Ok, i just found out Im not a writer...

[Beat Takeshi]

I have this idea in my head and I can see some of the scenes clearly and I know exactly where I want to take it but I have had this word document open for a few days now with exactly 3 words on it. I can talk about what I want and I can explain the details but WTF, I cant write crap. My normal style of writing is first person narrative and descriptive but to change that to scene one... late morning, fade from black to blah blah blah is proving very difficult. YIKES!

[David Jimerson]

So write the treatment in first-person narrative. It's a place to start.

[J.R. Hudson]

Love the Sig!

Sigh...

Writing. The mere thought of writing always brings me back to the saying "I hate to write, but love to have written".

It's simply torture. I am a huge believer in Knowing where you need to go before writing. It's like sitting in the driveway getting ready for the road trip but no one knows where they want to go.

You just gotta get through it. Sometimes, when I'm stuck in a scene (Usually around Page 40 I feel the need to go beat the dog) I'll jump down the road and write a scene that I already know is coming. I find it the hardest in the middle for some reason.

Sometimes, you just gotta walk away and free your mind up. Go do something completely not film related and get out of the house. Suddenly, it hits you and you have to tell the hooker you gotta go.

Are you using any Scriptwriting software or just going WORD DOC style?

Just take it one page at a time. How do you want to open it? Do you have a HOOK scene?

It doesnt have to be perfect; there will be inevitable re-writes, so dont worry if it not perfect.

We are here to help! We are your DVX MUses!

[Beat Takeshi]

"(Usually around Page 40 I feel the need to go beat the dog) " another to-be-famous quote? Haha, I should be able to get it done twice as fast then since I have 2 dogs to beat.
You should see the John Hudson quote tattoo in old english letters across my back.
I am using word to start the idea flow, I have final draft or what ever the name of it is but I figured I want to get a flow first plus I have to dig around to find the box. It seems the opening shot is the hardest to figure out. I know once I jump this hurdle it will be all down hill from there. Well maybe not downhill, uphill with a motor. This will be my first attempt at a short on my own so I dont know what the logistics are with film festivals and giving out info on what you are working on. I kind of remember reading somewhere that once you work has been publically viewed anywhere, some festivals wont except it. I do need the help though it seems to get me going. Whats the standard with this?

[J.R. Hudson]

Well, if you need help from us cohorts, PM the info and I'd love to help (If that is what you are saying).

Are you worried about CAMERA/SHOT descriptions? At this point I wouldnt stress to much on having it all blocked out. Although when I write and something comes to mind regarding a SHOT DESC I'll definatley make note as not to forget.

Then again, I am huge on Storyboarding, so after a final draft Im all over the Storyboarding Preproduction part.

[Beat Takeshi]

PM on the way...

[David Jimerson]

I wouldn't worry too much about shot or camera descriptions, anyway, unless they're critical to the story (like a necessary close shot on a TV screen or something). Now, if you're going to be directing it yourself, it might be OK for reference purposes, but any director making a movie from your script is most likely going to ignore your shot or camera descriptions anyway. And, even if you're directing it yourself, you might do the same once you get to storyboarding. Better to describe it as you would a medium shot. It's the story that's crucial at this stage, not the camera angles.

[Barry_Green]

I have the perfect book for you.

"How To Write A Movie In 28 Days" by Viki King.

It was written for someone exactly like you, someone who has a story burning in their heart but don't know what to do with it. It's a great book, might help you quite a bit.

[Beat Takeshi]

Thanks Barry, I will take a look at that today if I get a chance to stop in B&N.
Thanks John, the PMs are helping getting me started to lay down the foundation.

[Barry_Green]

Oops... I got the title wrong... it's "how to write a movie in 21 days"...