Screenwriting : How many screenplays do you work on at a time? by Chloe Haga

Chloe Haga

How many screenplays do you work on at a time?

I don’t know how I got to this place but, I’m suddenly working on three features and two shorts. That may seem overwhelming but, at least for me, It makes me never get bored, since if i get stumped with one thing or get bored with another I can work on which ever once I’m inspired to write for. I feel like it’s too many to work on at once but I’m already so invested in all of them, I don’t know how’d I pick, Haha.

Chloe Haga

Okay I was able to cut the shorts out, but I can’t bring myself to cut out any of the features.

Dan Guardino

I have worked on two at a time before but i prefer only working on one.

Joe Thayer

Two for me, but more than that and it gets muddy. When I am doing a rewrite or final push for a Producer or Contest, one and only one. That's my 2 cents worth.

Penny Ray

Hey, Chloe. I think the most important thing is not how many you’re working on at once but whether they are each moving forward. I suggest having all of the projects you’re working on in different stages. I know everyone has a different process to get from idea conception to fade out, but I personally have identified 11 stages that I must work through to get from idea to a completed script. So I try to have only one project in each stage at each time. I have more than 11 movie ideas so the ones not being worked on at any particular time remain as simple notes in my phone until I finish a script and have room to move a new idea into stage one. By identifying the various stages I must personally take to feel my work is complete, I can “creatively procrastinate” on days when I’m stuck on a particular project. For example, if I’m stuck on an Act 2 rewrite in one script and don’t feel like dealing with it, I can work on outlining another story, which allows me to remain productive while not forcing myself to do something I’m not in the mood to do. Happy writing!

William Martell

I have two hands and two laptops... So until I master typing with my toes, only two.

Chance Owen

I try to focus on one mainly, and towards the later drafts I start a new one. That way when I finish I can jump straight into the next one

Garin Turner

I usually work on a few at a time. I set the alarm for two hours. When it goes off, I stop what I'm doing no matter what and move onto the next script. When I take breaks its the same thing, two hours then back to work.

Doug Nelson

One at a time is often more than I can handle. (I got so many other irons in the fire.)

Daniel Smith

Just one but I'll only write notes for others. When you start working on on more than one it will slow you down and I'll start to lose track of things.

Anthony Moore

The most was three at once but I'm usually working on one. Sometimes working on two is necessary, one for myself and the second I'm usually getting paid for.

Erick Freitas

I generally do 1-2 at a time. Work on one until I get bored, then work on the other, etc. It's actually usually a script and a comic book at the same time...

John Ellis

I usually only work on one first draft at a time, but am rewriting 1-2 more simultaneously. And, of course, a novel at the same time.

Plus, a query letter and 2-3 TV bibles in and around the others.

So, not much going on... :)

Bryan Saunders

I usually write out descriptions of each idea so i can be better organized. Then I write out a plan with goals and subsidiary goals to stay focused for optimal production. It focuses me on one at a time, though i have 2-3 in the queue.

Jim Boston

Chloe, I usually work on two screenplays at a time.

Glad you're on Stage 32! All the VERY BEST to you!

Craig D Griffiths

I have many in various stages. Most so if I am doing bad work in one I can jump to the others. It is like getting up and going to a walk in another story. Helps reset my head.

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