Screenplay storytelling, writing, formatting, and how to put it all together.
3
votes
1answer
53 views
Screenwriting: Help with paragraph length.
I have a descriptive paragraph, at the beginning of a scene:
INT. VICTIM’S BASEMENT - NIGHT
------, a professional criminal, and serial killer, is hard at work in the basement of an ...
1
vote
2answers
59 views
Words for Sounds in Screenplay
Is there any list of words use in screenplay? Like below. What word I can use to describe the sound of metal gate and a sound of a tower built in metal?
THUD - body fall sound
BANG - some blast ...
1
vote
1answer
80 views
Chopped sentences with too many conjunction, and repeating the subject again and again
I have tendency to write chopped sentences with too many conjunctions, repeating the subject again and again. I don't want that but I'm not skilled in English.
For example how do write the following ...
-1
votes
2answers
71 views
Writing style — comma, period and re-referring the object of the first sentence again as subject in second sentence [closed]
Alex look around the room, it's almost empty except few small empty boxes and few clothes.
Alex look around the room. It's almost empty except few small empty boxes and few clothes.
Alex ...
2
votes
3answers
126 views
How to tell if my story is finished, or needs more?
Slightly obtuse title, let me elaborate.
I'm writing my first screenplay, and I'm trying to keep it simple while making it simultaneously wonderful. It's just a rom-com.
But as I write and modify ...
1
vote
1answer
43 views
Is there a way to import a script from Celtx into Final Draft?
Is there a way to import a script from Celtx into Final Draft? Going to switch and it seems as though my script is "locked" into Celtx's format. I'm hoping this is possible and that there isn't a huge ...
5
votes
2answers
177 views
Do script readers start at the beginning?
Script readers-- the people who sift and sort the vast piles of scripts submitted to Hollywood -- do they start at the beginning?
The reason I ask is that I know 99% of scripts are awful and just get ...
0
votes
1answer
54 views
Is it a good idea to first write the linear plot when writing a segmented screenplay?
I am working on a segmented screen play, involving three major segments cutting in and out frequently. I was planning to write the entire plot in a linear, unsegmented style, then cut it up per the ...
4
votes
5answers
182 views
How to tell a story with the least amount of writing?
I love to invent stories and come up with ideas, but I don't have the patience to fill out all the details that is usually a part of a novel. (For those of you familiar with Myers-Briggs or Jungian ...
3
votes
1answer
88 views
How applicable are screenwriting ideas to novels?
My current goal is to write a novel (I'm already close to the 35K word mark). However, most of the books I've read about story structure are actually about screenwriting.
While stories are stories no ...
2
votes
2answers
124 views
What existing platforms use crowdsourcing to develop creative writing and editing?
What existing platforms use crowdsourcing to develop creative writing and editing?
What are the barriers in developing an active community? Why would this not work? Has it been tried? Was it ...
1
vote
1answer
306 views
Should you specify camera action in a film script?
Some scripts I read specify the exact camera angle of every shot-- where the camera starts, what we see, how it will move during the scene.
And some scripts are a little less specific.
Is this only ...
2
votes
3answers
108 views
Is it a bad idea to linger too long on a first draft?
I'm currently working on the first draft of a screenplay, and it's not very good right now.
It's little things; some parts go too quickly or slowly, other dialogue exchanges need improvement, and ...
5
votes
1answer
618 views
How to handle screenplay revisions in Final Draft?
I need to revise a screenplay in Final Draft, and I'm finding that the revision features in the program are poor. Are there any ways to introduce revision features in to Final Draft, similar to Track ...
2
votes
2answers
640 views
Why are some words in screenplays set in all caps?
I believe I understand this and I'm looking for confirmation.
Examples:
It has become a tugging match with the Weird Man shouting, "I'll
take you to a taxi... I'll take you." Ahead, a group is ...
3
votes
2answers
144 views
How do you estimate the length of your screenplay in screentime?
The title says it all. I'm talking about a feature-length film here, although I'm sure the techniques are universal.
1
vote
1answer
116 views
How do you get into screenwriting?
If you want to publish short fiction, you send it out to magazines. If you want to publish a novel, you send it to literary agencies.
But what if you want to sell a screenplay? Who do you talk to?
0
votes
3answers
280 views
How to cover different perspectives/levels of thinking in one story?
I was reasoning with a friend about why movies/novels often get highly successful while other, despite having an interesting story/topic, dont get much attention. We came to speak about Matrix, Pulp ...
6
votes
5answers
214 views
The Protagonist and the 'Mid Point' of a Screenplay
I'm currently working through the preparation process before I start to write my first feature length screenplay, helped in no small part by Syd Field's books.
I've got the three act structure ...
8
votes
4answers
611 views
What is the process for turning a story into a “movie” script?
This is probably a slightly vague sounding question, but I'm curious as to how "stories" go to the point of becoming a film production (at least to the point of becoming a script).
5
votes
2answers
99 views
Shots in a spec script?
I'm writing a feature-length movie screenplay - well it's still at the story stage, so I haven't started to write the screenplay itself yet. I have been reading wordplayer and a few scripts to see the ...
4
votes
1answer
3k views
Is there an accepted format for comedy sketch writing?
I have been doing Google searches for examples or teleplays to download that may offer insight for sketch comedy writing. Is there a specific format that those in the industry follow or is simply the ...
9
votes
2answers
263 views
What are the structural differences between scripts for comics and scripts for films?
Has anyone experienced the transition from writing plots/stories for comics to writing a script viable for films? If so, what are the main differences and challenges?
1
vote
6answers
268 views
Are there any free programs for screen writers
Screenwriting has a very strict format that Microsoft Word cannot fully match. Are there any good screenwriting word processors out there that are free?
5
votes
5answers
614 views
Do episodes of the show House follow a constant structural pattern?
I've seen a few episodes of House M.D., and I wonder, are the episodes written according to a fixed structural pattern? If so, what are the details, and why does such a structure make the show ...
8
votes
5answers
1k views
How difficult is it to break into screenwriting?
Is it difficult to get anyone to buy a screenplay you write? I am thinking about writing a screenplay but am concerned that maybe I shouldn't waste my time; I have no formal training in writing ...
6
votes
2answers
306 views
How does one go about successfully getting their movie script, or screen play, into the right hands?
How does one go about successfully getting their movie script, or screen play, into the hands of top level Hollywood producers?
Does one need a literary agent?
If so where does one find one that ...
8
votes
4answers
336 views
How can I get started screenwriting/playwriting?
I have some experience writing stories, but would like to beginning screenwriting. Are there any online guides to show how to get started and transition into writing for the stage, where ideas need to ...
