Screenwriting : Research by Shrirang Nargund

What Specific Information are you Looking for ?

its not about some specific profession but its about the right way of research for screenwriting so that the script will be more authentic and also it can add a lot to the content. it could be profession or some location or some person...

Are you referring to documentary ?

If you don't a resource available then the internet, books, known scripts with that particular subject or movies might be the only resources available IMO. You try online videos too, but it depends on the subject. Personally, I like to stick to things that I know.

Give it a try and work as an assistant for someone who's already doing your important character's job . one month of hard physical work is good for all screenwriters , good for their work coz it means more reality and good for their bodies, don't forget writing stories require a quiet body and a very active mind , the perfect screenwriter should spend his spare time while discovering new things generally . have a good day. Danny

Once spent a whole month researching the LA Times as it was core to my story. Photos; maps; policy; articles; fascinating.

Put in the time and do the research even if it means shoe leather on the street. It really shows in the story. It reads as powerful wriiting as opposed to cliché.

The Internet is always a good source but being able to find and converse with someone in the profession you are writing about is best--it also creates the possibility (and need) to create new contacts and friends...

Most writers think of their writing as art and take action on what the writing gods impress them with. While that can sometimes be satisfying, it most often does not lead to something that can be produced. If your interest is Hollywood then write what 'you' know and find that one thing you know that would interest a buyer. I find all the new aspiring writers I've dealt with over the last 18+ years go with ideas that have no marketability. Find something you do know about (especially interesting people) and further your chances a 1,000 fold at selling it because you can write from a truism. It's about your characters inner life, not their job, that makes a great script. If you write from that perspective you can then hire someone who can consult you on the correct aspects of how your characters profession plays out in the movie and give you all the correct wording and dynamics. (Like how Aaron Sorkin hired consultants for West Wing to "get it right".

"...what has irritated them the most..." I like this :)

I do it the old fashioned way and get books from the library or, if I can't find any there, buy them.

I call it Google, you maybhave heard of it.

Blimey, Kevin, not sure if you meant it to but that came over as a bit curt! :-s

thank you friends for great discussion! many a times we take a character that seems common and familiar and while writing we think that I know this profession well, e.g. police officer, lawyer, doctor but the truth is we know only outline of the profession, not the details. so even for the very common professions, we can see plenty of wrong things happening on the screen. as Jacqueline and Stephen has rightly pointed out that 'what has irritated them the most about screen portrayals of their job'. That's what happens even with the most common professions when screenwriter thinks that he/she knows this profession well just because its common. sometimes the wrong portrayals of the character or location, can send wrong messages in the society. e.g. psychiatric patients or ward or treatment. sometimes they show it in so wrong way that people actually get scared to go to psychiatrist or taking treatment.

Enjoy the Network & don't forget to LIKE Yuri's F.B page ...Yuri is my newest project . have a good day .. Danny https://www.facebook.com/pages/YURI/214715905318795