After reading the previous post where a member requested help with his voice-over script for a presentation, I got to thinking about script writing myself. I've heard that script writing is perhaps the most difficult form of writing. Do we have anyone that has ever written a script for a movie or theater production? If so, how difficult is it, and do you have any tips you'd like to share? I've had an inkling before to try my hand at it, but know absolutely nothing about script writing personally. Anyone care to speak up on the subject? :) David L. Writer's Coord.

Attached Link: http://www.writersstore.com/article.php?articles_id=525&discount=ezine&source=ezine

It's like any writing. It takes time, patients and dedication. I actually find it easier to write a script than a novel. In a novel you have to show the reader emotions and reactions and in a script you basically give the actors guidelines on what you are looking for. Same goes for Sets. I use a method similar to the one that dialyn mentioned earlier in this forum...Expanded Scene Breakdown. Although I had a different name for it it is basically the same thing. I guess the reason some think it is harder is because you have to do more planning before you start the writing. If you just sit down at your keyboard and think..."I'm going to write a script" then yes it will be very very very difficult. Writing anything can be easy...Writing something good, now there lie the struggle.

I am guessing that the reason some people find scripts difficult to write is that they also find it difficult to write in terms of scenes and dialogue. The starting place for many new writers is blocks and blocks of meditative and descriptive narrative, which doesn't translate well to a script format. Just thinking out loud. I think it is hard to know when one has written something good. I don't have any confidence any more that I know what means.

I wrote a play way back in highschool... we even performed it. It got me an A, but I watched the tape back a couple of years ago and decided two things. One... I have never been and will never be an actress. Two... I need to stay away from writing a present day murder mystery! :D

Very good obsevations dialyn I would have to agree.

As far as writing something good. As I am writing I think it is great (why else would I continue) however later I look at it and I think it is crap. I think it is human nature. We are our worst critics that is what makes us strive to be better which will eventually lead to greatness.

I once wrote a song that I thought was great until I finished it. Then I thought it was crap. To make a long story short years later after a few drinks I played it for some friends and I then I was forced to allow friends to play it at my wedding reception. Everyone loved it.
Moral of the story. Even if you think it is crap at least try to finish it because you can learn something even from bad writing and you never know...someone may think it is great.

Well that's it for the inspiration this week. Everyone have a good easter weekend. PS I posted to the gallery a short piece I wrote in my head during my morning commute.

Later

Message edited on: 03/25/2005 11:06

Its difficult to accept your own good writing, because we as artists (regardless of the medium) are always critical of our own work and can find something to improve on. Like japes' song, for example. Someone else may well love your writing, you might hate it. Back to topic of script writing, To me its extremely hard to write a script, I prefer poetry and semi-vague novelization in the third and sometimes second-person narrative. I however have a friend to which script writing comes naturally, but he dislikes and isent good at poetry. It all comes down to how well you CAN write a script. But there is never harm in trying ;) I'm going to go read that short piece japes wrote now.

Attached Link: http://www.scriptologist.com/

"The How -To Magazine For Screenwriters." Looks as if it may have some good information. This has probably been posted before. Apologies to those who already knew about it.

Attached Link: http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/scriptologist_dot_com/

From the website: This Yahoo Group is for screenwriters who want to find out about new screenwriting contests, network with fellow screenwriters and filmmakers, and get alerts about new screenwriting exercises posted on Scriptologist.com: www.scriptologist.com This Yahoo Group also contains free, award-winning screenplays in the files section, as well as a links section to which you can add a hyperlink to your own film or screenwriting Web site. Many of the members of this Group have gotten useful writing advice from other members--something that makes being a member the most important thing you can do for your career in Hollywood.

Good stuff for me :) I'd never known about that. Thanks for posting that link dialyn!!