Screenwriting

Logline:

On a snowy Christmas Eve, a heartbroken man discovers a hidden mystery in a peaceful park that might revive his lost holiday cheer.

Opening Scene:

The biting December wind mirrored Elias's inner chill. Seeking solace, he entered the park, where golden lamplight warmed the snowy landscape. The crescent moon's gentle glow beckoned him deeper. As he walked, the snow crunched softly beneath his feet, whispering secrets hidden beneath its pristine surface.

When a bitter hunter gets hired by Santa Claus to take down the annoying Red-Nosed Reindeer, he must fight his growing sympathy — or end up on Santa’s naughty list himself.

One winter night not long ago, there was something special in the wind tonight. In what you think was a ordinary old town on a ordinary winter night, live not just ordinary people. of such special place. But it was something special about this town. It was the special magical Forrest that reach at the edge of town.

I love the crescent moon, that looks my dream winter night growing up in Kansas for me!

Since there is sometimes snow in the winter in the place where I live, I know that most species of broadleaf trees are barren during the winter. So it is logical to assume that we are dealing with a case with snow in a place where there is normally no snow.

logline : Cold weather results in people showing they have warm feelings, even for strangers.

opening scene : Somebody who needs help due to the unusual weather.

In Germany during the hyperinflation, a man went into a bakery with a wheelbarrow's worth of marks. When he came out, the thieves had stolen the wheelbarrow. It was worth something, unlike the marks. Bad money drives out good. Ever see a silver dime in your change any more?

Wow! This sounds crazily funny. But I'd love to see that come to life.

Great premise. Like Danny said, it would sky rocket inflation into the statosphere almost overnight, so relatively speaking, nobody would be rich. BUT...there would be a window - maybe days, maybe weeks? - where everyone WAS rich. Level playing field, mass excitement, people quitting their jobs and mass consumption. I would probably explore the consequences of the decisions made in that interim period before inflation kicked in. But your title suggests its Armaggedon - how long til the world ends?

Fiat currencies always lead to this scenario.

Honestly, maybe it’s time for this planet to wrap things up, we had our shot, and we clearly fumbled it.

Let a new batch of humans take over, hopefully with better instincts and a bit more grace.

We’ll just sit back, wish them luck, and pray God goes easier on them than He did on us.

That's how I do it sometimes, Brian Stoneking. Or something like GRUMPY CAB DRIVER.

Usually if the character is in one scene and just for filler I'd call them as CAB DRIVER #1. If they get referenced or come back later I'll name them. Just the way I go with it.

I teach a simple rule - Screenwriting 101: Main characters get a first and last name (if needed), recurring/supporting characters get one name (first, last, or nickname), everyone else gets a title.

EX - John Jackson is dating Mary Maryworth, but her friend Sue doesn't want to see them happy. Sue pays an Actress to seduce John and break them up.

John and Mary are the main, Sue is the villain and a recurring character, Actress is only seen once (possibly twice) in order to move the story forward. Every character doesn't need a first, last, middle, and nickname.

I figure out the singing sequences and lyrics when outlining a script, Vikki Harris.

Here's some places you can get animated scripts:

www.studiobinder.com/blog/animation-scripts

https://nofilmschool.com/best-animation-scripts

https://bulletproofscreenwriting.tv/pixar-studios-screenplays-download/

Hey Vikki Harris you should absolutely write songs in your screenplay if it's a musical element and you are musically inclined! I've always felt writing lyrics is so much fun!

Hi Vikki, I've written two with a composer who created the songs. You can see them in my loglines - JIMMY AND THE STAR ANGEL and SHOWGHOSTS.

Thank you Maurice Vaughan .

You're welcome, Vikki Harris.

Great share but it´s not easy to find that particular producer or company who likes your idea and story., especially when you´ve a foreign project which will be rated with tax of 100%

Wal Friman ain't it the truth...

Leotien Parlevliet it's definitely a "volume game" as I must constantly remind myself, both in the creative generation of material, and of course, in the pursuit of the perfect partners...

'

Loved the video. Definitely inspiring. Thanks for sharing, man.

Arlis Mongold absolutely -- glad it was useful to you :)

Hiabu Hassebu :))

My pleasure Lauren Hackney, and I am happy for that! You made my day! Thank youuu

Sandra Isabel> One who learns will eventually teach I definitely like you post .

Thank you, Sandra Isabel Correia.

I am happy you like Hiabu Hassebu. You are right, we always teach :))

AI will help !!!

Nope.

Nebukadresia Mathias it will help, but sometimes it won't. It is a tool, not something to overtake 100% of your work, especially if you are trying to say something one way rather than another

Unless You Kill Me sounds interesting, Daniel Njuna! It's kind of like a Political-Crime Thriller Romeo and Juliet. I'd watch it!

What really interests me is "use their parents’ hidden resources to infiltrate government and expose the system that executed them."

I suggest posting your logline here for other members to give feedback on it.

sure Maurice, I'm on it

A double agent Rom-Com. I'd watch it, Sydney S. I got this poster from Canva. It's a template. I just edited it a little bit.

Twins Maurice Vaughan who are agents with one good and the other not so wonderful?

I like that, Mark Deuce. Like a Buddy Cop movie with twin agents. One agent could be the serious type, and the other could be a funny live wire.

Yours sounds much better Maurice Vaughan

Thanks, Mark Deuce and Rebecca James.

Hey, Ben Johnson Jr. Thanks for sharing your screenwriting journey. I hope it encourages other writers and aspiring writers! Congratulations on overcoming the challenges and everything you've accomplished! Hope you continue to have success and reach your goals!

What an extraordinary and inspiring journey Ben Johnson Jr. ! Your story is a masterclass in persistence, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to craft. Writing on a Blackberry in the one spot with cell signal while working three jobs - that's the kind of dedication that separates dreamers from working professionals.

The Power of Systemic Barriers Overcome:

Your triumph over apartheid-era exclusions demonstrates something profound about creative determination. The fact that you couldn't even imagine a media career growing up, then built one against impossible odds, shows exactly why diverse voices are so essential to storytelling. Your perspective, forged through real struggle, brings authenticity that can't be manufactured.

Strategic Lessons for Every Writer:

Your three core insights are gold:

**"Stay humble and teachable" - This is why you've sustained success across 16 TV shows and 12 features. Many writers plateau because they stop learning.

"Love the work, not just the idea of being a writer" - Writing on a Blackberry at midnight when it's inconvenient and a little impractical proves you love the actual craft, not just the lifestyle fantasy.

"Be stubborn and determined" - Your seven-year journey from hardware store to Netflix shows that persistence literally creates opportunities.

Having an Academy Award winner attached to your feature script while building toward showrunner goals puts you exactly where strategic career building should lead. Your international experience combined with Hollywood ambitions creates unique positioning.

For Other Writers:

Your story proves that geographic isolation, financial constraints, and systemic barriers can be overcome through sheer creative will and smart strategy. The Blackberry writing sessions are legendary - that's pure dedication to craft.

Your journey from exclusion to Netflix creation is exactly the kind of breakthrough that changes entire industry perspectives.

Thank you for sharing this powerful reminder that extraordinary careers are built through ordinary daily commitment.

Thank you for posting and the honesty in the words is more inspiring that you know. I so appreciate you taking the time to post this.

Ben, thank you so doggone much for sharing your screenwriting/TV-writing journey...and for being here on Stage 32!

ok I redid them and moved some panels around.

Page 13 - Five Panels

(Ch3 Pg13 Panel One)

The advisor swallows hard, then slowly pulls the ring from his finger, hesitating only a moment before offering it to the king. The king takes it, turning it between his fingers, studying the craftsmanship. A small, knowing smile plays at the corners of his lips.

SB (King - Inner Thought): (This will do just fine...)

(Ch3 Pg13 Panel Two)

The king, holding the ring, extends it towards Garerit. The royal crest gleams on the band, its emerald gemstone catching the light. Garerit's eyes widen in shock and awe, his mouth slightly agape, holding the ring with trembling hands. The servant beside him stands, wide-eyed with a look of pride and disbelief. The expressions of Garerit are filled with awe and disbelief, while the king looks on with quiet satisfaction, his demeanor regal and proud.

King: (with a commanding yet softer tone) "With this ring, I bind your service to the crown. You are a hero, Garerit, one of noble blood and worthy of this mark."

Garerit: (in awe, breathless) "I... I never expected-"

(Ch3 Pg13 Panel- Three - Garerit's Departure, Closing the Shop)

Outside, the streets are quieter than before as Garerit locks up his tailor shop for what may be the last time, the ring with the royal crest on his finger. He wears a simple traveling cloak, his sewing tools strapped to his belt. He carries a sturdy wooden staff, a bag slung over one shoulder.

SFX (Lock clicks shut): CLICK!

(Small SB - Garerit, Softly to Himself)"No turning back now."

(Ch3 Pg13 Panel 4 - The Road Ahead, A Journey Begins)

Garerit walks away from the shop, down the main road leading out of the capital.

(Ch3 Pg13 Panel 5 - The First Salute, A Show of Respect)

A blacksmith near his forge raises a calloused hand in a salute. His apprentice follows suit. Others begin to do the same- farmers, merchants, even nobles, onlookers.

SFX (The rustle of shifting bodies, arms raising): RUSTLE...

(Small SB - Blacksmith, Grinning Slightly)"Go on, Tailor. Show them what wit can do."

Page 14 - Six Panels (A Hero's Departure, The People's Salute)

(Ch3 Pg14 Panel 1)

EXT. - MORNING. Garerit stands at the castle gates, adjusting his gear. The wash maid and three castle workers—a blacksmith, a stablehand, and a guard-in-training nearby, offering their farewells.

SB (Wash Maid - Smiling, Wiping Hands on Apron): "Take care, Garerit! Try not to stir up too much trouble out there."

(Ch3 Pg14 Panel 2 - The City Watches, A Moment of Realization)

Garerit walks through the city gates, his staff in hand, his pack slung over his shoulder. The streets are lined with townsfolk, all watching him go. Some whisper, others simply stare in quiet awe.

SB (Random Townsfolk - Whispering, Uncertain): "A tailor... facing a giant?"

SB (Older Merchant - Nodding, Resolute): "He's braver than most men."

(Ch3 Pg14 Panel 3)

The blacksmith folds his arms, smirking. The stablehand nudges Garerit with his elbow while the guard-in-training stands at attention, trying to look formal.

SB (Blacksmith - Chuckling): "You've got guts, I'll give you that. Just don't go losing your head, eh?"

SB (Stablehand - Grinning): "If you ever need a place to hide, you know where to find us!"

SB (Guard-in-Training - Firmly): "May fortune favor you, Garerit."

(Ch3 Pg14 Panel 4 - A Wave of Salutes, The City Honors Him)

The salute spreads like a wave through the crowd. The guards at the gates straighten, pounding fists against their chests. Women bow their heads, and children watch wide-eyed. A moment of unity—Garerit is no longer just a tailor.

SB (Young Boy - Whispering in Awe): "Is he going to fight a giant?"

SB (Mother - Softly, with a proud smile): "Yes… and he carries all our hopes with him."

6(Ch3 Pg14 Panel1)

Garerit grins, giving a casual salute before stepping through the gate.

SB (Garerit - Confidently): "No promises—but I'll be back in one piece!"

7(Ch3 Pg14 Panel6 - Garerit’s Reaction, Silent Determination)

Garerit pauses briefly, glancing over his shoulder at the sea of saluting hands. He doesn’t speak, just offers a small nod, then turns forward once more, stepping onto the open road. The city fades behind him, the open road stretching ahead toward the valley where giants still loom. The sky is vast, the sun dipping low, his journey has begun.

NO DIALOGUE - Just a final, powerful visual of his quiet determination.

I think that's better, Gregory Barone.

so its a pass and I post the next one.

https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/the-Giant-Killer-Script-Ch-...