scripting/the basics - going backward to move forward??

ATP · Jul 1, 2008

What I am about to tell my colleagues here will both astound and shock!

Not having yet learned the 'proper' method for writing a 'proper' script,
I am currently writing my first film script (more like chicken scrawl, given the way I do first drafts) as a combination of abridged story, punctuated with a lot of questions and in some cases, alternative 'scenarios'.

Once I manage to finish the story in this manner, I then plan to revise it according to script conventions.

Coming from a notoriously 'straight' background as a NF (b2b) journalist, I am in a sense freeing my imagination from the usual constraints. I have had inspiration, and am 'following' it, seeing where it 'takes' me.

I don't know how many others work this way, or in something akin to this. But, I watched a Criterion Collection dvd on Bergman's 'Wild Strawberries' recently, and in the interview, Bergman described his working method. He had a notebook, with doodles, and assorted pieces, and articles, and other things, and worked on these and somehow pulled them into a script.
Not attempting to emulate Bergman's work method, but at least there's some reference. First starting out on the blank page of script writing software perhaps could be too intimidating. I am sure to find out soon enough...

icerose · Jul 1, 2008

If you find the blank page intimidating, start out writing a basic summary or even an in-depth outline. Keep it in your document and work above it, cut out whatever pieces you write out of your outline or summary so you can see the progress you are making.

WriteKnight · Jul 1, 2008

There's no one 'right' way to gather your creative process. Plenty of books out there on synopsis, treatment, notebook, notecard, doodling, tape recording - whatever.

YOUR process for gathering your thoughts is uniquely your own. It will arise organically out of your personal creative process. Whatever gets you to the end of the first draft is good.

Then the re-writing begins.

Personally, I've found my own creative process varies from script to script. I find it depends on where the creative seed is planted. Sometimes I work backwards from an imagined outcome. Sometimes I write forward from an unusual setup. Outline? Treatment? Yeah, sometimes.

I try not to over-analyze the why's or howz of my process - I just try to nuture it. Understanding that OTHERS have different methods can help me when I am jammed up - dried up - "Maybe if I outlined what I have..." or "Maybe if I put it down on notecards..." or whatever I need that might be different from what I'm doing that will move the process forward.

Its all good.

icerose · Jul 1, 2008

WriteKnight said:
Personally, I've found my own creative process varies from script to script. I find it depends on where the creative seed is planted. Sometimes I work backwards from an imagined outcome. Sometimes I write forward from an unusual setup. Outline? Treatment? Yeah, sometimes.

This is so me. Every script/story writes itself in its own way. Some have an outline up and ready to go, some are totally from the seat of my pants, others are a mix, some are synopsis based. If I think too hard though, I'll get stuck faster than anything though.

Lillyth · Jul 1, 2008

Oddly enough, I am finding that this time around motion helps me. I have had more ideas while driving around letting my mind wander than anything.

I've also found, with previous scripts, that anything that is super raw emotionally, I cannot write on a computer. I need a pen & paper for it (and a good amount of time to decipher it after since my handwriting gets messier the more emotion it contains).

I find the writing software is wonderful for the technical things, but there is an emotional disconnect if I am trying to write something emotive...

WriteKnight · Jul 1, 2008

Yes, I think that changing the situation helps to alleviate any blocked flow. (I'm still talking about writing here - stay with me..)

Whatever the workflow I've developed for the script - say I've decided to work up an outline - then start writing - when I hit a creative snag, I find that a change - in the flow will help.

Yes, 'movement' has worked for me in the past. Driving engages the subconcious particularly.

Leaving the computer - leaving the ROOM and sitting somewhere else with a pad and pencil - feeling the words flow out of my hand (Till it cramps - I've got God-awful penmanship)

All these seem to help.

And knowing that others have utilized them, makes them easier to try.

dageezer · Jul 2, 2008

I had a producer stop by once while he was in town, my wife told him I was o the back deck (which I was) I didn't know he was there for about 15 minutes he said.

Anyway he was laughing... I was shocked because he caught me in the middle of me acting out my script. When I get blocked or an idea hits me, I go and act it out until the answer hits me in the face. Yes, my neighbors have given me some pretty strange looks and something like that usually hits me when I fire up the grill anyway.

I have to see it in my head before I can put it on paper. It works for me.

LIVIN · Jul 2, 2008

Yesterday, I went on the roof for perspiration... err, inspiration.

scripting/the basics - going backward to move forward??

ATP

What happened to my LIFE?!

icerose

Lost in School Work

WriteKnight

Arranger Of Disorder

icerose

Lost in School Work

Lillyth

WriteKnight

Arranger Of Disorder

dageezer

I've done nothing wrong....

LIVIN