I’m probably the least qualified person here. I don’t have any experience in the film industry. I do have 26 years of writing knowledge including 11 in the newspaper business.
I’m interested in learning how to tell stories in this genre. I recently finished reading the script to Moneyball which I enjoyed tremendously. I’m eager to find other ways to learn about this industry.
My tastes have been influenced by watching British shows on Iowa Public Television. Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and sitcoms such As Time Goes By always made me wonder what it’s like to write stories such as those.
I also have a strong love for documentaries such as American Experience. History is something which I care deeply about. To be able to write about it many forms is a goal of mine.
I’m 50 years old and live in Cascade, Iowa which is 15 miles from the Field of Dreams movie site. I wrote for the Dyersville Commercial and Cascade Pioneer from 2005 to 2016. I left the papers to focus on my freelance writing business.
I’m not sure what else to say. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you.
I’m a newbie to all this, but I really want to learn and give screenwriting a try.
Take care,
Don Carpenter
iowawritercreations
Cascade, Iowa.
Hi Don, welcome! It sounds like you have an expansive background in writing, which will help you learn the craft of screenwriting. If you need any suggestions or feedback on anything you write, please let me know.
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Hey, Don! I’m a screenwriter from Des Moines, Iowa... Glad to connect on here!
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Don! you are way experienced! Join the writer's room! Or just connect and ask advice left right and centre. This is the most supportive community you could ever ask for. My advice as a first place to start regarding learning the craft is to read. There are a TON of scripts of shows and movies available for free download online. Read them. That will start you off in the right direction. Then, start digging in to the amazing and low-cost webinars under Education with Stage32. Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!
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Thank you James, Trey and Sarah. I greatly appreciate your welcomes and kindness. Sorry I didn't respond sooner. Been a little under the weather with head and backaches this week. I'm still paying for me and my high school friends pretending to be pro wrestlers many years ago.
Trey, some of my fondest memories from covering high school sports come from the Drake Relays. Those weekends in Des Moines made me so happy.
All three of you take care.
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Love your openness, and wishing you much success!
Word of advice from another former journalist - be careful not to make things too obvious or simple for the audience. Let them feel smug they figured it out. This is something I’ve had to adjust to in this world after simplifying for journalism.
Don! For a moment I thought I had competition! Are you kidding us, with that background you are practically at the head of the class, like top 10% ! Seriously.
Re Cara's comment — Cara I thought US journalism thrives on revealing slowly. American news story structure is even taught different, isn't it? Compared to the British model I mean.
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Craig, Aray, Cara and Sandeep, thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate it.
Cara, could you please elaborate on your advice? I want to make sure I understand it correctly.
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Hey Don! Welcome to Stage 32! I'm an Iowa gal who currently resides in Wisconsin. I was born a few miles south of you in Monti! Small world. My number one suggestion is to buy "The Screenwriter's Bible" by Dave Trottier. It explains so much and answers tons of questions. I have referred to it countless times over the years! Dave is a great guy. I took one of his online workshops a few years ago and learned a lot. He also has "Dr. Format Tells All" books that are helpful, too. Check out his website keepwriting.com. Good luck!
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I second that, Andrea! Took his formatting class for a refresher and keep the earmarked book handy at all times
Don to clarify - an industry professional said my characters shouldn’t clearly state a situation/mood/ feeling, but their actions should provide hints so the audience feels like their intuitive skills figured things out. Sometimes I was over-clarifying. Making it too simple and taking the fun of analysis/epiphanies from the viewers. Does that help?
Andrea, thank you so much for the kind words. I was born in Monticello. My mother grew up on a farm a little west of Langworthy between Monti and Anamosa. I grew up and spent most of my life in Earlville in Delaware County before moving to Cascade in 2016. I will certainly look into Dave Trottier.
And thank you again, Cara. I understand better now although I know I'm going to struggle with that concept for a little.
I'm kind of excited for Thursday as I have my first eye exam in many years on Thursday. Finally realized it was time for new glasses.
You all take care.