Hey everyone. I believe I've got a great idea for a script. I ran it by a few friends who liked it so I started writing it. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on writing features. I have only written shorts. Thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by masterspud
Hey everyone. I believe I've got a great idea for a script. I ran it by a few friends who liked it so I started writing it. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on writing features. I have only written shorts. Thanks.
I highly recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/Film-Scriptwriting-Practical-Manual-Second/dp/0240511905/ref=cm_syf_dtl_top_3_russss0
and this website: http://www.wordplayer.com
In general, a feature-length story (90 to 120 pages) needs to start out with a "bang," and ideally, will have some kind of "bang" every ten minutes or so. Naturally, this isn't a literal "bang." It just means that your story much introduce the audience to something "new" on a regular basis that is interesting/entertaining/exciting/revelatory.
Keep the basis of the plot simple while drawing meaningful characters. Keep the number of characters low and think of them in terms of them being "points of view" toward whatever your movie is about. If a character doesn't help drive the story forward, then they are dead weight. Same goes for scenes. Every scene needs to lead to the next while revealing something new.
Everyone writes differently, so follow YOUR patterns (write in the morning or night, etc). Try to not obsess over any one part of the script. If you're having that much trouble, then it means that there is a larger problem with the structure. If you know your hero well enough, HE will tell you where he'd go next and what he'd do. The script will practically write itself once you've thought it all out.
And, just get it done. It's been said that you never really finish a movie... you abandon it. The same goes for writing. You could tinker with it forever, but you have to just declare it "done" at some point and then get it out there. Of course you don't want to release it to the world before you're happy, but just don't be precious about every word. By the time it gets through development (if it ever does) and gets through a Director's hands (if it's not you), and the Actor's insist on putting their own special "vision" on it, those words you agonized over will be long gone.
Above all, have fun while you're writing. If you're not having fun, it'll show in the writing. Some people give inspirational tips like, "write five pages a day no matter what." While that keeps the process moving forward, the fact is that if you don't wake up with that inspiration, anything you write will likely be crap and you'll just get frustrated and won't want to go back to the keyboard. Keep working, but don't force it if it isn't there that day.
Good luck!
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
