How do you get a screenplay started?

[Vamp_Princess13]

I have been wanting to write a screenplay either for the stage or film lately-it was really bad over the summer-but I'm not sure what to do to get it started or whatnot. Help, please?

[icerose]

Start by doing your research. This is coming from someone who didn't. Trust me it'll save you a lot of time and effort. There are stickies at the top of this forum that have links to how to's and screenplays themselves. Start reading a lot of professional scripts from movies you've seen. It helps you see how they present it on paper and how it shows up on video.

When I'm trying to capture a specific element, I'll read the script, watch the movie, then watch the movie and follow along on the script at the same time. It really helps get the point across.

But seriously, get the hang of the craft visually before you start hammering out your own or your first won't look anything like a script and will be total crap.

[small axe]

Definitely read a good number of successful, well-crafted screenplays before you try one of your own! (Ten? Twenty) Obey the format ... but the more subtle thing is to have a good sense of how a story is told and characters are created WITHIN the format.

It's not a novel, it's a screenplay.

Nothing exists unless we see it up on the screen. ;)

[mario_c]

When you are lost, outline. OK fine, you should really outline first. But whatever you need to do. Some ways to do it:
1. I read about Stanley Kubrick's 7 Non-Submersibles (http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/faq/index4.html#slot49) concept - it can be actually 6 or 7 key scenes, plot points or events that the script cannot exist without. Start with that list.
2. Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2704901&postcount=3). Essential planning device.
3. Write a treatment - just write the story, one page per act.
4. Character bios - their internal and external arcs. Favorite music, where they grew up, what they liked to do as kids, college major, etc.

Good luck!

[dpaterso]

As icerose suggests above, check out the screenwriting tips (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24087) sticky thread, which has links to online screenplays, screenwriting software, formatting guides, plus numerous hints & tips including writing beat sheets and treatments to help you plan out your story. "Pick your top 20 favorite movies, read the scripts and discover how the words translated to the images and dialogue you loved!"

If you decide you'd rather write a stage play, check out the playwriting prompts / tips (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14789) thread in our Playwriting sub-forum.

-Derek

[wordmonkey]

FADE IN:

(Oh come on! You knew SOMEONE would say it.)

[Plot Device]

Hello Vamp_Princess13 :) (by the way, are you 13 years old? ;))

I just checked out your posting history. You have made a total of 4 posts here at AW so far. That's great. Keep on posting. That's what the board is for. However, all four of them are pretty much the exact same question of "How do I write this?" with little variation.

One post is asking how to write a book. Another is asking how to write a song. Another (this one) is asking how to write a screenplay. Etc. And I also notice you seem to START threads, but don't actually PARTICIPATE in any.


Have you ever written ANYTHING in your life? Like a poem for school? Or a short story? Anything at all?

[Vamp_Princess13]

Hello Vamp_Princess13 :) (by the way, are you 13 years old? ;))

One post is asking how to write a book. Another is asking how to write a song. Another (this one) is asking how to write a screenplay. Etc. And I also notice you seem to START threads, but don't actually PARTICIPATE in any.


Have you ever written ANYTHING in your life? Like a poem for school? Or a short story? Anything at all?


Yes, I know-it's almost OCD for me to post NEW threads. I am sorry if it is annoyance to some people. And no, I am not 13. I happen to be 15. 6 and 13 happen to be my favorite numbers. I can't have a screen name without one or the other.

[dbcooper]

First and Foremost I say WRITE WRITE WRITE My own advice to you Vamp is to either search the internet or read a book on screenplay format. You're going to get plenty of advice on try this and try that, but you will have to learn the format. There are many tricks and techniques that have been used to convey the visuals you will create with your own stories. So its good to see what other people have done. Eventually you might just find yourself wanting to learn more about the technical side of screenwriting, and get into more detail as to word economy, character arc, subplots, etc... For now, learn the tools of the trade -- start with the basics of what goes where. Above all keep writing. Theres far more a need for great concepts and well executed stories, then there are for more properly formatted scripts, once youve read through the many others would hope. As time goes on, it will be natural for you to want to see what other people have done. For now, my suggestion is, Download CELTX (free screenwriting software) and start writing And becareful who you listen to here and everywhere. Youre going to find that you are at basketbal gym, where theres tons of regulars. Some are good ball players who have a future, others come just to play. And few and far between you actually get a visit from someone whos actually earning a living as a ball player. Now all are going to offer their advice on the game of basketball, but only a few actually understand how to make money playing the game. I suspect in time, youll find out just who those people you cantrust, are.

[Joe270]

Vamp,

I thought Mario C had some good advice with the outlines. There are some good guides to the expected development timing in screenplays in the stickys already mentioned.

I use 'notes', little jots of action, dialog, etc. which pop into my head so I don't lose them, and so I can move on to other bits. Then I stick those into an outline.

I have written one script from page one right through to the end, but that's very unusual for me. I don't think I've even written a short story that way before. I normally have lots of bits and pieces, and I string it all together somehow.

Everyone is right about the formatting, of course. You need to do it correctly so you don't waste hours and hours redoing what you already did. That's just painful to do.

But you can still write bits here and there while you're studying the formatting.