how to write an oscar winning script....

[preyer]

what are the story elements involved in writing a script that appeals to modern oscar voters?

first of all, you don't *need* a love story.

your story has a better chance if a main character dies in the end. the oscars love pathos. only the first half of the movie needs to actually be entertaining.

use voiceovers with morgan freeman.

slow the pace down. there's supposedly a lot of 'depth' showing your main character stare off into the distance/at the floor for thirty seconds. hell, even star wars did it to great effect, one of the defining moments of the first movie for a lot of people.

subtext. oscar voters love this stuff, being in the business and ostensibly knowing what to look for in a good movie.

more later. maybe. :)

[zagoraz]

Why should a screenwriter give such serious thought to something so subjective and unpredictable? If you're writing a screenplay with winning an Oscar in mind, you're probably not doing it justice. Write the stories you want to write the way you want to write them. Talent does not get overlooked in the long haul. There's nothing wrong with setting your sights high and being a dreamer, but keep at least one foot on the ground. No point in setting yourself up for such a big disappointment.

[okaybrass]

HAhehaaha I think the part with Morgan Freeman is funny. But it's all true! In order to win an oscar, the screenplay has to be a drama. Why don't comedy scripts ever win the oscars!? wait...you know what. I dont care.

[TheRuleofThirds]

Oscars don't mean jack to me. There's plenty of movies that are remembered for being good that were passed up on Oscar night. For instance, I bet Batman Begins doesn't win jack. Something stupid probably will rack up like The English Patient. My dream is making something memorable that everybody remembers. I don't care if it's as good as The Godfather or as campy as Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Just as long as people leave wanting to lead a better life.

[preyer]

just being a bit sarcastic, y'all. :) it's pretty much true, though, as far as i can tell.

[Optimus]

Wow. Zag certainly can't take a joke.

[preyer]

well, sometime people take things the wrong way. that's cool. it happens when you can't talk in person. while i thought it was pretty clear i wasn't beginning a serious essay, not everyone knows my writing style. hell, people familiar with me sometimes can't tell when i'm being serious or not, lol.

but, really, is it *that* subjective? the examples i provided are a pretty good start and fairly indicative of the elements that go into best pictures. whether they're funny or not is subjective more so than the veracity of what was said, eh? how can i quantify what goes into a 'best picture' potential movie? probably the same way HW studios can when they make their 'prestige pictures.' :) i mean, a prestige picture has certain qualities, no? is there a secret to the scripts or are they just happen to be written that way out of pure coincidence?

[zagoraz]

Yeah I totally read it the wrong way. Pass the Midol. Does that work on guys? :ROFL:

[StephieM]

I got the humor. :hooray:

Morgan Freeman really has a good voice though. Hmmmm?

I like actors with distinct voices. Donald Sutherland. I love Donald Sutherland.

Seriously though, I would just be happy, extremely happy, if I could just sell a script. Oh wait...don't I have to finish one of those first? :eek:

Steph

[TheRuleofThirds]

What if someone got Dan Castellaneta to do Barney Gumble as a VO in some movie? Oh wait...Puke-ahontas. Right...

[preyer]

'million dollar baby,' 'shawshank redemption'... was there one for 'driving miss daisy'?

it helps having actors who transcend their characters, don't it?