Hi guys So.... dramatic music I'm about to start my FIRST ever screenplay. It just so comes to pass that while planning my short story idea, I can't help thinking of the scenes is a more visual way then ever, and it would work great as a short film. However, for a first-timer with no clue, I've looked into possible ways to jump in at the deep end and get started on my first draft- would you say that using the Syd Field narrative structure helped you plan and write in any way?
Screenwriting : The tools of a screenwriter-in-the-making by Lauren Brady
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Immensely. I use it, plus my own time structure theory based on psychology of attention span. Three-act structure of six 15-20 minute parts, some flexibility of course. Plus I was a cameraman so I know what CAN be done and what cannot.
Great- I will definitely try it. Feel as though it will REALLY help me out in getting a strong story structure. Thanks Randall!
1 person likes this
Thank YOU. I work closely with Alan Walsh (2nd unit AD Braveheart) and he and I are trying to raise money and secure distribution for one or two of our scripts. You can see info about mine on my page here, but I am going to expand the synopses into full form as soon as I can upload it all. Plus we have great budget levels here in Ukraine with VERY talented people and HUGE studio soundstages
Alan's page here says nothing. If you use Facebook, go to The Back Room or find him directly
1 person likes this
Awesome posts, Nate and Jacqueline. Just terrific.
2 people like this
Hey Lauren, as a self-taught writer, I wholeheartedly agree with Jacqueline. Just pour out your story -- formatting and structure be damned!!! Then, put it aside and study some great books on the craft; Syd Field, Blake Snyder's "Save the Cat," Michael Hauge books, and "The Screenwriter's Bible" by David Trottier for a complete guide to formatting. You'll be surprised, as I was, that story telling naturally follows a 3-act structure, and that your first draft may already hit important points. Now, it's just a matter of pushing and pulling to better the structure you already have and heighten the drama. Make the script terse and vivid. The magic happens in the rewrite. And... the next rewrite and the next!
1 person likes this
Lauren, I worried about that too. I spent a number of hours reading about screenplay layout and best ways to start a screenplay, but in the end, I went back to what I have been successfully doing at playwriting.... just get the story down. I then just went back through it, making edits and putting in the direction notes. For me the moments of inspiration come too fast for me to really worry about the layout and formatting. In fact, I usually do it in an outline and just "brain dump" all ideas good or bad out, then start the process of connecting the points with dialogue, etc. I have since starting this new adventure (about 2 weeks ago) written 5 short screenplays, 2 of which have been requested for production. Good luck!!
2 people like this
I agree with what most have said here just write it down, get it all out of your system and then figure out the formatting later. There are many screenwriting programs that can help with formatting once you have your story in place. Good luck and all the best!!
c'mon connect with Alan Walsh and me, here and on Facebook. The Very Married Christmas screenplay is available for your review too
Thanks Laura, that's so interesting! I will definitely try and pick up a copy of that particular book, it does sound less daunting! Thank you very much for your advice.
3 people like this
All great comments here. Just also remember that everyone is different with how they write, and for me, the 'pouring out' bit doesn't really work: outlining works! Once I've planned the story down to every important detail, then I pour the script out. Things will change as you write, obviously, but it means I know I can sail it through to the ending! Outlining helps me create a fully-formed, emotionally satisfying and exciting story. If I don't know the ending, and exactly how to get there (and making sense!), I will get lost in the middle and struggle to finish.
I agree, Ben...One more reason I say to use screenwriting books as a guideline, not gospel. Find your own method of writing. Whatever gets you sitting down writing pages productively.
1 person likes this
I've done it both ways: all plotted out, and then sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and write, not knowing how it will end. Sometimes I wind up grafting one piece into another. What do I know? Only my worst (in my opinion) work ever gets produced or published.
I highly recommend you use Blake Snyder's beats...read Save the Cat. I taught a successful class on his structure. His structure helped me outline my master thesis screenplay...also read screenplays in the genre your short story is. That will help you in creating your story.