Elements of Successful Screenwriting - Part 2

It is easier to write a screenplay than a book. Well, that's my opinion.

I've written five books, a feature film, a television pilot, a half dozen short film scripts, as well as numerous newspaper articles. Each one required a word count/page length and a set of standards in the writing process. And yes, I have one short film in post production, Dough Nuts And More.

For me writing dialogue for a script is by far the easiest.

Why?

Because each page is one minute of screen time and 120 pages of mostly dialogue is less agonizing than taking a reader through a novel with multiple settings, character descriptions and twists. Well, you still need the twists in a screenplay.

Here are two examples from the script and book Marquel.

Script example:

Novel sample:

Films and books don't match necessarily.

Most of us can write several screenplays in the time it takes to write a novel.

However, you have to complete something to know you can.

A bad 120 page script or 40,000 word novella can be reworked. My motto is finish what you start, no matter how bad you think it is.

Outlining is critical.

Whether a book or script, it is easier to put plot points on index cards and rearrange them until you feel certain your story has a beginning, middle and end.

Once you have the outline, you can begin the writing process. For me outlining is a sentence or two about a chapter or scene. In screenwriting it is called beats.

I have written with an outline and without. Even if you know the end of the story, you'll feel like you are in a maze without an outline. Trust me.

I wrote two books in a TOTAL of 82 days with outlines, and three books that took several years without outlines. I had to try it both ways. I actually did outline later in the process of the three non-outlined books to keep my sanity.

The outline for Marquel's Dilemma (the 2nd book in the Marquel series), is now going to be the 3rd book Marquel's Redemption, because my characters were not cooperating during the book 2 writing process. The upside is I now have a 3 book series.

Know you are doing well when the characters take over the writing. They have a way of steering the story in directions you've not thought of.

With a script, it is okay if your characters don't go where you want them to, as long as they hit the beats and get to the plotted ending. Your characters always have better ideas than you do.

I can write a 1/2 hour pilot in 10 days. A short film in one day -- a working draft that is, not the finished product.

Once you have your screenplay complete, you'll want to put it away for a week or so before you begin editing and rewriting. You need fresh eyes.

Warning: you'll be amazed at parts and totally erase parts.

Next - Elements of Successful Screenwriting - Part 3

To learn more about my books visit www.emilyskinnerbooks.com

Elements of Successful Screenwriting - Part 3

There are a lot of good books about writing screenplays.

I think Aaron Sorkin's recommendation to read William Goldman's "Adventures of the Screen Trade" is a good place to start. Goldman gives real examples of the industry, funny tales from his work life in Hollywood and at the end, he gives an example of the process of converting a short story to a script. The example answers a lot questions beginners need and veterans likely want to remember.

Yours truly, writing this blog post.

Current screenplays will reveal style changes from William Goldman's heyday. Read your favorites or the genre you want to master. Many can be downloaded free. Just do a Google search and take a look.

Get index cards and as you read a page of script, write a sentence about what you read.

Example: Page 1 - Introduction of main character xxxx. Action sequence xxx.

If you do this, you'll have a blue print for that film or show in an outline format.

Once you have the outline, you can pace a film of your own in a similar fashion. There is a definite order that script consultants look for. You are modeling, not copying another person's work.

The first few pages are the set up of what the end should fulfill.

Example: If your character says they never get the girl or respect in the opening. Guess what has to happen in the end? The character has to get the girl and respect.

After you have read and outlined a film, watch the movie or episode and see how it was translated to the screen by the director, the cinematographer, wardrobe, set designer, lighting, sound and acting talent. Each department has a vision of the script the director is trying to convey. Everyone on the film has a stake in telling your story.

The cast and crew share your vision.

I hear stories from my producer daughter Blair.  Everyone wants to be a part of a quality project. The crew enjoys the challenge of making the best show possible. So give your script your best.

Another tip I learned from actors (my daughter Marquel). Give your small roles a name vs. Girl #2

Why?

Actors work long and hard to get even the smallest role. They deserve to a role they can be proud of. No matter how small. Make sure your script is considerate of all the characters. Don't take any for granted.

Also, as a newbie, avoid writing a big budget film that has loads of explosions and special effects. Tell a story with a reasonable budget and limited locations/cast.

I took a producing workshop from Chris Wyatt, the producer of Napoleon Dynamite.
Wyatt explained how they shopped the film to investors until they found a private individual who ultimately made their script a film reality. It was easier to pitch a comedy rich in quirky characters and limited locations.

Napoleon Dynamite is either a film you love or not. --I love it. It's offbeat, and made a huge splash at Sundance Film Festival. The rest is history.

In conclusion, get screenwriting software like Final Draft, read scripts in your genre, outline a few and watch the film(s). Outline your script in a similar fashion to what you have read, without infringing on another's work and then send it for script coverage and see what the experts say.

Good luck!

Watch for our short film Dough Nuts And More - coming to a film festival near you in 2018/2019.

My book links are at www.emilyskinnerbooks.com



 

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction - The Days of Our Lives!

This happened...

My daughter Marquel on the left, Marci Miller on the right

When I wrote my novel Marquel (about an actress who becomes a soap star), I never imaged my real daughter Marquel would become an actress, let alone appear on a soap opera. It was extremely generous of Marci Miller to post this photo on Instagram and mention our Marquel.

I could not pass up an opportunity to share this #proudMOMent.
Thank you Days of Our Lives!

Okay, back to writing!

For a link to the book Marquel see my website: www.emilyskinnerbooks.com