Hi all
I am new to Stage 32 and currently a student at CCAD University. At this moment in time i am putting together a report on my interest in screenwriting and was wondering if anyone would be open to answering a few questions I have on your individual journey's and knowledge as screenwriters?
Any feedback would be a huge help,
Questions:
#1 - Is there any specific software you as a writer use/prefer when writing your scripts?
#2 - Have you worked on any projects in the industry?
#3 - What inspired you to become a screenwriter?
#4 - How did you start your Journey as a screenwriter?
#5 - Is there any tips you would give to me as an aspiring screenwriter?
Many thanks
1. Celtx
2. Nope
3. Back then I figured I could write a better movie than all the bad ones I've seen. Now I'm in love with writing. Nothing I'd rather do with my life than this wonderful craft.
4. On 3rd shift. A friend kept saying he could write a book with all the stupid things him and his buddies have done. I suggested a screenplay.
5. When you finish your first script, send it to a reader. If you're as good as you think you are, they'll praise you. Otherwise prepare to have your heart ripped out through your bum bum.
Question 6. What's your favorite thing about screenwriting?
6. Format. Learning new ways to make a scene work.
2. As a screenwriter no, but I've worked on locations for the most recent BFG, and for a week on Transformers 5. Also as a sound designer on independent feature made by my film-school currently on a festival circuit.
3. I love stories and seeing them come to life. Stories are myths and myths are lessons. Read Joseph Campbell! With screenwriting you have the opportunity to see your world come to life and provide an escape for people who watch it, as well as show them humanities and give them experiences that they might not be able to have, or see life in way they never thought to see it.
4. I started in High School when I was told I couldn't film the story that I wrote then went on to win the local film competition.
5. Read scripts! Read as many as you can and pick them apart then watch the film. Read Your Cut To: Is Showing for formatting. Read John Truby for great ways to build from the ground up to make great conflict. Read Story by Mckee for storytelling and script structure. Read Joseph Campbell for the soul and heart of stories. Watch Max Landis' youtube for entertainment and inspiration. And for when you send your script for people to read, go by the rule of three: If one says its bad you can ignore it, if two say its bad you worry, if three say it's bad then something is wrong and it's bad.
1 Movie Magic. Used if from the start. I have FD and others, but it's Movie Magic.
2 Yep.
3 Initially I was writing a novel. Then, a friend of mine who was writing a script, showed me what a script was, what it contained as basics. That was it.
4 I started writing as soon as I saw a script. Bought the software. Read what I could find, which wasn't a lot in those days. And I wrote, TV in the BG, trusty vessel of wine nearby. And wrote, and wrote... to the cusp of obsession.
5 Read scripts. Watch movies. Especially all the scripts that scored big sales and those getting award nods. They did something right. Write EVERY day. Never quit. Develop a writer's gut... the instinct that knows what your script needs. It comes over time. Never quit... never quit writing. Your writing is precious creative effort. Treat it accordingly.
1) I prefer Celtx. 2) Not yet. 3) I believe that being a writer is a gift/talent given by God and that writers have an idea of who they are early on. One way or another. I knew because I've always written... I kept a diary, I anticipated essays in school, I'm a professional texter :) as far as screenwriting goes... I knew 9 years ago when I saw a screenplay for the first time. 4) I started out writing songs which are essentially stories. I moved on to try my hand @ stageplays thanks to my college instructor Kirk! Something about writing for screen intrigues me & I've been hooked ever since.
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Oops! #5
Don't doubt your ability and talent. Write fearlessly. Read frequently (especially scripts!) WRITE. Breathe. WRITE SOME MORE. I pray before I start a script & it may sound odd to some but try it before you knock it!
I have used Final Draft CeltX and Trelby. All have their plus points and minus points.