Often times screenwriters have many ideas flowing through their heads at once, so one would assume they are eager to get all their thoughts down on paper. Even more than that, while writing one screenplay, sometimes ideas pop up for another one that they may have already started or begun thinking deeply about.
Do you ever write multiple screenplays at once? If so, how do you manage it? What's your tie-breaker for which you'll spend more time on?
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The two of us write multiple screenplays at once all the time. We just write the one we feel like writing most. Sticky notes help :)
Sticky notes are a great idea Evelien And Dorien Twins !
I actually created a word template that I use for outlining new screenplays I write. And, I have a section in the template for notes to capture my random trains of thought. I suppose it serves the same function (although sticky notes are totally more fun).
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This is the way I work as well, but with a notebook full of ideas on different levels and I know many screenwriters, playwrights and other writers who work this way.
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I just finished two screenplays at once. I didn't need a tie breaker. When the writing on one got slow, I switched to the other one. This allowed for me to always come back with a fresh perspective because the scripts were in two different genres. I actually finished both in about the same amount of time that I usually write one. It was an interesting exercise.
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I agree with Anthony, when slow on one, write on the other. Also you could consider the importance of timing. I have 3 scripts I'm writing but I focus on the one with strong female leads as that is something I'm seeing more as wanted material in pitch sessions.
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I focus writing on one screenplay at a time, but I might be working on story outlines for 2 or 3 others. Always good to have something else you think is promising that you can throw at a buyer. Always jotting down ideas, scenes, dialogue that may be a good fit for something down the line.
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Never written two screenplays at a time and wouldn't want to try it either. Once I embark on my characters journey, it would be like getting off before my final destination. Too confusing. Never heard of any one in the industry encouraging such schizophrenic approach. But, if it works for you, more credit to you.
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I usually have at least two screenplays I'm working on. The most I've juggled at one time was ten. I try not to have more than five at a time now. It depends on how you operate. I can juggle multiple sets of characters, and honor each set. Other folks need to focus on one set at a time.
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Good stuff, folks! Wow, you're a machine, Shannon!
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whichever way you choose to do it...i'd keep a notebook of some kind on each script. that way, you have "fresh" ideas written down when you return to them in the event you choose to do one script at a time, or take a break between one and the other.
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I currently have 3 TV pilots, 2 screenplays, and 1 mini series all in varied states of completion........
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I have several projects "in progress", but I tend to prefer to stick to one script (film or TV) and one prose narrative (novel or short, usually). With the prose, I can work more freely, but I have the containment of working with structure from screenwriting. When I turn back to screenwriting, I'm able to work in more writer voice and sensory detail that I might have overlooked when focusing on turning points and clipping dialog.
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I have projects in progress but I have to work on one at a time to be sure I finish them. When I finish a script I look at the works in progress for the next script to work on. I really want to finish what I write and build a body of work.
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I usually have multiple new ones going and rewriting/reworking completed draft of others. When I'm stuck on something I try another. I hand write notes put them in a few folders,add script notes to have FD documents, I have different outline templates like STC, 40 plot points that I print and fill out to keep notes, brainstorm, etc.
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I have a hard time writing one screenplay all at once.
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I dunno, "getting stucked" and moving on to the next project, never worked for me. It usually ends up with a lot of started projects - with no finishes. The only " getting stucked" process should occur in the 'logline" and "premise" stage, or at the least, in the outline - BEFORE I start to write the 1st draft. After that, it's full speed ahead in the 1st draft and fix the inconsistencies in the rewrites. But if there's a problem with the plot - that has to be worked out in the outline.
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Sometimes a few ideas percolating, but try to focus on writing one at a time.
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Anthony that's an interesting side discussion.
I wonder, on average, how many scripts a year screenwriters on S32 write? I shoot for 4 a year, which I wish was more like 6, but considering I have a dayjob and freelance business, I don't think 4 is too bad to aspire toward. Last year I wrote 2 features and a tv pilot, as well as co-writing a feature with my guy.
Sadly, so far this year I've only finished one feature. I got sidetracked a bit, wrote a play, started a novel, was all over the damn map. But I'm back on it and I've got another feature close to being done and just started a third. My goal is to have 3 completed by the end of the year.