pickman
09-11-2005, 06:38 PM
I am a complete newb to screenwriting and I am trying to figure out where I should start. I would like to write for television, as I have some ideas for sitcoms and drama series, and write films later on. But I am open to any other medium, like radio drama or theatre plays.
I have a few questions:
Is there any particular type of script writing that would be good to start off with for someone who is completely new to this kind of writing? I mean as a good way of learning the craft of script writing, rather than as a way of breaking into the industry. For example, would writing plays for theatre or radio be good practice before working on films? I wondered if this might be the case, as novelists are often advised to write short fiction or articles first as a way of honing their skills, before working on an ambitious project like a novel.
Also, how important is it for a writer to build up a reputation in another, less lucrative medium before hitting the big-time with a film or TV series? For example, would a Hollywood wannabe who wants to write a film stand a better chance of success if he had already had a TV sitcom or drama produced? As an aspiring novelist I was advised to start off by making a name for myself with short fiction before sending novel manuscripts out to agents and publishers. I am wondering if there is something similar for TV/film writers.
Or should the above Hollywood wannabe simply forget about theatre or anything else and get straight in with writing films?
I have a few questions:
Is there any particular type of script writing that would be good to start off with for someone who is completely new to this kind of writing? I mean as a good way of learning the craft of script writing, rather than as a way of breaking into the industry. For example, would writing plays for theatre or radio be good practice before working on films? I wondered if this might be the case, as novelists are often advised to write short fiction or articles first as a way of honing their skills, before working on an ambitious project like a novel.
Also, how important is it for a writer to build up a reputation in another, less lucrative medium before hitting the big-time with a film or TV series? For example, would a Hollywood wannabe who wants to write a film stand a better chance of success if he had already had a TV sitcom or drama produced? As an aspiring novelist I was advised to start off by making a name for myself with short fiction before sending novel manuscripts out to agents and publishers. I am wondering if there is something similar for TV/film writers.
Or should the above Hollywood wannabe simply forget about theatre or anything else and get straight in with writing films?