i started 'writing' this script. well, i have done several outlines. ive even got the outlines pretty detailed, and i can very much imagine what i want the movie to be but... im having a problem writing dialog. i know what happens in the scenes but when i have to make the characters speak i go blank. please tell me this is a common problem. and even more importantly, WHAT DO I DO?!?
Don't worry about the dialogue yet. If I have trouble with dialogue I write out the action and visuals of the script first, and then go back through and fill it in. If you can tell your story without dialogue and only with visuals, then it will translate wonderfully onto the screen. The dialogue will come from the story. If you write down how I scene is supposed to play out and you decide how a character will act, the dialogue will become easier for you to write because you can imagine how the characters will talk within the context of your story. If you're still stuck, get someone else to help you out. It's always helpful to have someone you trust to talk to about your script and look for feedback, advice, and consultation. A second opinion always helps. Good luck.
Hey, I also like to write scripts. Dialogue is not easy. It's one of the hardest things to create. One of the best things you can do is watch movies. Characterization is one of the biggest elements in dialogue. Watch any Quentin Tarantino Film (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction etc.). He does a good job of developing characters. What I used to do when I had everything in my mind, (it sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn't) i would brainstorm how i would "see" the character: if he/she had any physical problems, if they were a "punk", "jokster". (I'd primarily generalize/stereotype my characters and go deeper once i had some sort of feeling/foundation for what kind of character i wanted). Realting to characters is good too. It should be fun. Hope I helped ya! -dean
Don't get it right mate get it written!!! get you're first draft out and go through in one foul swoop. Don't worry about dialogue etc. Thta's why you'll re draft and re draft and re draft. Once you have it written yo can then set about fixing it. I'd recommend reading William Goldman's books. As well as writting about his experience in film he also gives sample screenplays of his first drafts. He's an oscar winning screenwriter and believe me his first drafts ain't so hot either. Get cracking! And if you want an objective opinion you can e-mail you're script to me. I'm no expert but i like bounce ideas about with people.
