While working out my other story I've had to redo, I'm also working on another one as well. It's a comedy with a female lead kind of in the vein of Pet Detective. It's not exactly like that, but it's a lighthearted comedy that's along those lines of that movie. But also a lot different too.
I've pretty much have it written out. At least the basics using a Four Act structure, a synopsis, etc. But I want to keep working on it to make sure it's written out the best I can before I ever begin the screenplay.
Anyway, I've not ever written a story with a female lead, or comedy really, so any advice on either one?
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Write what you think is humorous. Don't overthink it. You've got this!
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Thank you, Stephen
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John C. Bounds I agree with Stephen. I wouldn't think in terms of female voice. More than likely, a female would encourage you to simply think of her as a fully-fleshed out character with stakes and a goal to reach by the end.
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Have you considered collaborating with a female writer to lend some authenticity to it?
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Most of my scripts have female leads, John C. Bounds. One tip: Think from a woman's POV with everything. If you have trouble thinking from a woman's POV, do research on women and ask women (like you're doing with your post).
For Comedy, try to think of awkward and embarrassing moments and situations for your lead. The comedy will come from those moments and situations.
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John C. Bounds Great advice from Maurice Vaughan . I've also written stories with a female lead and have thought to ask their thoughts on the character. You got this!
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John C. Bounds Write a draft and then send it to a woman to read. Just tell them that you want their opinion on how the female lead reads and how they feel about the character and what worked/didn't work for them about her. You'll get some really good answers, especially if you ask someone who isn't a writer. (I'm a woman and I hand my first draft to my wife because she isn't a writer and I get a lot of great insights I didn't think about...ex: 'your character seems very junior compared to these guys, but she's their boss, is she meant to feel incompetent?' - i was going for 'she's having a bad day')
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Thank you all. Great advice! Ewan Dunbar I would love to do that. But don't know any female writers. @Audrey Good idea. Will do that for sure
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You're welcome, John C. Bounds. You can find female writers here in the Screenwriting Lounge and the Browse Members Section (www.stage32.com/people).
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John C. Bounds - I wouldn't get hung up on specific readers / types etc. There are a bazillion stories that have been made into amazing movies, books, short stories, etc. I'm sure they didn't all pause to get specialized feedback. It's about tuning into your inner creativity. Also, if you have a mother, sister, neighbor...think of how they would talk to you in a conversation and use that as reference when writing.
When you're finished, ask regular, everyday people (not writers who are overly critical about petty stuff) to read your stories. After all, those are your viewers.
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Interesting - I was surprised to find that almost ever script I've written was female driven. But imagine every action movie you've ever seen and replace it with the opposite gender. Does it really matter? Rocky could have been Roxy - the underdog female boxer right? Riply in aliens could have been a dude. And yes, the dude could have also been protective and loving to the little girl in Aliens. :) I woudn't get too hung up on the gender of your protagonist. Just my take. Cheers