Writing Partner

[Pablo]

Hi, I'm looking for a serious UK screenwriting partner. I have the ideas and I have the words down. I need help to format, please.

[StephieM]

Pablo,

Have you heard of Final Draft or Movie Magic? These programs will do the formatting for you. Of course you still have to learn the formatting rules before you can correctly write a script. Not knowing tells me, you're not quite ready for a partner. In order to gain a partner, you must convince him/her that your screenwriting abilities are way above par. Writing down a bunch of words doesn't do it. Coming up with a story is the easy part, formatting it into a proper screenplay takes time and a lot of revising and rewriting. Your asking someone to do all the work for you.

Don't mean to be grouchy, but if you're really serious about screenwriting, formatting should be the first thing you learn before writing a single word out.

Steph

[Pablo]

Well excuse me but unless you know me well and you obviously do not, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Thankyou for being so welcoming to a new poster. I'm looking for a writing partner not a lacky.
I do have the words down. I have written the manuscripts but they are in novel form (154,000 words) and you're telling me I don't want to do the work.
I have never attempted to write screenplay but it was pointed out to me that my work was condusive to TV. I searched for a forum where I imagined I might get help with this project. I came to the wrong place without a doubt.
Thankyou for pointing me in the right direction--out!

[dpaterso]

You tell 'er, Pablo! Now that's what I call a manly entrance! Keep it up, you're bound to make many friends with that macho attitude, hombre!

Wow, 154,000 words, that's like, six screenplays right there.

Or d'you mean you've written a novel and want to adapt it into a screenplay?

Have you considered reading the screenplay versions of novels that were adapted into films? Might get you something. For anyone who can write 154,000 words, writing a screenplay would be dead easy.

-Derek
Derek's Web Page - stories, screenplays, novels, insanity. (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57/scripts.htm)

[JustinoXXV]

Pablo specificially asked for a screenwriting partner. Perhaps instead of telling him what to do, you guys could have allowed any possible potential partners to hook up with him (or not, depending on their interest).

I think the biggest drawback of these forums is how everyone must prove that he or she is ABOVE the so called NEWBIE, when the overwhelming majority of us haven't sold anything.

[dpaterso]

What are you Justino, some kind of spam program that replies with contrary opinions to anything that's posted regardless of content or common sense?

"I have the ideas and I have the words down" and "I need help to format" suggests Pablo is looking for a typist, not a creative writing partner.

-Derek
Derek's Web Page - stories, screenplays, novels, insanity. (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57/scripts.htm)

[Pablo]

I never thought about that idea. Of course what I relly need is a pencil sharpener after all those written words. Are you offering?
Thanks all for the spirited welcome.
Best regards.

[icerose]

Hi Pablo,

Welcome. I'm not anywhere near the UK so I am of no help to you. Good luck with your adaption. I got a co-writer for my adaption but let me tell you writing a script is very different from writing a novel especially the dialog. I wish you luck, it isn't an easy undertaking.

[Mac H.]

G'day Pablo,

Your best bet is probably to learn the skills yourself. It's great having the ideas & words, but though you want a 'serious' partner to help format, most of us (who aren't getting paid for it) won't find your offer very tempting.

The story is the fun bit. The ideas. You've done the fun bits and you want some one to help 'format' it.

Incidentally it's a real task to convert a 'manuscript' style story into something for the screen. It's certainly not formatting.

Start learning. Try a couple of pages, and put them on the critique board.

Hope to see you around ..

Mac
~~~~
"Doubt not therefore, Sir, but that Screenwriting is an Art, and an art worth your learning:The question is instead ..."
-- The Compleat Screenwriter. Izaak Walton

[StephieM]

WOW! Really didn't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers. :Wha:

Pablo,
I'm sorry. Welcome to the forum. :)
I try to be honest when answering a post, apologies if I came off snide and a little too blunt. Too many newbie screenwriters are vulnerable to the idea of a writing partner, they think "wow, two brains are better than one." But that is not the case. Most often than not, when you post a message seeking a partner, you are going to attract many writers who still have A LOT to learn, and in the long run, that is going to hurt you. Also considering you have a 156,000 word novel ready for formatting, isn't exactly a ring in a screenwriter's ear, more like a screech. :Sun:
Adapting a novel is a lot harder than it seems. Before you can jump in and assume someone is going to take on that kind of resposibility you must first show that you are capable of holding up your end of the bargain. No one is going to do all the work for you and than expect to share the credit.
There are two things you can do. If your novel is published, you can sell your rights to a screenwriter, who is experienced enough to take on the task and who finds your story worth the time. Two, you can buy a couple books on screenwriting, purchase some formatting software, read a few scripts, and try your own hand at it. Everyone here will be happy to help you with whatever it is you have questions on or need help with, including myself, unless of course I've totally demolished that bridge. :)

Hope you understand.
Steph

[Pablo]

Realising the difficulties Steph, is what brought me here. In actual fact I've been a member here since February but as my work wasn't complete, there was no need for me to post.
I have tried and am trying to format my work but would still appreciate help. After all, isn't that what these forums are for? It's always been my belief that these groups are supportive of like folk. My mistake I suppose. Anyway thank-you for your helpful reply and my apologies for being so sharp initially.

P


As for my 150,000 odd words whoever you were complaining, oh I see it now, Paterson, a Scot, that explains plenty, they are two works not one. Have you ever managed something of the sort? I doubt it. If you'd like to continue your criticisms of me, you can find my e-mail address somewhere around here it won't cost you anything. After all I found yours.

[Annabanana]

While it's not impossible for a total beginner to find a writing partner (plenty of total beginners in the sea), in this particular case, you will have a difficult time attracting a partner since it sounds like the STORY is pretty much written and your would-be partner would have trouble getting an idea in edgewise. Perhaps you ought to hire a ghost writer for a small fee. Check with your local university dramatic writing department.

[icerose]

There is also a specific Writing Partner section. You might have more luck there. I would suggest including a logline and synopsis to see if anyone is interested in your story. Where as you are limiting it to the UK that limits the potentials so you may or may not get a reply.

Also even though you may not be happy with others comments, they may seem abrupt and what not, but they are being honest so no reason to insult them. It took me months upon months to find a writing partner to help me adapt my book and she is a beginner as well.

If you can afford to hire a professional to adapt it you will be better off and have a lot more luck that way.

If you can't, well good luck. I don't know many writers who have time to take on yet another project without upfront pay.

This board is about support, but you also have to show it. To many of the people here you came off sounding like you wanted someone to do all the work of writing a script for you, working with non-original material, with payment deferred. That is a really big thing to ask partly because none of us know you and partly because thats a lot of work.

I do wish you the best though.

[scripter1]

Welcome to the boards. Well, welcome to posting and coming out of your lurkum.

Let's see if we can get you a little more help by being specific about your needs.
Are you looking for someone who can sit down with you and your two novels and help you turn them into proper screenplays or TV scripts? Detailed, nitty gritty, cut, slash and rebuild help?
Or do you just want standard screenwriting format help?

Well, lets get to work partner.

A script is written in courier font, 12 point. 1 and a half inch margin on the left (so there is plenty of room for brads)1/2 inch margin on the right (at 71/2 inches in Word Perfect.) {You're best bet is to buy software but at this point WP or something will work just fine.}

Any scene that takes place INside something (no matter what it is) is an INTERIOR scene. Anything that takes place OUTside somewhere is an EXTERIOR scene.
Go through your novel and sort out all the locals. Jot them down and label them thus : INT. MIKE'S HOUSE - DAY EXT. MIKE'S YARD - NIGHT
etc, etc. Double space before and after. (1 blank line between.)

Every time your story moves from inside to outside you need these SLUGLINES.

All action and description is left adjusted, no indents. Spoken dialog is indented 2.5 from left. Parenthetical (wrylie) is at 3. Character name is in ALL CAPS at 3.5.

Maximum page length is 120.

Take what you have and put it in that format. .......................

..........................................

...............................................
..................................................
.................................................. .

Done? Lets see.
YIKES!!!!! It's 1,000 pages!!!!!!
Hmm, guess we'll have to start trimming it down.
Go through and cut out EVERYTHING that is not life, blood, guts, brain, spine, heart, lungs of the story. All the asides, all the detours, all the rema----

You know what? Let's just start over.

What is your story really about? What is the core conflict? So and so has a goal/want/need and something or someone is stopping them from getting it because of what?

Extract that from your novel. Then pick out the most powerful chapters that really SLAM that conflict forward and put them into the script.
Go over what you have and rework it with the eye of the camera. WATCH it through the lens of your minds eye. If it can't be filmed don't keep it.
Trim up, par down, fill in various elements here and there ALWAYS keeping in mind that the core conflict must be advancing. The protag keeps striving for that goal while the antag strives for his/her/its goal and the goals are opposed to each other.

Keep blocks of descriptive/action lines to five or less.
Avoid scenes where people are just talking, still talking,and talking some more.

As you think with the camera of your mind you should soon realize that there are many parts of the novel that simply will not transfer over to film. You will have to cut them.
The script will flux and change quite a bit as you work it around.
Screenwriters refer to their work as "our babies." Just like real children scripts tend to take on a life of their own.
Let the child grow but parent it with firm discipline.

Don't know if that was what you were really looking for but maybe it helped a little bit.

Otherwise take a few moments to tell us about your novel, details of what you are looking for and what you can offer the partnership and maybe someone will be interested.

[Mac H.]

.. but would still appreciate help. After all, isn't that what these forums are for? It's always been my belief that these groups are supportive of like folk.Honestly Pablo, we are being supportive.

If you want people to say "I support you in your search for a writing partner" then you won't find it here.
If you want people to give you info in what will attract a writing partner to your project, then you've already been given it.
If you want some info on how to start the mammoth job of converting a story from your manuscript version to the screen - then Scripter1 has given you a good start.

People here are very supportive. Yes, we do snipe and bicker. And people didn't say nice things about my script. But it has been worth it.

Here's how to make the best use of the support here:
Read some scripts. Think of a great scene from your manuscript, and make it 'look like' the script samples you've seen. Post it for a critique. Listen to the critiques, and figure out what they have a problem with.

Change the scene and repost.

That way, you'll have some practise at writing a good scene before you write all 110 pages..

(And that's before we get to the issues of what to leave in the story...)

Another curious thought - why limit your collaboration with somebody in the UK. Is it for funding reasons?

Mac
(PS: Feel free to criticize Derek on many fronts - but one thing you can't say is that he hasn't produced enough words! A novice like me finds his sheer output is quite overwhelming...)

[GonnaBeFamous]

Pablo specificially asked for a screenwriting partner. Perhaps instead of telling him what to do, you guys could have allowed any possible potential partners to hook up with him (or not, depending on their interest).

I think the biggest drawback of these forums is how everyone must prove that he or she is ABOVE the so called NEWBIE, when the overwhelming majority of us haven't sold anything.

Truer words have never been spoken here. 95% of the people here have to try and prove and talke like they are better writer then others here. Its laughable.

[Mac H.]

Perhaps instead of telling him what to do, you guys could have allowed any possible potential partners to hook up with him (or not, depending on their interest). Err - we have. I don't think anybody here as stopped potential partners hooking up with him. We've also given him tips on how to attract potential partners. I think the biggest drawback of these forums is how everyone must prove that he or she is ABOVE the so called NEWBIE, when the overwhelming majority of us haven't sold anything. But surely that's the point. We are striving to improve so that we will be better than the so called 'newbie'. That's what trying to improve is about.

95% of the people here have to try and prove and talke like they are better writer then others here. Its laughable. Err - You do realise the irony of misspelled words in a sentence where you complain that other people think that they are better writers !?

C'mon - apart from one poster's sarcasm, every HAS been very helpful. And even the sarcasm was making a pretty clear point. What could we have said that would have been more supportive?

Mac

[GonnaBeFamous]

We are striving to improve so that we will be better than the so called 'newbie'. That's what trying to improve is about.

Mac

That's not what Justino was saying. He's saying(at least thats what I take on it because its the truth) that everyone here is more worried about getting on their soapbox and telling others how much of a better writer they are instead of acknowledging until they have sold a script, they advice isn't that great. I'd say thats true for most of the posters here(BTW I don't think your one of them.)

[StephieM]

That's not what Justino was saying. He's saying(at least thats what I take on it because its the truth) that everyone here is more worried about getting on their soapbox and telling others how much of a better writer they are instead of acknowledging until they have sold a script, they advice isn't that great. I'd say thats true for most of the posters here(BTW I don't think your one of them.)

Getting a little off the subject, but hey, I'll go along.

No one here that I know of has ever boasted about being a better screenwriter than anyone else except you, gonna. I have many times admitted that I'm not anywhere near a professional and still need to learn a lot. But that doesn't mean I can't see a mistake or bad writing when I see it. No one forces you to take our advice and use it. Our advice is given to help you understand what and why things need to change in your script. Some of us spend a great deal of time critiquing and helping others out, time we could be spending on our own scripts. We don't do it because we think it makes us appear to be a better screenwriter than everyone else, or because it makes us feel good to rip someone else's script apart. We do it for YOU. It's up to YOU to decide wether or not this help will be of good use to you. Some of us are more honest than others, we don't like to beat around the bush, and tell you how great your work is, if it's really not. We are not here to hold your hand and guide you through every process. If that is what kind of support you are seeking, then you are in the wrong place. We give advice to help you improve your writing. This is what we offer-a chance to improve and to become a better screenwriter. Sorry we can't offer you much more than that.

Back to the subject at hand.

Pablo,
Did I say welcome to the board? Don't worry, we don't argue like this all the time, well... most of the time, but don't let it scare you away. :) A lot of good people here to help you out. Like I said above, we don't give the kind of support where we pat you on the back and say great job unless we really do believe you did a great job. We will give you advice added with a few opinions that you may or may not find useful. None of us are professionals, we are all aspiring screenwriters here to help each other out. Yes, a very thick skin is highly recommended. (some haven't quite grasped that concept yet.) :Sun:

If you have a thick skin and are willing to improve then you found the right place.

Why don't you give us a sample of what you got so far, a scene or two, and we can start helping you out.

Steph

[GonnaBeFamous]

Getting a little off the subject, but hey, I'll go along.

No one here that I know of has ever boasted about being a better screenwriter than anyone else except you, gonna.

That's a lie. I have never said or even implied I was a better screenwriter then anyone here. Just because I have confidence in myself don't confuse that with criticism towards others. That has nothing to do with others.

What I and Justino too I believe was saying, is that a lot of users here have ego problems as far as trying to say they are better then everyone else when they haven't proven themselves.

[StephieM]

"I have a hilarious script that other then a minor polish is probably done. I think the thing is absolutely genius."

"I think this script is actually made better then most hollywood films"

"I think I know the secret to making a sucessful screenplay that would sell as a spec"

"My script is hilarious and if I didn't know it so well I'd probably laugh at each page"

"Yeah, my script pushes the edges at times, but looks like it would definitely be acceptable."

"I posted one scene(Probably one of the dullest in the whole story) of it in the critique board. You're welcome to read it. If you laugh at that scene you can only imagine how good the rest is, Hint(10 times better)."

"I keep the readers surprised, but obviously if your not entertained by the script then this is not your type of thing, thats OK, I'll find a audience."

There is a difference between confidence and an overblown ego. Boasting that your script is actually made better than MOST Hollywood films implies that your not only better than most Hollywood screenwriters but also better than most of us here, since our work hasn't even made it to Hollywood yet.

I don't appreciate being called a liar. Next time, I would rethink your reply before you stick your foot it your mouth.

I'm all for helping people, but if you can't see that we are supporting you, and think that we only see it as a chance to bring you down, then your loss.

Steph

[GonnaBeFamous]

"I have a hilarious script that other then a minor polish is probably done. I think the thing is absolutely genius."

"I think this script is actually made better then most hollywood films"

"I think I know the secret to making a sucessful screenplay that would sell as a spec"

"My script is hilarious and if I didn't know it so well I'd probably laugh at each page"

"Yeah, my script pushes the edges at times, but looks like it would definitely be acceptable."

"I posted one scene(Probably one of the dullest in the whole story) of it in the critique board. You're welcome to read it. If you laugh at that scene you can only imagine how good the rest is, Hint(10 times better)."

"I keep the readers surprised, but obviously if your not entertained by the script then this is not your type of thing, thats OK, I'll find a audience."

There is a difference between confidence and an overblown ego. Boasting that your script is actually made better than MOST Hollywood films implies that your not only better than most Hollywood screenwriters but also better than most of us here, since our work hasn't even made it to Hollywood yet.

I don't appreciate being called a liar. Next time, I would rethink your reply before you stick your foot it your mouth.

I'm all for helping people, but if you can't see that we are supporting you, and think that we only see it as a chance to bring you down, then your loss.

Steph


So I was a little overenthusiastic about a story in my past life. Big deal. At least I have confidence enough in myself to write to finish a script (or make that a few).

[zagoraz]

So I was a little overenthusiastic about a story in my past life. Big deal. At least I have confidence enough in myself to write to finish a script (or make that a few).

Yeah and with 300+ posts in a month here it's a wonder how you find the time to write any of them.

[GonnaBeFamous]

LOL well I do. I'll have 6 scripts written after my first 7 months of screenwriting. Ive completed 3 1/2 already in 4 months and have 2 more ideas ready to go. They are all 1st or 2nd drafts, I don't expect any of them to be totally polished for many many months(or years) :)

[dpaterso]

What I and Justino too I believe was saying, is that a lot of users here have ego problems as far as trying to say they are better then everyone else when they haven't proven themselves.This is too funny.

More and more, I get the impression someone opened the doors of the insane asylum and let the inmates loose. And they all came here.

This is some kind of psychological experiment, right? Come on, 'fess up, stop diddling around and tell the truth, whoever you are.

-Derek
Derek's Web Page - stories, screenplays, novels, insanity. (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57/scripts.htm)

[Pablo]

a couple of things here. I stated UK as my prefference as my work is regional, the humour would cause a problem to someone stateside I'm sure.
As for my request for a writing partner: I should have clarified. I am looking for someone that might have the patience to help me with it and not to have to do it for me.
Thanx again all.

P

[scripter1]

You still are not being specific enough to attract someone.

What kind of a novel is it? Fantasy? Sci-fi? Historical drama? Action?

Tell us a bit about it, summarize the storyline, give us a basic idea of what we'll be working with.

This is the only way people on the internet will be able to judge if there is anything interesting to them there. Once someones curiousty has been sparked by basic info they can contact you to get more details.

Right now you are fishing with an empty hook.
Stick a worm on it and you might get a bite.

[scripter1]

When the cat's away the mice will play.

[NikeeGoddess]

finding a good writing partner is like a marriage and could be just as difficult. you have to complement each others styles and methods of writing.
you both have to give and receive without damaging the relationship.
a partner means 50/50 credit.

now if you just want an editor, someone to adapt it, or script doctor to fix it that's a different story.

[StephieM]

a couple of things here. I stated UK as my prefference as my work is regional, the humour would cause a problem to someone stateside I'm sure.
As for my request for a writing partner: I should have clarified. I am looking for someone that might have the patience to help me with it and not to have to do it for me.
Thanx again all.

P

Why not start by summarizing your story in a few paragraphs ]on the critique board. Give us an idea of what it's about. We can't teach you how to write a screenplay but we can give you a few suggestions on how to get started and what could be done.

Here's a few books that might help you out.

Syd Field's "Screenwriting Workbook"
Syd Field's "Screenplay"
"The Elements of Screenwriting" by Irwin Blacker
"The Everything Screenwriting Book" by Robert Pollock
"The Complete Book of Scriptwriting" by J. Micheal Starczynski

These are some of the books I have. Other's here might refer you to the books they've read.

Also on Optimus' thread "READ MORE SCRIPTS, SERIOUSLY- there are many recommended sites for reading scripts. You might want to check it out.

Good luck!
Steph

[WritingFool]

I feel sorry for ol Pablo there. Steph, I will say you did nip him in the butt and chastize him pretty darn good, especially when it wasnt called for--But Pablo, 1st lesson if you are trying to be a writer, grow thicker skin. When you try selling your puppy, youre going to need it.

I dont think Pablos request should have stirred up too much controversy, simple request that asked if anyone was interested in being his partner. Hence, people interested need only reply. Remember what mom said, dont have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself. Especially when he wasnt asking for anyone to critique any of his work.

I wouldnt blame Pablo if he never posted again, wlaked away thinking this BOARD sucks.

He just needs the right person to pair up with, maybe he knows he might not have the gift of gab, and he feels hes sitting on a good story. Just keep hitting all the different message boards Pablo. Id say check the internet see if they have any writing groups around your region. Colleges as well. Theres always some creative writing group somewhere. Wish I could help, but Im no where near the U.K., otherwise I would do what I can.

In actuality its not that hard working on a story so long as the roles are clearly defined early on. Someone has to lead the concept, and gathering a writer who knows their place from the beginning, is all you need. Its your story Pablo, that writer should know theyre there to help refine and dress up your story into a marketable visual experience. Keep looking, youll find the write person.

And welcome! For the most part, we're all a bunch of good folk. Some of us just have bad days. :) Some more than others.

[StephieM]

"I feel sorry for ol Pablo there. Steph, I will say you did nip him in the butt and chastize him pretty darn good, especially when it wasnt called for--But Pablo, 1st lesson if you are trying to be a writer, grow thicker skin. When you try selling your puppy, youre going to need it."

I apologized. He apologized. We're all good. :)
But you're right. I should of just kept my mouth shut...or kept my fingers from typing. :o

Steph

[JustinoXXV]

Pablo, in case this site doesn't prove fruitful you might try london.craigslist.org to see if you can find British screenwriters there.

Alternatively, you might try contacting people at www.mandy.com There you have a lot of indie writer/director/producer types. Some of the might possibly be interested. At least see if they will read your work.

[Pablo]

That's ok, I can take that. LOL
Seriously, I'm not offended by anyone here. Once again I'll thank you all for the quirky encouragement.
I did consider posting some material but preffered not to. No offence meant but I would be happy for one to take a look at my writing style. If anyone has a half hour to spare.
As I said before my stuff right now is all humour, hopefully anyway and British humour doesn't always travel well. Sometimes not even around the British Isles, isn't that right?
I'll check out those tips Steph, thanks. Sorry Justine, didn't mean to leave you out. Thax again.

P