailed outline for a screenplay, sort of like a short story, and then partner up with someone who can write the screenplay adapted from that document. Or at least a first draft. I´ve looked up this page screenplaywriters.com and they have a service which is of writing an entire screenplay based on your outline/treatment for "merely" 3600 bucks ( the cheapest option). Would that suit me? Anybody has experience with this site? As I mentioned, I would still of course like to change the first draft of the script to my convenience, not just come up with the whole story, which I already have in mind. That´s why my other question is, how would the credits for this screenplay be? Would I get the screen credit of "story by", as a minimum? I hope you can answer some or all of my questions? Thanks in advance, have a good day! Mariano
Screenwriting : I want to write an outline for a screenplay? by Mariano Amézaga
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Thanks for the answer Oliver. I write screenplays in spanish too, but I simply prefer to crack the english market as you say, as it is far more broad, but of course , more complex too. I didnt mean to say that English is a barrier for me, I would rather say it´s an extra challenge and I just need to dig deeper than others. It could be a good idea though to have my screenplay translated.
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Hi Mariano, is your script aimed for the mainstream studio market, or will you go the indie film route? I ask because I would advise you differently for each scenario.
I would say it could be both, not sure....what would you advise me for each case?
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I outline everything I write - from business meetings and client consultations to movie scripts. It makes writing so much easier. And you're making sure that you're hitting the main points when you should be hitting the main points. Here are a few good sites for you to review. Save the Cat beatsheet is the most-favored way to structure a conventional screenplay in today's marketplace. Jancie Hardy does a nice job in breaking it down. The Save the Cat website has many examples of it in use. You can also search for "Save the Cat Beat Sheet Template" and you'll find some blank templates to download, too. In bocca al luppo, paisano! http://scribemeetsworld.com/2011/screenplay-writing/how-to-write-a-scrip... http://thescriptlab.com/screenwriting/structure/the-outline http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/10/plotting-with-save-cat-beat-sheet.html http://www.savethecat.com/
Hi Mariano, if you're aiming for the mainstream studio market, and if you do not believe your English skills will allow you to write a sell-able script, I suggest you write a short outline/concept document/pitch document, and position yourself as a producer, not the writer. You can pitch your concept to other producers on Stage 32 or at pitch fests. If the producer loves the idea, you would partner to develop it together, and find a market-viable writer to execute. If you go the pure indie route, and don't rely on the market for financing, then you should do whatever you please. If you go the indie route, and if you need to rely on the market for financing, you should probably find a writer to execute the idea. Same as the top option. Because if you're working on an indie that needs the market for financing and casting, then you still have to have a script that passes market scrutiny. Good luck!!
For studio projects, credit is determined by the WGA.
Thanks for the advice Regina
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The problems ahead of you: 1) $3,600. 2) Most screenplays do not sell, they are "job applications" for assignments where you would be hired to write a screenplay based on some story the production company owns the rights to... how will that work if you are just writing the treatment for the screenplay and someone else writes the screenplay? 3) You have to keep hammering at agents and managers and production companies with new screenplays, so how many checks for $3,600 will that become? 4) I suspect someone writing a screenplay for $3,600 is not a very good screenwriter. Since English is not your native tongue, have you considered writing screenplays in the language you are comfortable with, the language you probably think in? http://variety.com/2014/film/global/peru-filmmakers-leaving-serious-dram...
Valid Points William, thanks
Hi Mariano. I've only been screenwriting seriously for a few years, but I do have a few features under my belt. English is my first language, but I've been speaking Spanish since I was two. If you'd like, I could maybe take a look at the parts you're having trouble with. DM me if you're interested.