The Magic Coat

[charisman1]

The idea is good. I tried writing it as a prose novel and got stuck, then realized I was thinking it in scenes for a TV series. But I've never attempted a screen play though I'm familiar with them. Would I be better to complete a prose version or stumble right into a script ? Comments anyone? Similar experience?

[xhouseboy]

The idea is good. I tried writing it as a prose novel and got stuck, then realized I was thinking it in scenes for a TV series. But I've never attempted a screen play though I'm familiar with them. Would I be better to complete a prose version or stumble right into a script ? Comments anyone? Similar experience?

All depends on what works best for you. If you're sticking at a certain point in the story, then you may just find that the same happens when you attempt a screenplay. It could be the story, rather than the medium in which you're attempting to convey it. And if you've never attempted a screenplay, then probably best to read a good few first, and then decide how you would write your own story in screenplay form.

Nothing ventured...

[icerose]

The idea is good. I tried writing it as a prose novel and got stuck, then realized I was thinking it in scenes for a TV series. But I've never attempted a screen play though I'm familiar with them. Would I be better to complete a prose version or stumble right into a script ? Comments anyone? Similar experience?

You're in for a tough learning period. Scripts are a whole different animal than novels. That's not to say you can't learn, it just isn't a walk in the park. Start by reading spec scripts, a ton of them. Use a formatting program so you don't have to worry about that, and if you don't know how to convey something such as flashbacks DO NOT wing it and call it good. Most everything has a specific format for clarity purposes. Then if you want feedback, post the first ten pages in the script sharing section above, and you'll get some.

Good luck and have fun writing and researching.

[nganok]

Best advice anybody ever gave me.

[wordmonkey]

Setting aside format issues, writing a script is very different from prose. In prose you are painting the scene for the reader. You must describe everything and it's usually (not always) in past tense.

You need to be much tighter with a script. ALWAYS active, never passive. NOTHING should ever be on the page that doesn't serve the greater good. The director will make it look good.

And your dialog better rock.