Jake Parker's Lounge Discussions

Stephen Quaranta Jr.
Syd Field - Screenplay anybody read this book??

Looking to start a screenplay m, just bought this book is it worth reading I hear great things??

Nelle Nelle

Yes. It's worth reading.

Christopher Binder

I read that like 8 years ago.

Bill Costantini

Great book and instructor, great friend of writers, and great lover of film. RIP, Mr. Field. Good luck, Stephen!

Jake Parker

I've read several books, in and out of school. I have personally never read this one. Most of the books, for me, didn't really help. I felt like the more I read the more I was getting roped into these...

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Carl Hippensteel

I've read many screenwriting books and Fields' first two books are the best I've read. I go back to them time and time again.

Allison Adams
Outlining

Hey everyone! I'm just about to start my Masters' thesis which is a feature length screenplay. Any favorite outlining tips that you have? I've used beat sheets and treatments/outlines before, but I was wondering if anyone has any other recommendations that you prefer. ie index cards, etc. Thanks!

Jacob Buterbaugh

William - Thanks for sharing your method. I'm going to try it. I imagine being able to see the entire story on one page is very helpful.

Stephen Barber

Allison, Pilar Alessandra has a podcast, "On the Page." You can find it on your phone. There's a specific one... #446. 'Return of The Coffee Break Screenwriter!' I think this is a fantastic approach to an explanation for (outlining) if you must search for a better way to do so. IMHO

Allison Adams

Thanks for the input, everyone!

Craig D Griffiths

I use cards (the Celtx app). Once I have the story I select cards for a single character (by selecting categories) and make sure they have a complete story in their own right. Plus I can see if they are consistent, are they the hero of their own story. Simple method.

Nick Brown

Try to limit it to one or two pages. Encapsulate all the main concepts, characters and key plot points. If it's for a 'selling document', don't draft less than ten times!

How to Network as an Introvert

Hey guys! I'm sure I'm not the only one here who has this problem. As a writer, I spend most of my time alone with my computer. The big issue is to get anywhere in this business, you have to network. Does anyone have any advice for someone who is an introvert, and social settings scare me. How does...

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Beth Fox Heisinger

Hi Jake. Here's an article our CEO, Richard "RB" Botto, wrote for Medium on introverts and social media—everyone has something to offer. I hope it helps: https://medium.com/@RBwalksintoabar/so-you-thi...

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Jake Parker

Hello film world. I am Jake, I hail from the great south of the US, and a Los Angeles transplant. I am an aspiring television writer, who also enjoys time in front of the camera. The dream is to create and star in my own television show. I have been a member of Stage 32 for over a year now, but have...

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Jake Parker

Thank you. Feels good to be back. Got to get that career rolling. I will definitely looking into the writing resources.

Richard "RB" Botto

Control what you can control...Charge forward.

Matthew Jason Walsh

Retroactive-welcome!

Semira Chan

Fellow tv writer aspirant also :) welcome!

Lauran Childs

Welcome!

Location Scouting

As someone who is just getting started in the world of filmmaking, there are certain things that I lack the funds for when producing a film, like a location scout. Since I'm taking on the role of location scout for my next project, what are some tips when searching for the perfect location that will fit in my budget.

Mara Lesemann

I'd suggest going back a step - when you're writing your screenplay (or arranging to direct/produce someone else's), keep in mind what locations you're likely to have access to. Would a restaurant tha...

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Opening a Feature

As a person who prefers long format writing like television, I struggle when it comes to feature film writing. I am currently working on a project, I know the story and how it will end. My only problem is the opening for the film. Is there any tips anyone could give that would help with deciding on how to open the film?

Bitsy Kearney

The beginning of your script, prior to the inciting incident exists to showcase your character's flaw. Kramer Vs Kramer: Dustin Hoffman is selfish. So we see how he interacts with his world, who benef...

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Alex Craig

When writing the first scene you need to first introduce the audience to the Ordinary world of your story. Then you take us on the journey of your protagonist. I'm not saying you can't start big but w...

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Gordon Olivea

Billy Wilder put it, "Grab 'em by the throat, and don't let go". Apply that lesson to films you love. How do they do it? Now ask, "How do I want to do it?" The great one's go to their passion. Wilder...

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Shane M Wheeler

I'd say the opening of the film is where you set the tone up for your film, garnering attention and tuning in expectations, and not necessarily by telling the main narrative or the beginning of the st...

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Edward St.Boniface

Hi Jacob, as a screenwriter also very much in the struggling class, I get stymied by this too. My response is to ask the question first of what character am I centred on in the screenplay. Usually tha...

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