need a writer partner

Hey Mick

I sent you a message

Hell Mick

Joe Calbrese is hosting a writing contest. I am one of the contestants. You can read a 10 page sample of my work. If you are interested fell free to contact me.

-Brain James

PS If you really like it, then don't forget to vote for me.

Brian,

It's a good the scripts are anonymous or I would have to disqualify you. Please do not reveal which submission is yours until after the the competition. Thanks.

A couple questions

Hi Mick,

I'm an American (I live in Texas) and would like to ask a few questions before considering the next possible step towards writing this screenplay.

What is your native language?

How old are you?

What aspects of the African culture, specifically, do you feel Americans need to know and most importantly, why?

Are you looking to write the script with someone (i.e. do half of the writing) or to have someone write it for you? What country do you live in? What's your time zone? If you are simply looking for a writer to build the idea into a full script, what are you offering in return?

Mick, I'll be honest with you. It's going to be a hard sell to get an American writer to partner with someone who's never written a script and doesn't have a computer. It takes a LOT of work to write a screenplay. Add to the mix that screenwriters are creative people whose thoughts are consumed by their own ideas and getting those ideas on paper, and it's a lot harder for you to convince someone to work on your idea without help from you (an idea is just an idea, a script is hands on labor) or expectation of payment of any sort.
My suggestion to you is... use your time on the net to print out as many guides to screenwriting as you can. If you have a typewriter, write with it. Or just write by hand. But write! You'll learn the format quick enough.

Then come here and pose specific questions about American life. I'd be happy to share my thoughts, and I'm sure others will be as well. A public debate might also give you a deeper understanding of what Americans are like and the opposing views that people in this country have.

Edited by moderator for being offensive.

There is no need to call him names, demean or to squash his dreams.

He asked if anyone was interested in helping him and all you have to say is yes or no.

If anyone is interested in partnering, providing American insights, or mentoring him please contact him directly.

Nsk,

In order to work with a screenwriting partner you will need a basic understanding of screenwriting your self. Other wise many of the words, concepts, theories, rules (real or fake), structure, and everything else your partner tells you will NOT make any sense.

The partner will end up mentoring you and you won't really get much accomplished. And chances are in your situation you will end up with some one who only knows just a bit more then you do.

For now this is what you MUST do.

Write down your basic idea. Just a paper and pen will work, nothing fancy.
Start writing.
Any thing that comes to mind. No structure, no formality, just your ideas.
Let them flow with out any restrictions.

NOW, set them aside.
Spend some time reading.
Read sites like this one. Read the posts. Read the posted pages.
Go to www.Wordplay.com read all the articles.
Go to www.scriptsecrets.net and read the daily tips.

Order some screenwriting books from the net. David Trottiers "The screenwriter's Bible" is a must for a beginner.

If you aren't willing to do this, spend money on a few books or read, then you don't want to tell stories bad enough.

Now, after you have some working knowledge you will be a much better partner and more capable of participating in the creative process.
OR you may be able to do it on your own, (and won't have to share all the money you'll make with a partner.)

Excellent suggestions, scripter1. I think most of us can understand the plight this fellow is in. In fact, many of us are here because we didn't know the next step in our process. If nsk can put down basic concepts on paper, and perhaps come up with specific ideas of what he wants to know, and wants to share, then maybe he can find someone to work with him. I am not a screenwriter, but it seems it would be much more structured than other fields, and probably harder to break into.

This may help

Hi Mick,

I have a lot of screenwriting books and there are two that I can send you to help you out, since your situation is less than ideal. I will pay for the postage. The books are...

"How to Write a Movie in 21 Days" by Viki King, 198 pages, 5 1/4 x 8.

"The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script", by David Trottier, 314 pages, 8 1/5 x 11.

King's book is not a great book but you can still learn some important things from reading it.

Trottier's book will be more useful.

However, it is my opinion that learning about story, i.e., how to develop a great story and characters, before you even start writing a screenplay, is much more important at this point. I will give some thought to how I can help you there. Maybe others here can come up with ideas for that too. The perfect book for this would be "Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting", by Robert McKee. Maybe it's in your local Library?

I'll need an address from you to send the two books to, so email me with that information at [email protected] As mentioned in a previous post, I'm in Dallas, Texas, USA.

I also suggest you continue to work on your English, it will help you in your dealings with anyone in the future. Maybe someone near you can assist you with that?

I am also willing to assist you in the developing of your story when the time comes, after you have read some books or material on the subject. Though, you may find AbsoluteWrite a better place to do the story/character development.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

You should also read some screenplays. Many are free on the internet, visit www.script-o-rama.com and you can download and read them. Once you read a screenplay the things you read in the books may make more sense to you.

Man! I feel the love in this room. Now that is what I'm talking about.

Good point

Good point Rainy Night! Now why didn't I think of that

There's a possibility I have a second copy of "Story" if I can find it. And that's a whole other story. <big ole Texas grin>

help contacting Mick?

I have not heard from Mick. Anyone have a way of contacting him? He sounded like he might not be back here for some time. If that's the way the cookie crumbles, then so be it, but there may be a way of getting hold of him.

Y'all have a great day!