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action, advice, Beowulf, Cat, character, concept, define, dialogue, film, ideas, inspire, internet, Middle of, movie, plot, process, screenwriting, script, writer
So this post comes a bit early. Unfortunately, I am closing at work tonight and therefore must make the post now.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked about format, software, and dos and don’ts of writing. We’ve kinda covered everything that goes into screenwriting. But we haven’t gone over the actual process. In general, we have, but there are other things to go over.
Screenwriting is a huge part of the filmmaking process, obviously. Without a script, you can’t really go anywhere. Unless you’re trying some new technique of improvising a feature length movie, although I can’t really recommend that. But what do you need to write a script? Well, I’ve gone over general points already. So let’s get some more things done before we move on to the Preproduction stage.
As a writer, you’ll need somewhere to work. I am in the unfortunate situation of not having a desk to work at and therefore must sit, cramped and hunched over, on my bed. It’s not the best working conditions, but I don’t have many other options. So if you can find yourself a good desk or table to work at, away from distractions, then you’re off to a good start.
You’ll want any research elements nearby. Books of drawings or photos, maps, or even your own creations. Anything that might help should be within easy range. Yes, you could use the internet to find information. It is good for fact checking and minor researches. But in this day and age, the internet is a giant distraction. I find myself straying too far from my intended goal and looking at information I don’t need at the moment. So be careful with the internet. Cat videos won’t help you write better.
Now there are different ways to go about writing. Some people start with outlines, other just write what’s on their mind until they hit that one idea that speaks to them. Me, I like to get out a good bit of detail before starting the story. The reason I do this is because it helps me understand the story better. There is a Latin term used in writing. En media res, which means “In the Middle of…” Basically, starting the action in the middle of an event. I could be wrong, but this goes back as far as the poem “Beowulf.” The same applies to scripts. Start as far into the action as you can. This is why I hammer out some details first. It helps me know where exactly I can put an audience before losing them. But with that in mind, you can find what works best for you.
I mentioned before that I like having music play. Depending on what kind of scene I’m writing, it can range from classic rock to epic trailer music. You should have it at a decent level. Not necessarily blaring or quiet, but loud enough that you can enjoy it and it won’t distract you.
Finally, sitting down to write is the hardest part. A lot of help books or people offering advice will say sit down and give yourself an hour or two to write. The problem is that you don’t always have the motivation or you’re not in the mood. I’m going to join the group of advice givers, but go slightly different. When you are in the mood or when you have an idea and you know what you’re going to write, that’s when you sit down, give yourself your hour and write. After that, you should have a good bit of motivation. So much so that you might even notice that you’ve gone over your allotted time. Oooooh! How did that happen? Who cares?! You got into the writing!
Really, it’s about finding your own rhythm and doing what works best for you. Sometimes, my writing moods happen at work and I can’t do much with it. But you might not have the same problem.
Well, I think that about does it for screenwriting. We didn’t go into super specific advice, but as I said in the beginning: I’m just here to offer a helping hand. What you do with it is up to you. I’m always willing to give advice on writing or whatever film needs you have. Next week, we start Preproduction! So stay tuned and happy writing!