My nephew has written his first screenplay. I think it's funny and clever. It's raunchy in the vein of Austin Powers. I wondered if any experienced screenplay writers might share a bit of wisdom on how he might begin to shop this script? Much thanks for any feedback. Neva
That's high praise Alle. Thank you. I feel he has talent and an original voice. I'd love to know the tv show you speak of because I don't recall anything remotely like his script on tv... I'd say almo...
Expand commentThat's high praise Alle. Thank you. I feel he has talent and an original voice. I'd love to know the tv show you speak of because I don't recall anything remotely like his script on tv... I'd say almost certainly it wasn't based on anything on tv although there is hardly any entirely new premise under the sun. Thank you for the offer to speak with my nephew on this. I have passed that message along. Thanks again, everyone, for your valuable input and wisdom. Much appreciated.
If he's never taken any screenwriting courses or at least tutoring, it's going to be wrong. I remember my first screenplay, only two years ago. I thought it was the greatest thing ever written. And wh...
Expand commentIf he's never taken any screenwriting courses or at least tutoring, it's going to be wrong. I remember my first screenplay, only two years ago. I thought it was the greatest thing ever written. And when I finally got people who knew what they were talking about to look at it, all I got was grammar this, format that. The bottom line is that when it comes to screenplays, format/grammar>content. And a screenplay is a very different animal from say an essay or a novel in that you can't have your friend or cousin take a look at it, as most people have no idea how to evaluate a screenplay, much less write one. I know that I sound like a grizzled vet, and that's as far from the truth as possible. I'm a year and a half into my screenwriting career, a term j use incredibly loosely, seeing as I've yet to sell or even properly pitch one. This being said, in terms of selling and marketing, grammar and formatting is key. However, grammar and formatting can be taught. Creativity is something that you have or you don't.
He has the creativity so I was glad to see that in the script. Believe me, I was very nervous to be the first person who read it and gave him any feedback, ha. I was so relieved that I could see a uni...
Expand commentHe has the creativity so I was glad to see that in the script. Believe me, I was very nervous to be the first person who read it and gave him any feedback, ha. I was so relieved that I could see a unique quality to his writing. Beyond that, I'm not qualified to judge grammar/formatting and feel that's important but certainly doesn't matter if the writing stinks. I think, at this point, it's been made really clear that the consensus is he will not sell this first script. Got that. Thanks everyone. I've passed along all the wisdom I've gleaned here.
I absolutely agree. But while I have yet to professionally pitch a script, from everything that I've heard, more often than not, the moment they see that the formatting is off, they toss it away. Keep...
Expand commentI absolutely agree. But while I have yet to professionally pitch a script, from everything that I've heard, more often than not, the moment they see that the formatting is off, they toss it away. Keep in mind, most of the people reading these, at least the major studios have a stack of these things a mile high, and some are. Just looking for a reason to disregard as many as possible. And you're absolutely right, if the story and content stinks, then who cares about formatting. The good news is that there are so many screenwriting softwares out there that it does the work for you. I use Celtx, which can be downloaded online for free. I can't imagine writing a script without it.
Yes, Aaron, I gave him a copy of Final Draft so it's formatted according to that software, I believe. I've heard of celtx and even have an account there but haven't dug into it yet since writing is on...
Expand commentYes, Aaron, I gave him a copy of Final Draft so it's formatted according to that software, I believe. I've heard of celtx and even have an account there but haven't dug into it yet since writing is only something I mostly do for original web series and not for full-length scripts. I guess I'm sort of a glass half full person. Yeah, there are odds against anyone in any area of the creative arts ... and it really doesn't matter if you are passioned about it. Most of us have to do what we do because the creativity demands it so ... let chips fall where may.