“There's
this glorious and astounding magic that happens when I put pen to paper or
fingertips to keyboard. I go to this alternate realm of
consciousness. It's where I meet characters who speak to me, who take
me to interesting places, and
who introduce me to compelling situations. I'm
not certain where any of this comes from because
none of it was there when I sat down, when
I was convinced I didn't have any words in me. But still, it's all there. So even when the thought of a blank page makes me feel a
little queasy, I force myself into that chair anyway. And
it's after a minute or two of laying down those once elusive words that
I have to wonder what all the fuss was about. The words come; they always
do.” -- Jim Vines
QUOTE FOR THE DAY...
YOUR QUESTIONS & MY ANSWERS (#1)...
Q: I want to write screenplays, but I don’t know where to begin. What’s the best way to get started?
A: My foremost
guidance? Delve deep into the art, craft, and mechanics of screenplay writing.
Begin with a selection of instructional books. A handful of well-regarded
resources should be enough. Take some time to explore and identify the books
that come with strong endorsements from fellow screenwriters. Progress to
perusing a variety of produced screenplays. A simple online search for “free
movie screenplays” will unlock a treasure trove of resources. Watch the films
these scripts birthed. Then, revisit the scripts—not just as a reader, but as a
student of the craft. By this juncture, you’ll have amassed a wealth of
knowledge to propel you into writing your inaugural script. And then, take the
plunge—seat yourself and commence writing. I won’t prescribe an outline just
yet, nor will I dictate the medium of your writing. This journey is yours to
chart, through trial and error, learning and evolving. Find your stride, your
method, your voice.
“DO THE WORK.” Those
three words encapsulate the essence of growth. Now, brace yourself for the
first draft—a wild ride through any genre, any story. Perfection isn’t the goal
here (remember, “Don’t get it right, just write”). Pour your heart onto those pages.
Once you’ve wrestled your draft into existence, share it with three or four
trusted, discerning friends. Seek their insights: Did any scenes meander
aimlessly? Was the dialogue authentic? Did characters leap off the page or fall
flat? Their feedback will be your compass, guiding you toward refinement.
Equipped with feedback,
embark on the rewrite odyssey. The path you choose is uniquely yours. Some
writers are digital purists, while others, like myself, prefer the tangible
feel of paper and the flourish of a red pen before digitizing their edits. This
journey is personal, a voyage of discovery. Screenwriting isn’t a
one-size-fits-all craft; it’s about finding what resonates with YOU.
Dismiss the notion of
selling your debut script. The marketplace is tough, and the likelihood of your
first script being picked up is slim. Treat these initial attempts as your
apprenticeship in the craft. It may take multiple scripts before you pen one that’s
market-ready. In fact, the harsh truth is that a saleable script may never
emerge from your efforts. Screenwriting demands a blend of artistry and
craftsmanship, and not everyone is cut out for it. I, for one, can’t draw to
save my life, but that’s the reality of art—it’s not for everyone.
Screenwriting has become a popular arena, with many eager to try their hand at it. With technology at our fingertips, anyone can attempt to write the next blockbuster. But the question remains: can you? So, dive in. Give screenwriting everything you’ve got. Write with fervor, learn from each word, and let the journey shape you!
Screenwriting Book of the Week...
A BEAST IS BORN
A BEAST IS BORN
PLOT TWISTS: BALANCING SURPRISE AND PLAUSIBILITY...
When your lead
character pulls off an “amazing” escape, it’s essential to lay the groundwork early.
Take a script I critiqued: our protagonist, a woman on the run, suddenly hops
into a stolen plane and soars away, leaving frustrated cops below. The catch?
For the first 90 pages, we had no inkling she could fly an airplane. No need
for a lengthy backstory, but a subtle hint would’ve sufficed—maybe a passing
comment about her past aviation adventures. And then there’s that corridor
scene. Our woman, cornered, pushes a hidden button, revealing a secret door.
But wait—this location wasn’t previously established! It’s like she stumbled
into a parallel universe. Let’s keep our heightened reality plausible.
Audiences will suspend disbelief, but they won’t tolerate eye-rolling moments.
My journey from idea,
to script,
to script,
BLENDING GENRES
BLENDING GENRES
It can be a delicate
art. Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Action, Sci-Fi/Thriller, and Comedy/Drama are all
classic combinations that work. But caution is key when venturing beyond these
boundaries. I once reviewed a script that was a hodgepodge of Sci-Fi, Comedy,
Drama, Musical, and Western elements. Imagine space cowboys and musical
showdowns—quite the chaotic concoction. Experimentation is part of the creative
process, but remember, moderation is your ally. Once you’ve made your mark as a
seasoned writer, then you can play with genre conventions. Take, for example, a
script that aimed to mimic Pulp Fiction’s
dark comedy but missed the mark on both humor and entertainment. Its climax,
featuring a hitman’s heinous acts, was far from comedic. It’s a stark reminder:
know your genres and strive for harmony in your storytelling.
If you'd enjoy a novel about a struggling Hollywood screenwriter,
then I hope you'll check out...
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