What book/tip suggestions can one offer for a beginner who's interested in writi

1. 69

   tinisha12posted 12 years ago

   What book/tip suggestions can one offer for a beginner who's interested in writing a screenplay?
   
   I actually have written 1 screenplay, but I want to start from the beginning again. I really struggled with it. I'm interested in getting into the field of being a screenwriter and need as much advise and suggestions as possible. I have downloaded some screenplays off the internet for real movies and that has helped. It was more entertaining than anything else. But I think I still need help in putting all the pieces together and how to plot/plan it all out. Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.
   
   

   replyreport
2. 72

   dashingscorpioposted 12 years ago

   You might want to check out the following books and software.
   
   The Screenwriter's Workbook by Syd Field
   http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters … pd_sim_b_3 
   
   How to Write a Movie in 21 Days: The Inner Movie Method by Viki King
   http://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Movie-2 … in+21+days 
   
   The Screenwriter's Bible A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script by David Trottier
   http://www.amazon.com/The-Screenwriters … pd_sim_b_4
   
   Final Draft Screenwriting Software
   
   Best of luck!

   replyreport
   1. 69

      tinisha12posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      thank you, i will certainly take my time to look at each site you suggested. wow i really appreciate it

      replyreport
3. 59

   tlmcgaa70posted 12 years ago

   http://www.amazon.com/Screenplay-Founda … _dtl_pl_13
   this book is by far the most helpful, easy to read, easy to understand book on writing screenplays i have read. i would definitely recommend it to anyone.

   replyreport
   1. 69

      tinisha12posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      nice, ok going there now to take a look

      replyreport
4. 63

   Jon Kohanposted 12 years ago

   i've been writing screenplays for about five years now. the best advice i could give you is to go on a site like Joblow.com and read as many scripts as you can. You'll learn a ton just reading what other people have done.
   
   Some people will tell you it's gotta be written this way, and other people will tell you that you have to write it this way, but as long as you get the formatting correct do it the way you want to. if your writing's good enough you'll make it.
   
   trust me people are going to tell you to take classes and buy books. just read screenplays that have beeen made into film already. watch interviews with screenwriters on youtube. both of these things are free and will help you a lot.
   
   I currently have a screenplay in a contest and have just gotten the first feed back with great reviews.  if you ever want to learn something with screenwriting i'd be happy to help you out. i still learn something new everyday but the more you read and the more you write the better you'll become.
   
   Jon

   replyreport
   1. 69

      tinisha12posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I will have to check out Joblow.com I've found scripts on simplyscripts.com Thanks Jon!

      replyreport
5. 74

   LiliMarleneposted 8 years ago

   Hi Tinisha,
   don't know how far you now are with your screenwriting as this question is 3 years old. I agree to what Jon recommended and would like to add you should work like a conductor prepares for a concert. Take the screenplay on your knees while watching the film. Make notes and learn where the tipping points, highlights and twists are. Find the pattern of a screenplay. Don't waste money for all these books.
   You learn best by doing, by watching films, by reading scripts and then by writing and discussing with other screenwriters.
   You said you've already written a screenplay. Would like to know more. Like: How many pages, which genre, how long did it take before you had the first draft, how often did you re-write it then, how at all did you begin without reading any scripts first?
   The best advice is really to write the first draft of a new script without thinking about. Then you have at least a written script and this can be done very fast if you have the story in your mind. Maybe within 24 hours or a week. The real work of a screenwriter comes afterwards. It is the re-writing and polishing. This takes much more time and can be difficult.
   Maybe you already experienced and learned all this. Never mind. All the best for your projects and good luck!

   replyreport
   1. 69

      tinisha12posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the feedback. 3 years later, I've written 7 features, 11 shorts & filmed 1 of my shorts lol But my 1st screenplay was a psychological thriller from a book i wrote. script is 105 pages. I agree doing has led me to where I am now

      replyreport
   2. 74

      LiliMarleneposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Wow. That's cool and impressive. Congrats and thanks for your reply.
      Did you film it yourself or sell it? Would like to know how you made it to get it produced.

      replyreport