Buy A Script, Write Your Own Script, Or Hire A Writer?

[seunosewa]

As a budding director, should you:
1) Get the best spec script you can find and use it.
2) Come up with a great story idea and write it, or
3) Outline a story and hire a writer to flesh it out?


The problem with approach (1) is that one might not be passionate about the story because it's not one's idea and one might end up watering it down in an attempt to make the movie conform to one's personal ideas.

The problem with approach (2) is that one may not be the best writer in the world; and one may not be able to evaluate the weaknesses of one's script objectively.

Approach (3) seems like a nice compromise, but I've not had much success with this. I haven't met many writers who can write brilliantly to an outline.

 

[2doors]

Compromise is the best advice (wow, just made that up on the spot, haha)

I have been able to adapt pretty well to other people's outlines. But again, it depends on the writer. Naturally, writers are very "arrogant" and very proud of their work. Sometimes, they will go so far from a given outline just to stamp their own personality on the script. It just comes down to the guy, because not all writers are like that. I love put my own personal seal on my scripts, but if it is a given outline, I have to respect that. It shows the true quality of a writer, if he can do his own work but can also adjust and adapt to ideas that are foreign to his own.

 

[Zak Forsman]

as a "budding" director, you will benefit from learning as much about telling a story as you can. I say read, read, read other peoples' stories.... then write one yourself.

 

[FilmBoy77]

i agree. read as many scripts as you can. pay attention to when the action starts and stops, the conflict, etc. then write your own. sometimes it's best to have a script consultant critique your work or a writer. free feedback from friends and family is alright, but you get what you pay for. if none of them can tell you what a throughline or character arc is then chances are you probably need someone more in the know to check it out.

 

[moonlitnite]

Ditto hear - the budding director takes a holistic approach to film making, having more than a nodding acquaintance to critical aspects of the end product. Our budding director never chants the "not my job" mantra, instead having an intimate knowlege of critical elements (camera, sound, lighting, acting, and the script).

Your approach #3 does have merits although I'm surprised by your assertion that a good scriptwriter can't generate a treatment. Quite the contrary, I'd say the good ones could easily decompose anyone's scripts (their own or others). And they could do so much quicker than most directors; after all, that's their turf.

Just go to some of the online screewriter websites like TriggerStreet where scripts are posted for peer critique - look at the feedback comments from other scriptwriters and I think you'll agree thinking in terms of the framework and structure isn't a problem. Even if someone was somehow challenged in developing an outline, they could learn the skill easily enough going through Syd Field's DVD "Scriptwriting Workshop".

Anyway, as Zak said, screenwriters (and budding directors) are always devouring great script here, here, here, here, here, here, etc.

Good luck, Michael

 

[Blaine]

As a writer, I say write...write...write. When will you ever have another chance to play God without going to jail?:evil:

 

[David W. Richardson]

Face it, making films costs money. If you've got plenty of money to burn, and can pay people instead of asking them to work for free -- then go ahead, write your own script and see if you're any good.

But if you're like most of us, your resources aren't limitless. You say you're a budding director. Directors usually are interpreting someone else's script, rather than their own.

As a producer (as well as director and writer), my #1 Rule is "Always hire the best, most talented, most experienced person you can afford for every job." You're probably not the best writer you can find. You can either learn to write (also known as 're-inventing the wheel'), or you can stick to what you're passionate about -- directing -- and leave the writing to people who are passionate about writing.

That's the long way of saying "Hire a writer!" It's hard to find someone you can collaborate well with, but once you find that person he will be worth his weight in gold. And you will have a much better film as a result.

And by the way.......I'm an excellent collaborator!

 

[seunosewa]

Thanks, guys, for your comments. I'm based in West Africa, so thats one of the reasons I find it hard to find people to collaborate with, I guess.

 

[Phil Maker]

If you're a great writer, write it yourself. If you're not, don't. Whatever you do, don't crowd the marketplace with another bad movie. Hollywood's already got that covered.

 

[Scott W. Smith]

You're based in West Africa? That sounds interesting already. If you're just beginning the chances are pretty good you won't start out as a great writer. It takes time. Every writer starts out writing what Anne Lamont calls "Sh__ty first drafts." Good writing takes time. Oliver Stone said he wrote 10 screenplays before he sold one.

“For me, it was a matter of years of trying to develop my writing in the same way that some people spend years learning to play the violin.” Frank Darabont, The Shawshank Redemption

Even though you're in West Africa I'm sure you can find a writer in West Hollywood or even West Virginia to help you if you don't want to write yourself.

The photo below was taken in South Africa. A filmmaker from there made what I believe was the first feature film made with a cell phone, so embrace your limitations.

 

[danny d]

You're based in West Africa? That sounds interesting already. If you're just beginning the chances are pretty good you won't start out as a great writer. It takes time. Every writer starts out writing what Anne Lamont calls "Sh__ty first drafts." Good writing takes time. Oliver Stone said he wrote 10 screenplays before he sold one.

“For me, it was a matter of years of trying to develop my writing in the same way that some people spend years learning to play the violin.” Frank Darabont, The Shawshank Redemption

Even though you're in West Africa I'm sure you can find a writer in West Hollywood or even West Virginia to help you if you don't want to write yourself.

The photo below was taken in South Africa. A filmmaker from there made what I believe was the first feature film made with a cell phone, so embrace your limitations.

Very well said and inspiring Scott,
I am from West Arica as well. I just saw many great and heartwarming films from Africa , at the Pan African Film Festival Paff.org this past weekend. I you live in Los Angeles you should check them out.