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Screenwriting |OT|
- Thread starter kai3345
- Start date
I'm glad that there is a screenwriting thread here.
In the midst of writing my first full length screenplay, for my screenwriting class. So far it's gone fairly well. Having Syd Feild's Screenplay and Lew Hunter's Screenwriting 434 on hand has been invaluable. I just hit page 22 earlier today. Act 1 is nearly completed!
A question for screenplay GAF- I'm most comfortable writing with a keyboard, but I also love to write while away from power outlets- in parks, on beaches, etc. Can anyone recommend a portable device with good battery life to write on? Right now I'm using Celtx, so anything that runs that will work great.
In the midst of writing my first full length screenplay, for my screenwriting class. So far it's gone fairly well. Having Syd Feild's Screenplay and Lew Hunter's Screenwriting 434 on hand has been invaluable. I just hit page 22 earlier today. Act 1 is nearly completed!
A question for screenplay GAF- I'm most comfortable writing with a keyboard, but I also love to write while away from power outlets- in parks, on beaches, etc. Can anyone recommend a portable device with good battery life to write on? Right now I'm using Celtx, so anything that runs that will work great.
Anyone else doing scriptfrenzy this year? I've already begun outlining it so it'll be easier to write.
Anton Sugar
Member
I think I'm gonna do it. We gonna use this thread or a separate OT?
vitaminwateryum
corporate swill
Just finished the first draft of my treatment! It ended up coming in at 43 pages. Going to start turning it into a script and start reworking and problems I find as soon as I get a chance. Now that I've finished the treatment, turning it into a script doesn't really seem too daunting at all.
toythatkills
Member
Suairyu has started the last couple of OTs, not sure if there's one happening this year
Anton Sugar
Member
So anyone else doing Script Frenzy?
Yes, at least I'm trying to.
VariantX04
Loser slave of the system :(
Didn't know where else to put this. So i've never looked up how to write a screenplay or anything but I got this surge of inspiration a while ago to write some sort of sitcom script about a bunch of out-of-work 20-somethings living in their friend's apartment (played out, I know). I only wrote about a page before I completely lost interest and reading it back now, it seems very cringe-worthy but looks to have some potential. The generic names are placeholder of course.
If anyone can read it and tell me if I should pursue this or just continue being a relatively unknown musician/producer rotting in Saudi Arabia, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you. <3
If anyone can read it and tell me if I should pursue this or just continue being a relatively unknown musician/producer rotting in Saudi Arabia, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you. <3
@AgentWhiskers.
I gave it a quick read. I'm no expert on the subject but for what it's worth I actually didn't mind it. While reading, I had the image of a British comedy in my mind something like The Inbetweeners, maybe because I watched it recently and British Comedies are all I enjoy. I don't know' it seems to have that quick flow of dialogue, a rhythm between the characters that you see a lot of in those types of comedies. I'm not saying what you wrote was brilliant just that's the image I had.
Just something small I thought about was the first line from Aziz maybe he could go into his vision of this penguin city a bit more, everyone stops to listen and when he's done they all sort of think about it and then nod in approval and then that'd be the reason for everyone to be in a such favor of his proposal as opposed to the other suggestions.
I think if you do continue with it your challenge would be to make each character unique in a way, make it so they don't all sound the same and give each a place in the show, there's a reason they're all there. Also to give the show it's own vibe/flavor, something that sets it apart from other similar shows because like you said it's fairly worn territory.
I think for a comedy like this to stand out you should be able to sell it in a line or two. How can you go from "a bunch of out-of-work 20-somethings living in their friend's apartment" to something that really catches someone's interest? That's the challenge.
Personally I'd try and think who my audience is and write and write until I knew exactly what type of show it was and until I was confident in the characters I had created.
If it's something you want to do just keep writing.
Someone with some actual knowledge of this stuff would be better equipped to give you some critique. Just wanted to put down my thoughts.
I gave it a quick read. I'm no expert on the subject but for what it's worth I actually didn't mind it. While reading, I had the image of a British comedy in my mind something like The Inbetweeners, maybe because I watched it recently and British Comedies are all I enjoy. I don't know' it seems to have that quick flow of dialogue, a rhythm between the characters that you see a lot of in those types of comedies. I'm not saying what you wrote was brilliant just that's the image I had.
Just something small I thought about was the first line from Aziz maybe he could go into his vision of this penguin city a bit more, everyone stops to listen and when he's done they all sort of think about it and then nod in approval and then that'd be the reason for everyone to be in a such favor of his proposal as opposed to the other suggestions.
I think if you do continue with it your challenge would be to make each character unique in a way, make it so they don't all sound the same and give each a place in the show, there's a reason they're all there. Also to give the show it's own vibe/flavor, something that sets it apart from other similar shows because like you said it's fairly worn territory.
I think for a comedy like this to stand out you should be able to sell it in a line or two. How can you go from "a bunch of out-of-work 20-somethings living in their friend's apartment" to something that really catches someone's interest? That's the challenge.
Personally I'd try and think who my audience is and write and write until I knew exactly what type of show it was and until I was confident in the characters I had created.
If it's something you want to do just keep writing.
Someone with some actual knowledge of this stuff would be better equipped to give you some critique. Just wanted to put down my thoughts.
AlteredBeast
Fork 'em, Sparky!
Since I have pimped myself out to most other creative outlets of GAF, I should do it here, too. 
I have a Kickstarter ongoing that I need donations/funding for. I have a screenplay that I have written over the past 4 years. I am looking to get it professionally edited, formatted and sold. To do that, I need some funds!
Al and Bart Are Friends
aka: Al and Bart Have a Good Time
aka: Al and Bart's Wild Ride
aka: Dreams From My Falafel: Road Trips and Middle Eastern Food Do Not Mix
and so on...
Follow Alistair Roberts and his reluctant best friend Bart Blevins on their trip from Nebraska to the West Coast, where they hope to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, feel the breeze in their hair, and get some much-needed sun.
Along the way, they run into quite a few sticky situations. I don't want to ruin any of the best comedic moments from the script, but let's just say that there are many.
Any dollar amount will help, especially if I get enough backers and notice to get chosen as a Staff Pick. The gaming side has been able to rally around quite a few Gaming Kickstarters and it would be nice to see Writing-GAF get behind one of our own.
If I get 25 donations from GAF, even of the $1 variety, I will write GAF into a scene that would honestly be perfect for it. As a special reward for any GAFFERS, donate $50 and above and I will include your name (real or fake) as a side character in the movie somewhere.
Come on and get GAF its first shot at some silver screen love!
I have a Kickstarter ongoing that I need donations/funding for. I have a screenplay that I have written over the past 4 years. I am looking to get it professionally edited, formatted and sold. To do that, I need some funds!
Al and Bart Are Friends
aka: Al and Bart Have a Good Time
aka: Al and Bart's Wild Ride
aka: Dreams From My Falafel: Road Trips and Middle Eastern Food Do Not Mix
and so on...
Follow Alistair Roberts and his reluctant best friend Bart Blevins on their trip from Nebraska to the West Coast, where they hope to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, feel the breeze in their hair, and get some much-needed sun.
Along the way, they run into quite a few sticky situations. I don't want to ruin any of the best comedic moments from the script, but let's just say that there are many.
Any dollar amount will help, especially if I get enough backers and notice to get chosen as a Staff Pick. The gaming side has been able to rally around quite a few Gaming Kickstarters and it would be nice to see Writing-GAF get behind one of our own.
If I get 25 donations from GAF, even of the $1 variety, I will write GAF into a scene that would honestly be perfect for it. As a special reward for any GAFFERS, donate $50 and above and I will include your name (real or fake) as a side character in the movie somewhere.
Come on and get GAF its first shot at some silver screen love!
AlteredBeast
Fork 'em, Sparky!
For those published few here, what's the best way to copyright your work? I know the old-fashioned "mail yourself a sealed copy" thing doesn't really hold water in court. Is there a better way?
Sorry, I never came back into this thread...
Script is 85 pages.
I find out about funding today hopefully. Hoping to shoot in November.
Register at the WGA.
It's like 20 bucks or something, you get a WGA number.
http://www.wgawregistry.org/webrss/
toythatkills
Member
I have a quick screenplay question. Does a scene count as a scene if it has basically nothing in it? I want a two-second long shot of a sign outside a building just so it can be referred to later, but I don't know whether to write it in the screenplay as its own specific scene, whether to write it some other way or just leave that stuff up to a director.
bernardobri
Steve, the dog with no powers that we let hang out with us all for some reason
This. If it's important to the story, you can point it to the director in a revision and he should point it out to the editor in a note.
Oh, I love screenwriting! I'm currently working on a full body of work before I seek out agents. I've written plenty, but I'm only knee deep in my first -- completely original -- feature length.
I love there's an outlet here on Neogaf on the process. My story is a horror that plays against conventions and tropes. Quite untimely that The Cabin in the Woods was released and it seemed to have spoiled the genre for many people. I'm confident in my story though, and it'll be something Cabin was not: absolutely terrifying!
Cabin also poked fun at the expected; and one thing I'm doing to leviate that is, when brown things hit the fan, killing my protagonist early and then focus on the ensemble (approx. 20 characters; it's a bloodbath). I'll post my intro sometime when I reach my home computer!
Also, I have a confession...
Remember 2 years ago, that fake 160 page Dark Knight Rises screenplay with Black Mask, Riddler, and Deadshot?
Yeah... sorry for the trolling.
I love there's an outlet here on Neogaf on the process. My story is a horror that plays against conventions and tropes. Quite untimely that The Cabin in the Woods was released and it seemed to have spoiled the genre for many people. I'm confident in my story though, and it'll be something Cabin was not: absolutely terrifying!
Cabin also poked fun at the expected; and one thing I'm doing to leviate that is, when brown things hit the fan, killing my protagonist early and then focus on the ensemble (approx. 20 characters; it's a bloodbath). I'll post my intro sometime when I reach my home computer!
Also, I have a confession...
Remember 2 years ago, that fake 160 page Dark Knight Rises screenplay with Black Mask, Riddler, and Deadshot?
Yeah... sorry for the trolling.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
ViewtifulJC
Banned
What does the protagonist want?
Just remember that and you'll be Billy Wilder in no time.
Just remember that and you'll be Billy Wilder in no time.
Plasticine
Member
Sculli, that's great you completed a screenplay and registered it through the WGA, but in the future I'd suggest you copyright your work instead. While the WGA registration is nice to have, and might stand up in court if necessary, you'll need an actual copyright should you get a company to option your work. Just a suggestion. Again, congrats!
UltimaPooh
Member
I don't think the academy sends out scripts to the voters... just screeners. Ideally they would be looking for plot structure, dialogue, sub plots; character arcs, goals, and advancements, consistency in the story, the story itself, and possibly uniqueness of the story.
A tip to screenwriters out there... make sure to have an ending when you start writing your script because it all has to lead somewhere and having the ending in your mind before hand will help you accomplish the story you want to tell.
Also my screenwriting teacher in school gave me some pretty good advice about scripts... Good scripts aren't written, they are rewritten. The best thing to do is just write no matter how god awful it is (and it most likely will be, because my scripts have sucked.) Just so you have something to tweak and work and send out for criticism to rework and tweak again until it's good enough.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
Well, I just finished writing my second feature film. This was the first feature I was commissioned to write however (I'm officially a writer, hurrah!). I don't know if they'll want another polish, but I was asked if I'd be interested in writing this film roughly eight weeks ago to the day and just typed those lovely, fantastic words 'FADE TO BLACK.'
It looks like I might be getting quite a bit more writing work as well based on the pages I had already submitted during the course of this project.
I now also finally have time to finish up the second draft of my spec script - which was what my last posting was about.
EXCITE.
It looks like I might be getting quite a bit more writing work as well based on the pages I had already submitted during the course of this project.
I now also finally have time to finish up the second draft of my spec script - which was what my last posting was about.
EXCITE.
afternoon delight
Member
Congratulations! Nothing better than the feeling of turning a "hobby" into a "profession". More actual film fans writing the better!Well, I just finished writing my second feature film. This was the first feature I was commissioned to write however (I'm officially a writer, hurrah!). I don't know if they'll want another polish, but I was asked if I'd be interested in writing this film roughly eight weeks ago to the day and just typed those lovely, fantastic words 'FADE TO BLACK.'
It looks like I might be getting quite a bit more writing work as well based on the pages I had already submitted during the course of this project.
I now also finally have time to finish up the second draft of my spec script - which was what my last posting was about.
EXCITE.
I'll be sending off two features to WGA and Copyright office next year, let the karma floooow! Haha.
Rewrites are essential. Expect 90% of your planning to change by the time you finish.
Well, I just finished writing my second feature film. This was the first feature I was commissioned to write however (I'm officially a writer, hurrah!). I don't know if they'll want another polish, but I was asked if I'd be interested in writing this film roughly eight weeks ago to the day and just typed those lovely, fantastic words 'FADE TO BLACK.'
It looks like I might be getting quite a bit more writing work as well based on the pages I had already submitted during the course of this project.
I now also finally have time to finish up the second draft of my spec script - which was what my last posting was about.
EXCITE.
It's amazing to me that you sold your second feature script. Congratulations!
As for me, this semester has been insane, so I haven't had time to get started on my next project. I'm gonna try to write a couple shorts during the break. Can't wait!
Well, I just finished writing my second feature film. This was the first feature I was commissioned to write however (I'm officially a writer, hurrah!). I don't know if they'll want another polish, but I was asked if I'd be interested in writing this film roughly eight weeks ago to the day and just typed those lovely, fantastic words 'FADE TO BLACK.'
It looks like I might be getting quite a bit more writing work as well based on the pages I had already submitted during the course of this project.
I now also finally have time to finish up the second draft of my spec script - which was what my last posting was about.
EXCITE.
Congrats!
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
Thanks guys.
What's funny is that the film I was asked to write is probably the polar opposite of anything I would ever want to write. Just completely different to the type of film or story I've ever been interested in.
What's funny is that the film I was asked to write is probably the polar opposite of anything I would ever want to write. Just completely different to the type of film or story I've ever been interested in.
Mike Works
Member
So it's a sci-fi blockbuster that's more than just a flimsy re-imagining of Pocahontas?
Kidding, congrats!
afternoon delight
Member
Empirical fact: every genre can be done well. Just make it something you'd watch!
afternoon delight
Member
Okay, quick question that seems a little like the mobius strip experiment to me-
Would a metro rail tunnel be classified as EXT or INT? And would it's station be labeled INT? Technically it is inside an enclosed area- but they're large environments and settings. I'm probably thinking a little too hard about it, but I found it funny.
Would a metro rail tunnel be classified as EXT or INT? And would it's station be labeled INT? Technically it is inside an enclosed area- but they're large environments and settings. I'm probably thinking a little too hard about it, but I found it funny.
Congrats, Sculli/Whitta! Let us know when this shit's being made.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
Metro tunnel would be INT.
Station would be INT. and would be elaborated upon in the description regarding the design.
What becomes fun is when you start writing space-faring sci-fi and there is no delineation between DAY or NIGHT.
INT. to both I assume, unless it's like an outside platform. Maybe just INT. RAIL STATION. Bob sat in the waiting room on the platform etc. etc. would paint a better picture.
edit: fuck the actual screenwriter says exactly what I say without the rambling shit way to go wilbury way to go
afternoon delight
Member
- TIMELESS has been friendly to me in times of need. But yeah. Space stuff is fun when it comes to constraints like those, I love displaying the time visually by forcing it into the story instead of a computer or vocal clock, etc.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
So within two months of finishing my first commissioned feature, I've now got another commissioned feature project that I've been hired to do a heavy polish on.
It's not something I can talk about beyond that, but writing work is writing work!
It's not something I can talk about beyond that, but writing work is writing work!
Charles Foster Kane
Rosebud
Sculli writing JL confirmed!
Kidding, congrats . It's cool.
. It's cool.SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe fuck yaself!
shira
Member
So within two months of finishing my first commissioned feature, I've now got another commissioned feature project that I've been hired to do a heavy polish on.
It's not something I can talk about beyond that, but writing work is writing work!
Breaking: Sculli doing Star Wars 7 re-write.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
It's about an illegal alien I call Vasquez. She's stuck at the bottom of the ocean which can only be reached by going through the planet core again. Also the band from Titanic is there and Bill Paxton.
Charles Foster Kane
Rosebud
3 billion BO. Goodbye Cameron!
shira
Member
She better shoot first
I'm not in LA, but I did take some TV writing courses at iO Chicago, and i loved them. Definitely would recommend them.
AlteredBeast
Fork 'em, Sparky!
I read Lew Hunter's book. Really enjoy his relaxing tone and step by step process.
Re: that Academy entry, is there any reason why I shouldn't submit my screenplay?
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