Hello everyone. My name is Josh Booker and I am a kid with an idea. I know what it sounds like trust me I do. Millions of people a year think they have found the next big thing and they go no where. The difference for me is it’s an idea that I can’t get out of my mind, I think of new storylines and scenes everyday and it’s totally taken over my outlook on my career path. The amount of passion I have in this idea is extremely overwhelming, but I don’t know what to do with it. I need help screenwriting as well as with someone experienced in the industry who feels as passionate about my idea as I do. Just seeking anyone, strolling on their phone or computer who’s sees this and has the time to reply, to give me maybe tips or advice. I look forward to anyone kind enough to comment. Thanks!
Screenwriting : Beginner writer seeking help and tips by Josh Booker
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
4 people like this
Hi. I feel that way about what I'm working on. Don't stop surrounding yourself with it. I reckon whatever finished product(s) come of it, it will be better for you loving what you're doing. I don't know much in the way of courses or anything like that because I haven't done one or done research into it. But I just thought I'd message and say that I wish you good luck. Maybe accept my network request and we can keep in touch if you want.
3 people like this
And I also am young haha
2 people like this
I'd suggest you join a writing class and start writing generally. Classes are hit and miss but it's a start. Perhaps look for a larger college who do zoom classes and where you can drop out of the class and get voucher refunds for unused lessons (they usually limit it to 1 or 2 classes before you can drop out) For most people, the script that they make commercial progress with is not their first or second or third. It's a good chance to learn your craft by practice and writing your way through your 'apprenticeship' scripts can teach you a lot, help you develop a style and develop your writing process.
I suggest that telling someone all your ideas and asking them to write or cowrite it for you is not going to help you develop as a writer. Anyway - people ae different and I wish you good luck.
2 people like this
Keep writing!! Anything and everything that comes to mind. And know that there will be days that you will not write. But don't let that dishearten you.
3 people like this
Welcome to the community, Josh Booker. Here's a great blog for up-and-coming screenwriters: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-ask-3242
A big screenwriting tip someone gave me was "show, don't tell," which means when you're writing action lines in scripts, it's better to "show" the action instead of "telling" it.
Example of showing: He slams a fist on the table, nostrils flaring.
Example of telling: He's angry.
Another big screenwriting tip someone gave me was read scripts. It'll help you get better at writing scripts. You can find scripts here (www.stage32.com/loglines) and here (www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/10-great-websites-download-movie-scripts/).
I suggest watching Stage 32's screenwriting webinars: www.stage32.com/webinars/tag/screenwriting
And I suggest hanging around the Screenwriting Lounge and checking out the Screenwriting Blogs (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/screenwriting-25) so you can pick up more tips.
2 people like this
Here's some great advice on how to outline a script, Josh Booker: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/How-to-write-an-outline-for-a-scree...
4 people like this
Hi Josh Booker - welcome to the community. You're among friends and colleagues here and as you can see a ton of positive support. There are resources here at Stage 32 to help you every step of the way through your career.
I'm the Director of Education here at Stage 32 - if I can ever recommend any of our courses for you please email me directly at edu@stage32.com
As a start, based on your post, I recommend this class that focuses on the fundamentals of screenplay story and structure: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Create-Your-Feature-Film-Outline-With-A-...
What genre is your idea in? That can help me think of some other suggestions.
Excited to see your talent blossom!
1 person likes this
Hi Josh,
Welcome! Like Sam said, Stage 32 is a screenwriter's path to success. Good luck!
3 people like this
Go forward and create your plan and momentum. Chart out multiple pathways to production, at various budget levels. Plan timelines and social media campaigns. Develop details to focus on the attributes that make your concepts and properties unique. Create a 5-year plan even if it feels like a fantasy at this early stage. Be the super-athlete who has the endurance for the climb ahead.
2 people like this
Thanks Thomas Moore Phil Stubbs Maurice Vaughan Abeeha Alam Sam Sokolow Kelly Namey Daniel Stuelpnagel for all the tips. I’m going to make a post soon about everything I feel like I need specific guidance or help with and keep all of you updated. Thanks again!
1 person likes this
You're welcome, Josh Booker.
Hi Josh, your passion is understandable. Every writer listed here believes their project will make a significant impact on the entertainment industry, otherwise they would not have written or enlisted so much heart into it, so "I have an idea!" or even "I have the greatest idea!" is a very commonplace utterance and is less likely to set you apart or get proper attention. Truly, "the Greatest Show on Earth" belongs only to the circus. Without creds, a platform, or being produced, it becomes difficult for a writer or content creator to sell oneself, or one's belief in their own project and enthusiasm. What recorded reason would the Industry have to believe and invest millions in them? There are some wonderful pages here on S32 concerning "elevator pitching" that focus on pitching the merit and strength of your project rather than one's personal belief in it. Here is a recent one on S32, https://www.stage32.com/blog/10-tips-to-nail-your-next-tv-pitch-3434?
1 person likes this
Hi Josh, we'd would love to learn more about what you are working on and point you to all the resources we have to offer on Stage 32. Shoot us an email at success@stage32.com and let us know a little more about your scripts and goals! Cheers!
Thank you Pidge Jobst I appreciate the in depth response.
2 people like this
Thank you Sam Mannetti i will email right now. Thanks very much.
3 people like this
Writers read, so read all the screenplays that you can in your idea's genre, and you'll absorb technique through literary osmosis.
2 people like this
Great to connect Josh Booker and thanks for sharing what you're working on and your pain points. My recommendation is to check out some of the great screenwriting education on Stage 32.
https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-Screenwriting-Lab-Write-Your-1-...
https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-Screenwriting-4-Part-Class-How-...
https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-To-Use-An-Inciting-Incident-For-Max...
Reach out to us anytime at edu@stage32.com! We'd love to help you on your writing journey and point you in the right direction!
2 people like this
Just start writing instead of worrying about how to write it. An idea in your head is as useless if not executed. You can learn more about the craft of screenwriting later. Write now. It will change in various drafts anyway.