I have so many ideas to make into short scenes but I've never wrote a scene in my life. I'm taking a basic screenwriting class tomorrow. Any helpful advice?
I have so many ideas to make into short scenes but I've never wrote a scene in my life. I'm taking a basic screenwriting class tomorrow. Any helpful advice?
12 Tips for Creating a Great First Page https://screencraft.org/2016/05/23/aspiring-screenwriters-guide-page-one/
Nice share...not sure about his idea that if screenwriting feels like work, you're not doing it right - for me, the old internet adage that "Writing is HARD" is more accurate. Regardless, if you're lo...
Expand commentNice share...not sure about his idea that if screenwriting feels like work, you're not doing it right - for me, the old internet adage that "Writing is HARD" is more accurate. Regardless, if you're looking for feedback on your first page (and the nine after that), check out our First Ten Pages program, where you can get feedback on the start of your screenplay or TV pilot from working executives: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/coverage/buy?id=20&affid=MHW.
Writing is work! I don't know why anyone would think otherwise? Sure your passion for writing may drive you to sit down every day but researching, outlining, editing, trashing a whole sequence because...
Expand commentWriting is work! I don't know why anyone would think otherwise? Sure your passion for writing may drive you to sit down every day but researching, outlining, editing, trashing a whole sequence because it doesn't cut it ... You're truly a special soul if you can get through all that without it feeling like a chore at times!
Erik, you're welcome :-) Matt and Kevin, if I had first started out writing screenplays, I may think that writing them is hard. But I started out writing 350+ page novels and to me that was hard. Look...
Expand commentErik, you're welcome :-) Matt and Kevin, if I had first started out writing screenplays, I may think that writing them is hard. But I started out writing 350+ page novels and to me that was hard. Looking for the exact word to describe something that hadn't been used several times already. And describing scenery using all the five senses so that the reader could feel as if they were there. And not getting totally burned out by page 175 because I have a short attention span. (along with researching, outlining, editing and trashing chapters that don't work) To me, all that was hard. But, when I switched over to writing 90-120 page screenplays, it was big time fun. And it still is. I love telling stories with action scenes and dialogue. So, I guess it all depends on perspective. :-)
If so, what are your thoughts???
Can you watch the class more then once??
Yes @Don... you can... I'm on my second time through it all. Don't delete your link.
Thank you Sylvia.
I looked at my cable channel line-up the other day and realized that I have over 100 channels but whenever I turn my television on – there is nothing on worth watching. All I'm left with is the news and weather. The networks are re-running the re-runs. My question is simply why. Could it be that no...
Expand postI looked at my cable channel line-up the other day and realized that I have over 100 channels but whenever I turn my television on – there is nothing on worth watching. All I'm left with is the news and weather. The networks are re-running the re-runs. My question is simply why. Could it be that no one is writing interesting stuff any more? Of course interesting is in the eye of the beholder but it appears that the moron factor has become the guiding light.
I think one could also define the "mainstream US market" as those who are engaging in film/series/content/programming business with CAA, WME, UTA, etc. on a regular basis. (For this content conversati...
Expand commentI think one could also define the "mainstream US market" as those who are engaging in film/series/content/programming business with CAA, WME, UTA, etc. on a regular basis. (For this content conversation, I'm not talking about their sports divisions, brand consulting, commercial, etc.) OK, break a leg, folks. I don't need to repeat myself any longer.
Doug - no disrespect intended, but for an MBA'er, I think you're letting your emotions and sentiments get the better of your intellect. The vast majority of today's produced films don't get widespread...
Expand commentDoug - no disrespect intended, but for an MBA'er, I think you're letting your emotions and sentiments get the better of your intellect. The vast majority of today's produced films don't get widespread releases; don't get huge marketing budgets; and never even make it into theaters. The vast majority of television doesn't appear as original programming on the big three networks. And just for a bit of a reference....there are at least 10 television/cable networks that produce their own films; at least 15 major or mini studios that produce their own films; and hundreds of producers that produce their own films or non-film content annually. And there are over 50 cable stations that produce their own original programming or purchase it from producers. Compare that to 20, 30 or 40 years ago - that's a mind-boggling increase, isn't it? And that's just in the U.S. It's a brave new world; there is more content being produced than ever before; and there has never been a better time in the history of the world for a writer to be trying to sell stories for target markets or for mass markets. The sooner you wrap your head around that, the better teacher you'll be to your students.
Bill, I have to agree with you completely; it saddens me to see the overall quality of filmmaking sink into the mud and know that there's nothing I can do – so I just joust against windmills. The film...
Expand commentBill, I have to agree with you completely; it saddens me to see the overall quality of filmmaking sink into the mud and know that there's nothing I can do – so I just joust against windmills. The films I produce use local talent only and most are so poor that I never release them at all. My little local cable show is dying on the vine for lack of films. My head is firmly wrapped around the reality but my heart's not there yet – I will continue to encourage students to strive for the best – to never settle for mediocrity. I recognize that it a hopeless battle, but my heart won't allow me to give up.
I've been using FD for a couple years now, and I'm constantly seeing comparisons made between them. Claiming either one or the other is better. Opinions? I'm trying to decide whether it would be an investment to change. I don't have many faults with FD at the moment, though I have some issues every once and a while.
Awesome advice Dan!
I used writer duet on Windows 10 - the paid version of duet - and I found it hard to use and glitch. the writer I was working with, however, loved it. I think once it's out of beta, it could be great...
Expand commentI used writer duet on Windows 10 - the paid version of duet - and I found it hard to use and glitch. the writer I was working with, however, loved it. I think once it's out of beta, it could be great but not there yet. if you're writing with someone else and are rewriting together, duet can be very helpful. if you're just writing yourself, I'd stick to FD.
The grass is always greener... Stick with what you have. There's no real reason to spend more money. FD is a great program. Duet may be also, but there's no need to jump onto every new piece of softwa...
Expand commentThe grass is always greener... Stick with what you have. There's no real reason to spend more money. FD is a great program. Duet may be also, but there's no need to jump onto every new piece of software. Maybe there will be a reason in the future, but for now, there's no pressing need. FD is an excellent program
Hi Guys, I have a character who makes an appearance at the beginning of my script with a distinguishing facial scar. However, he doesn't properly get introduced until later on. Do I initially write the scene with his actual name or leave it until later on when the audience will recognise him from the facial scar? Thanks in advance!
Thanks Christopher :-)
If the scar is going to be used in the plot you should point it out as soon as the character appears. That will help whoever is directing it to see what you're trying to do.
If you look at the script for The Fugitive, the Sykes character (the villain who murdered Kimble's wife) isn't actually named until Kimble finds him. In the murder scene he is simply referred to as "t...
Expand commentIf you look at the script for The Fugitive, the Sykes character (the villain who murdered Kimble's wife) isn't actually named until Kimble finds him. In the murder scene he is simply referred to as "the man", then the "One-Armed Man" once Kimble discovers the intruder has a prosthetic arm. I assume this was written this way to keep the mystery of the killer's identity a secret until Kimble finds him (using a directory from a hospital). We don't know that the name "Sykes" is the culprit until Kimble searches his apartment and finds a photo of Sykes with Dr. Lentz. Short version, I think if it suits your plot - as in there is a reason to conceal his name early on - then do so. Otherwise naming him up front is probably best.
I am curious as to whether different writers use different methods for creating their dynamic dialogue... What method do you use to set your characters apart and stop them sounding too generic?
Put a lot of thought into it.
@Maroun - I definitely have well known actors in my mind when creating my characters.. Not sure if that's a good thing or not, ha.
Thanks for your input, Jim :)
Don't know about any of you, but I'm guilty, especially in my early screenplays of writing what a character is thinking or feeling. It's something engraved on us, me, from reading so many novels where this is what we expect as readers and in screenwriting, if the audience can't see it, we shouldn't...
Expand postDon't know about any of you, but I'm guilty, especially in my early screenplays of writing what a character is thinking or feeling. It's something engraved on us, me, from reading so many novels where this is what we expect as readers and in screenwriting, if the audience can't see it, we shouldn't write it on the page. So here's a share content that teaches us the do's and don'ts when writing description. Does anyone here slips up from time to time? Or you are infallible screenwriters, or to proud to admit that you have? Trust me if I hear from two of you, I should be so lucky. LOL. Hey, I'm getting used to it. So, no worries. It's all good my dear network of fellow happy writers. Peace. http://www.scriptmag.com/features/column-d-writing-description-part-1
Jorge, great discussion topic. Dan, Kevin, Doug, great to get back in a discussion with all while we have time. Here is what I do, and I am not an expert, an absolute newbie by the way, just throwing...
Expand commentJorge, great discussion topic. Dan, Kevin, Doug, great to get back in a discussion with all while we have time. Here is what I do, and I am not an expert, an absolute newbie by the way, just throwing this out here. Write an action/suggestive direction line saying, "Characters" thoughts play on screen, then write a V.O. dialogue line describing said. This obviously adds further dialogue and word count to the play and tells the audience as well as director/producer more about the character.
Adam: Thanks for the compliment, my friend. It's always nice to hear someone take notice. Like your suggestions, but like you said, the word count might be an issue for me. Has this ever been used bef...
Expand commentAdam: Thanks for the compliment, my friend. It's always nice to hear someone take notice. Like your suggestions, but like you said, the word count might be an issue for me. Has this ever been used before? Again thanks. Please remain active in the lounges, even though some can be a bit dangerous, we are all adults here and further more, we are fearless storytellers and nothing or no one is gonna shut us up. My invitation is on the mail to join your network. Peace. Thanks again, EVERYONE.
Dan - you can't agree with me; how can we get a learning-for-all discussion going?
How do you determine which character's perspective your story should be told from and why do you think some writers and directors misfire when it comes to this? What are some of your favorite examples of films that told their stories from the wrong character's POV? How would you have told those stor...
Expand postHow do you determine which character's perspective your story should be told from and why do you think some writers and directors misfire when it comes to this? What are some of your favorite examples of films that told their stories from the wrong character's POV? How would you have told those stories differently? Two recent examples from me personally would be Suffragette (should have been Emily) and Sicario (should have been Alejandro).
Dan- After seeing the Ultimate Cut last night you could now argue that Supes doesn't get stepped on and that the story is more balanced in how they view each other. Batman still has the biggest charac...
Expand commentDan- After seeing the Ultimate Cut last night you could now argue that Supes doesn't get stepped on and that the story is more balanced in how they view each other. Batman still has the biggest character arc in the film though. As a whole the film still has some problems but is vastly improved over what was released back in March.
You can get it on Amazon for 19.99.
interesting !
I have about a dozen ideas that I want to turn into a screenplay and or teleplay. I was wondering if anyone knows of any inexpensive screenwriting software that is great for movies and TV movies? I've heard Final Draft is the gold standard but the cost is out of my league right now. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks
Celtx is the only free one I have heard of. I don't use it, but I hear it's ok.
I use Celtx in a good workflow. Celtx Card app so I can flesh out a story. This then sync to Celtx on the web. Celtx Script app means I can write on my phone and tablet. So I can write anywhere. Celtx...
Expand commentI use Celtx in a good workflow. Celtx Card app so I can flesh out a story. This then sync to Celtx on the web. Celtx Script app means I can write on my phone and tablet. So I can write anywhere. Celtx website which is a fully fledge website that has a bucket load of features, such as project manage for production as well as sharing functions. So you can keep track of who has access to your script. Good luck.
WritersDuet. Free and it handles movies and TV. I switched from Celtx as WD is easier to use.
It doesn't get more Canadian than Trailer Park Boys on Netflix.
Sherlock, broadchurch, top of the lake, Continuum. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and ghost writer. Just to name a few.
I like Wayward Pines! It is filming here in Vancouver! A Thriller sci fy!
From No Film School <>> "Writing a screenplay is kind of like falling in love. You're passionate. You're devoted. You couldn't imagine this beautiful thing coming in any other form. But as time goes on, things get complicated. You start to see the blemishes. Issues start to pop up. You're putting in...
Expand postFrom No Film School <>> "Writing a screenplay is kind of like falling in love. You're passionate. You're devoted. You couldn't imagine this beautiful thing coming in any other form. But as time goes on, things get complicated. You start to see the blemishes. Issues start to pop up. You're putting in a lot more work with a fraction of the passion, and you start to wonder if it's even worth it to stay invested anymore." http://nofilmschool.com/2016/05/6-things-you-can-do-save-dying-screenplay
Good article.
I like the "organ donor" part, it's good advice. I think sometimes we fall in love with aspects of our script (including characters obviously) and can't let go when it's not working. Just surgically r...
Expand commentI like the "organ donor" part, it's good advice. I think sometimes we fall in love with aspects of our script (including characters obviously) and can't let go when it's not working. Just surgically remove the scene, character, dialogue, premise, put it in a safe place and bring it out when you've got something new (which likely won't happen but it's easier to cut it if you have the option to).
Or...#7: Don't beat yourself up with frustration. Put the script aside and start work on something new. When the time is right to re-visit the old script with a fresh perspective, you'll know.
"Nobody Knows Anything". "Stack Your Deck". "Always take the water bottle." All gold, no sarcasm. Thanks for sharing, Clare.
Great post, Clare. Thanks for posting it. I especially love this, "It’s wonderful when meetings and emails go so well. Screenwriters need that boost amidst the constant rejection. But for survival, yo...
Expand commentGreat post, Clare. Thanks for posting it. I especially love this, "It’s wonderful when meetings and emails go so well. Screenwriters need that boost amidst the constant rejection. But for survival, you have to learn to see past the buzz and the kudos. I have one major motto when it comes to dealing with any positive lead — It’s nothing until I’m signing on the dotted line." The , "always accept the water bottle" is funny but true. And always be ready when they say, " what else have you got?" Have at least 3 other screenplays, I recently completed #7, which I feel, since we should all get better the more we write, this one to be my best one to date. We'll see what my readers have to say once I'm done with my first rewrite. Thanks again. Peace.
From Film Courage <>> Awesome interview about screenwriting with William C. Martell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqtuZMt5pgA #FilmCourage #scripwriting #screenwriting #writing
Thanks! This is almost 2 hours, was recorded on a really hot day after I'd done a day of classes... and was dehydrated and sleepy. I'm amazed that anything I said made sense!
When i watched your interviews you are always full of energy and could not tell that you are tired, but now even after you mentioned it, its barely noticeable..Great interviews and really helpful and insightful..Thank you..D
To be honest, William, when I first watched that interview you did look a little uncomfortable :) But it was incredibly insightful and I picked up quite a few tips that I've taken branded into my pers...
Expand commentTo be honest, William, when I first watched that interview you did look a little uncomfortable :) But it was incredibly insightful and I picked up quite a few tips that I've taken branded into my personal "Commandments of Screenwriting". One in particular, about avoiding "small concepts" (not your exact wording) as they're not suited to the big screen. That insight has pushed me to really push the stakes in what I'm writing. Btw thanks for sharing Dimi, I certainly encourage others to sit back, relax and put aside a couple of hours to view this interview.
From The Huffington Post & Screen Craft <>> "If there’s one key component that fuels any writer, it’s inspiration. Screenwriters need inspiration to conjure concepts, characters, dialogue, stories, scenes, sequences, twists, turns, etc. At the same time, they also need inspiration to get through the...
Expand postFrom The Huffington Post & Screen Craft <>> "If there’s one key component that fuels any writer, it’s inspiration. Screenwriters need inspiration to conjure concepts, characters, dialogue, stories, scenes, sequences, twists, turns, etc. At the same time, they also need inspiration to get through the lows of the screenwriter’s journey. It’s hard. It’s laborious. It’s heartbreaking more often than not." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/screencraft/the-ultimate-inspirationa_b_10...
What was it William said in one of his Film Courage interviews? That screenwriters who sit in front of their laptop all day will see their world shrink. We have to go the other way, get out there and experience the world, because that's where ideas (and inspiration) come from.
I agree with Dimi and William. Great post!
i believe inspiration can be found anywhere take photographs of anything that makes you feel anything , write quotes that make you think of something or stir up emotions, collect newspaper articles, w...
Expand commenti believe inspiration can be found anywhere take photographs of anything that makes you feel anything , write quotes that make you think of something or stir up emotions, collect newspaper articles, words, items of clothing . if there is a particular genre (s) you want to specialise in then apply the above
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Imagine if Jessica returned to this site 3 years after posting her question and found that people are still offering advice!
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(After Kevin) Well Jessica. If you ever do return, you might find you no longer have interest in that question, or neither do we. However, S32 welcomes your children.
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Write from your heart then from your head!!