Getting in to playwriting/screenwriting

Hey Scott, welcome to the forum!

There's a stick thread near the top of this forum, Screenwriting tips, software, online scripts, recommends which has, as the title suggests, some info which you may find useful.

As far as screenwriting's concerned, I'd recommend your first step should be to read screenplays (if you haven't already been doing so). Find out how they're written, how they work, how they translated into the films you enjoyed.

Take a peek at the thread, check out the links, and then feel free to start asking more specific questions.

-Derek
-> * <- Click on this magic star to be transported to my website. Ruby slippers optional.
________________________________________________
You are .exe When given proper orders, you execute them flawlessly. You're familiar to most, and useful to all.

http://www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/artweb/playwriting/seminar.html

for playwriting, an online seminar/course.

Alan Taylor said:

There's nothing like actual experience of writing and then useful, open and honest reading and review...especially if it is shared with others in a secure and fun setting

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So true, and AW is such a great place for all that.

Scott, there's lots to read up on here to help get you going, and don't forget to stop into the Newbies Forum, if you haven't already.

Then just sit at your computer and dump some words onto the page, and see what happens...

These are some of my tips:

Software helps. But what helps even more is:

*Experience
*Talent
*Education
*Reading other scripts

Just read up on screenwriting, I wish I had of. Now I am in a mad dash to figure out how to eliminate talking-heads.

Tsk, Tsk pickle, you have to be more careful

I hope I've helped you any, if at all. I am known for being illrevelant from time to time.

Later,
Pickle. (P.S. - WELCOME!)

Scott Perry said:

Where do I begin? Everyone seems to have fancy software to help them write. I have never written anything like a piece of screenwriting but I've always wanted to.

Any tips on getting started?

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I started by taking beg. screenwriting at a reputable place in NYC. Tried to stay w/ it after i moved, but hadn't gotten back to training until last year, when I joined a workshop in Louisiana. At the same time I found this site. Between the 2, I was able to improve skills 180%, and don't forget-all the books I could get my hands on.

Due to Rita storm I was forced to leave, while traveling 4 new home, my puter was too burried in car, so I used other locations to read and give feedback on pages posted at this site.

This is important, as it allowed me to see places that worked and didn't work in other's scripts. Often they would be doing the same things I struggle with.

For spring, I signed up for advanced Screenwriting course- the online version the school, I went to in NYC was offering.

The load-not easy. We've had to read and analyze scripts, post tons of pages, other real ability stretching assignments, do lots of critiquing of other students writing, view and discuss DVD's and videos(let me tell you what a blast i had to have to go buy DVD player, borrow VHS player from motel and hook all that up and then try to clear a corner of that room, drag in a desk, so I would have a writing area).

As 4 DVD's I want to stress that the newer ones all have commentaries, often by writers, producers, directors etc... Viewing these helped imensely and gave me greater understanding!

The problem w/ the class, I found was momentum fizzled 1/2 way thru. At about that time HELL broke loose in my already too exciting personal life. I stayed with it-giving 120%. Simultaniously I was doing a workshop 4 local writers(all types)and had to turn in pages there. Got good feedback in regards to character.

No matter what happened I kept at it! That's what it takes! No excuses! Work at it and stay with it. It takes focus, desire and energy.

This site has been indespensible 4 the great feedback and interaction with other writers. A wonderful place!!!!

Now as class is winding down, I've found 180% improvement again! A new level.

Next it's going to be UCLA course in re-writing. Must travel back to Northeast area of country to solve another real wing-dingy, which will probably be another month of high-road adventures, ugh.

I keep saying "no more adventures". BEWARE: if you find a character saying that, get ready 4 the story to cut loose!

I'm giving myself a month of time after my return to get ready 4 UCLA's load and do workshop pages.

All I can say is do ANYTHING that will stretch yourself as a screenwriter. Go 4 it throw yourself in.

For me I need the format of the formal education classes. I find the growth happens harder and faster this way. It gives me well rounded learning. Note: I would not advise a formal class unless you want and are willing to do lots of work and throw yourself in 100%.

Now 4 software: I got final Draft. This was required 4 the Louisiana workshp. Thank God. It helped me be able to focus and not spend time caught up in formatting my pages.

Well I hope that sharing my experience, strength and hope, for whatever it's worth, helps you.

Jennifer

I've read everything I can find on formatting and all that. All I need to know is where to send all these ideas I have.

I've seen the screenwriting agency. Not a chance.

Rip, if you haven't already, check out the tips thread, especially the "prodcos, agents, managers" message.

The Bewares and Background Check board already has a thread on The Screenplay Agency if that's the company you mean:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20359

-Derek
My Web Page - naked women, bestial sex, and whopping big lies.
Stop reading this and get some writing done instead.

Jennifer,

I hope you are documenting your personal adventures. They sound more interesting than struggling to be a better screenwriter.

I had only been browsing this board for about 10 minutes when I signed up. I found the Bewares and Background check on google.

dpaterso said:

The Bewares and Background Check board already has a thread on The Screenplay Agency if that's the company you mean:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20359

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Funny this thread is brought back up; just a few weeks ago I was contacted by a Sherry Fine with The Screenplay Agency about a horror script of mine. I remember having read that thread so thought I'd play along and see if the horror stories were true.

And wouldn't you know it, within the span of two email replies, out came the catch:

"Our goal is to sell your script, plain and simple. We only ask that you provide a coverage on your script first, to ensure we receive a screenplay of high quality (which they'd know if they'd read it, like they said they had) and for that, we'll refer you to one of our many experts we regularly do business with. Normally these experts charge hundreds of dollars, but tell them Sherry Fine sent you and you'll only have to pay $95 (funny...I thought agents are supposed to make money from YOUR SCRIPT, not YOU)."

Yes, Sherry Fine is very professional and returns your emails promptly and in a well-written manner. But I would, too, for the opportunity to make a quick hundred bucks a pop.

The tell-tale sign that you're dealing with a scam is when they ask you for money, period. An agent's job is to sell your script and, hopefully, build a relationship with you and your work so that they'll know you're reliable and talented enough to put their time and effort into selling your stuff. hey're job is not to charge you ridiculous "coverage" fees; you should do that BEFORE you send it to a prospective agent/studio/exec/producer/etc.

Heed the words of those here who provide warnings about these kinds of things; they very well know of what they speak and you're a sucker if you choose to ignore it.

Good luck, and keep writing!