Today, I decided to follow my instincts and start writing my script. Even though I have more research to do around the themes of my story and the world of screenwriting itself, I was courageous enough (or stupid enough, time will tell) to start writing the script of my pilot on Celtx.
It might be rushed for me to do so at this stage, but the inspiration suddenly came. I know the cold open of my pilot well enough that I wanted to write it. The urge was too strong.
Have you ever been in my situation? Let me clarify: did you feel the need to write your first page without any hesitation? Has it been fruitful for you?
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At some point you have to start writing. You can correct edit words on a page. Nothing on the page is the real roadblock.
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Marcel Nault Jr. Hi Marcel. Have I ever been in your situation? Yes. Sometimes I have to do a lot of research before I start writing and I know that writing this screenplay is going to be a slow process in getting it moving, but some stories I have great ideas for a story; an action scene or two, or a great dialogue scene and I just have to get it down before anything else.
Where they might fit into the grand scheme of the story, is all part of the editing process and no cause for worry. Just enjoy the ride!
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Hello gents!
As we're speaking, I'm about to leave the campus grounds. I wrote about a page and a quarter of my first script today, i.e. the cold open of my pilot. I'm very proud of myself, but I remain realistically grounded. I'm thinking of revising it a week after and focus on the other aspects of my story and the research.
If you're interested to know more or have any advice to share, you know where to find me. Cheers!
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In the same way that Nike shoes don’t make you jump higher, the software you use to tell your story doesn’t increase the effectiveness of your plot points ;-) I can’t wait to learn more.
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Write - read professionally screenplays - write : repeat.
You have to start sometime.
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yea I used that as well. its only free for 7 days, you can use it but if you want the help, it will have to choose a price to pay...
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Hi Marcel - it’s awesome that you got inspired and started writing. Once you have something to edit and keep working on you’ll be even happier. Bravo!! Stage 32 has world class screenwriting education for writers at every stage and level. If I can ever recommend any screenwriting education for you please shoot me an email at edu@stage32.com.
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Nathan Woodward It just comes down to the writing itself, not the software. I'm just happy that I got the first two pages out of my mind.
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Craig D Griffiths Absolutely agree with you. I've read some very inspiring scripts for my project and it gives me a better idea of what to expect.
Kim Mcgoldrick Thank you for telling me. I'll transfer it to a free sotfware before the 7-day free trial is up.
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Experiencing it now!! lol but I do want to do it right. Guess that is why I have a notebook with me at all times for all my notes and ideas.
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Marcel Nault Jr. for me, by reading great scripts I am surrounding myself with the masters. See this standard of work constantly, makes it second nature. I am not saying I write like them. But it makes my good work recognisable to myself.
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I'm currently learning to walk the tightrope between chomping at the bit and getting started, versus doing actual thorough research. I just got some excellent feedback on my script, and the main takeaway I have for why my script is so weak is because I could not WAIT to write it, and I never took the time to sit and properly research key elements. So, I would say make sure you do your research, but don't lose that urge to write! It's a balance. Find yours!
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Marcel, yes I firmly believe you should not stop inspiration. Write. You'll have plenty of time to edit later. Some books I wrote were planned from the scratch, some others started with this kind of unstoppable inspiration. The most successfull are not always these you carefully planned and prepared. There's no rule, really.
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I like to outline scripts before starting them, Marcel Nault Jr. Sometimes I have the urge to go ahead and start the script without finishing an outline, but most of the time I wait because I've learned that if I rush the outline, the script will suffer. That being said, if starting early works for someone, do it.
Have a great time on your pilot!
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Never ignore inspiration. There's no reason that you can't write out beats or scenes while continuing to research and outline, for research often inspires scenes. That's how I write.
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Nah. I stopped winging it after multiple drafts of the same garbage figuring plot & the "why" (what am I saying with a story), and my reps want detailed outlines.
Basically, ppl who do this for a living don't want to waste Time.
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There are no "traditional norms", only what works for you. I've outlined some scripts to death and others I've had marinating in my mind for years and just decided one day to dive in.
Inspiration struck and you got it on the page. Can't ask for more than that. And nothing says that those 2 pages will stay the same or exist at all when you're done. All that matters is that you carry the momentum and keep going.
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I often write out a barf draft like that with only a basic logline written out just to see where the story goes and who my my characters might be. After that I do more detailed outlining, research.