Hi! I'm new to screenwriting and the site, but as my profile says, I'm no stranger to scripts. My question is more about sale-ability than techniques or mechanics.
I am a huge fan of fantasy and paranormal. I'm a romance novelist and I write paranormal romance Arial ducks, but I know many producers and agents have been FLOODED with vampire romance (thank you, Twlight), so even though that's up my alley, I'll be avoiding that genre. (For the record: My vampires don't sparkle. They EAT people...in more ways than one. eyebrow waggle)
HERE'S MY QUESTION: Just starting out and trying to break into the industry, should I be avoiding storylines that require special effects and/or costumes?
I have an idea for a mystery series, but it has subtle paranormal elements (e.g., main characters have psychic abilities). And I may have just answered my own question here with this idea, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, gang.
1 person likes this
Personally, I want to see your hungry vampires!!! Do not avoid a genre because you think it's saturated. There are 60k+ script registered a year and only a handful of genres - by that thinking they are ALL saturated. If you have a novel that has been published, by all means write the script! There is no better pitch than "it's based on a book with an audience."
5 people like this
Write whatever YOU want to write. Spec scripts are usually just a calling card anyway, in the hopes that a producer might give you an open writing assignment. For now, while you're writing for yourself, write what moves you and what you enjoy.
Thank you for the input!! All encouraging and useful information. I've been around scripts for years, but only from the perspective of reading them for enjoyment or as an actress. Never from the POV of submitting them and practical applications. I'm looking forward to other comments. Thank you!
1 person likes this
Based on my trip to the movies last Saturday and viewing several trailers, if your script doesn't have three explosions per page, several scenes where cars fly through the air, and somebody leaping 75 feet and doing a 360, while firing several weapons, it will never sell.
Ahahahaha! Yeah, I hear ya!
I'm sure you're right Dan, but when you sit through five trailers like that in a row, it's hard not to get the feeling that action movies are the only things that get made. Probably reflects a bigger marketing budget.
3 people like this
Arial, write whatever you're most comfortable with. The various genre come and go in cycles and if you're writing for what's popular today - you're already behind the curve. It's not uncommon to take 5 years to go from script to screen. Personally, I write mostly paranormal comedy. Wardrobe is not much of an issue (unless you go wacko with knights in shinning armor or storm troopers). When you're just starting, I suggest you go easy on the FX and pyrotechnics.
1 person likes this
Ariel, first welcome to Stage 32. I'm also an author of both romance and paranormal. I've been working for the past eighteen months of changing them to screenplays. It's a process, and difficult at times because we think it all has to be shown, but you'll get the hang of what is needed for a screenplay and what stays in the novel. You'll most likely change a lot of the screenplay once you start writing, I know I did. I was also wondering the same thing, is paranormal dead, but guess nothing can ever be gone if there's still an interest and audience. I haven't changed my paranormal into a screenplay YET, mine has shapeshifters which I know equals BIG COST. Anyhow, let me know if I can be of any help, it's a long process, but you can do it :)
Dan Guardino You've mentioned writing adaptations, have you written one for a bio? I'm in the process of writing out a screenplay for a book that I've helped to write for a celebrity (model). Her story is very interesting and has gathered interest from production studios. My question is, I've written all the important aspects, making sure that each scene builds to the next and is needed, but I'm only halfway done and at 110 pages already. Should I forget feature and maybe focus this as a mini-series?
2 people like this
Write whatever inspires you.
2 people like this
Yes....write whatever inspires you. But at the same time.....I would write whatever inspires me AND whatever I think is potentially salable in today's market place, since my primary goal as a commercial writer is to sell my commodity.
Good Luck and Happy Writing, All!
1 person likes this
Definitely something to consider also Bill.
1 person likes this
Thank you all for your wonderful input!! These are all good things to note and have helped me put things into perspective!
Izzibella: YES! (fist pump) A fellow PNR author! So happy to meet you! Congratulations on your amazing project of converting your novels into screenplays. I'm excited to do the same.
I just started taking a screenplay online course - Master Class by Aaron Sorkin. OMG I'm loving it! And today I just wrote my FIRST SCRIPT for my first class assignment. I adapted a short story I wrote on my site, which has received a lot of attention from my readers, retweeted and shared several times and the readers have praised the twist ending. I always thought it would make a great short film. Counting the title page, it came out to 7 pages.
EVERYONE: Would it be a good idea to post this short film script on my profile to receive some feedback? Would any of YOU be interested in giving me feedback for structure and story input? (Arial bounces up and down in her seat)
1 person likes this
I'm taking that class, too! :)
If/When I post the script, the main input I'm concerned with is: Am I putting too much scene description? I am, after all, coming from writing novels. LOL
And...am I/am I not including enough information (scene headings) for the POV or camera angles? As I understand it, most of the camera stuff goes into the Dailies, right? They don't belong in the spec scripts, yes? Thank you in advance!
1 person likes this
C. Harris Lynn: Woo hoo!!! I just started it yesterday. OMG EXCITED! (Arial does the Snoopy dance) How are you liking it so far?
I got to the short story adaptation lesson and was trolled in the message boards, then blindsided by a 22-page slush candidate. I'll get back to it one of these days. :)
I was going to take the Steve Martin class too, but they already got $100 of mine, so I'll call it a day with that.
1 person likes this
Understood. Damn trolls. I hate that shit. People be hatin' cuz dey jealous!!!
1 person likes this
^^^ Preach! :D
Arial, I will read the short whenever you get it posted.
Hi!! Okay...I THINK I posted it, but I'm only seeing the synopsis and logline. Can anyone get the PDF I uploaded??
AH! I got it now! I edited the post and re-uploaded the PDF. Enjoy! I look forward to your feedback. and thank you in advance.
Remember....it's my first time. Be gentle. LOL
1 person likes this
Great advice from everyone, Ariel. My advice, write what you're passionate about, have fun, if you care about your characters, then maybe others will care as well. Put your heart in your writing and always follow your instincts. Great hearing from many of my favorite fellow writers here. I've away from S32 lounges for a while.
1 person likes this
I was able to print it out. I assume that's your e-mail on the title page - I'll send you some notes (but it will take a few days - I'm really busy now.)
1 person likes this
I read it last night and love the story line. I'll get you some notes in a day or so.
Thank you, Doug!!!!
Welcome back to Stage32, Jorge! And thank you so much for the encouragement!
1 person likes this
Write what you know or what you're passionate about.
Arial - I just sent you some brief notes, let me know if you got then and if they are helpful, thanx, Doug