Experiences writing your first script?

[RockmanX3]

I'm writing my first script ever and I never realized how hard it was. I actually have my movie idea playing perfectly in my head, but when I start typing it all out, I get insecurites about the dialogue not being polished enough or if I'm going into too much unnecessary detail, etc.

I've been reading alot of books, scripts, etc, which have been really helpful. But like they say, you get the most experience actually writing a script and learning from your mistakes. I'm in the process of writing my "garbage draft" right now and will probably make a ton of revisions once it's done. I'm only 13 pages in and would like to get it done (90-120 pages) before I start my documentary editing gig at the end of July. But it looks like I may not be able to hit that deadline.

What were your experiences writing your first script?

 

[Kess]

Congrats RockmanX3. Keep at it! It may take you years to write a script, but if you are in it for the long haul then you will write until the day you leave this planet. Many people jump into screenwriting because they love movies, see a bad film and figure it can't be that hard. It is hard. Plus we have to realize there are no minor leagues for this industry...you are going up against the top of the heap and they are spending 4-10 hours each day writing. You are going about it the correct way by educating yourself...reading scripts, etc...and the most important factor is to write. Write every single day. Set aside a certain amount of time to write. Welcome to the club...or whatever you think of it.

One thing that you might want to do is to join a group of writers that will review your work and kick you right square in the teeth when you need it. But that can wait for a bit.

 

[RockmanX3]

Many people jump into screenwriting because they love movies, see a bad film and figure it can't be that hard. It is hard.

A couple of friends and I just sat through "Dance Flick" and they were all telling me, "Why don't you write something better than that?". If something like THAT can make it into theaters, I sure as hell have a chance! rogar-BigGrin(DBG)

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Eximious]

A couple of friends and I just sat through "Dance Flick" and they were all telling me, "Why don't you write something better than that?". If something like THAT can make it into theaters, I sure as hell have a chance! rogar-BigGrin(DBG)

Thanks for the advice!

I think it's important to be inspired by the best Hollywood has to offer, not the worst, and I'll tell you why. There are a million ways for a good screenplay to be mangled by a studio. After a screenplay is purchased, it can be changed to the producer or director's whim. And often is.

Plus, if you set your target to be marginally better than crap, then what exactly are you aiming for?

As for your original post: write through the insecurities. Most writers here will tell you that your first draft is your "junk draft." It's just word vomit. Get some ideas out. See how your beats play out. Then you can edit, edit, edit. That's usually where a lot of the magic happens. You tighten your dialogue. Crisp up your action. Chip away at the length. And so forth.

Good luck!

 

[chrislancaster]

I think it's important to be inspired by the best Hollywood has to offer, not the worst, and I'll tell you why. There are a million ways for a good screenplay to be mangled by a studio. After a screenplay is purchased, it can be changed to the producer or director's whim. And often is.

Plus, if you set your target to be marginally better than crap, then what exactly are you aiming for?

As for your original post: write through the insecurities. Most writers here will tell you that your first draft is your "junk draft." It's just word vomit. Get some ideas out. See how your beats play out. Then you can edit, edit, edit. That's usually where a lot of the magic happens. You tighten your dialogue. Crisp up your action. Chip away at the length. And so forth.

Good luck!

I wish someone gave me this advice on my first screen play.
:thumbsup:

 

[RockmanX3]

I think it's important to be inspired by the best Hollywood has to offer, not the worst, and I'll tell you why. There are a million ways for a good screenplay to be mangled by a studio. After a screenplay is purchased, it can be changed to the producer or director's whim. And often is.

Plus, if you set your target to be marginally better than crap, then what exactly are you aiming for?

As for your original post: write through the insecurities. Most writers here will tell you that your first draft is your "junk draft." It's just word vomit. Get some ideas out. See how your beats play out. Then you can edit, edit, edit. That's usually where a lot of the magic happens. You tighten your dialogue. Crisp up your action. Chip away at the length. And so forth.

Good luck!

Don't worry, I'm reading alot of *good* scripts as well.

It just surprises me how many bad ones actually make it through.

 

[pmark23]

Just get it finished, do one or two edit passes, then put it away. The first script is great for learning the mechanics of writing, but is terrible (even if you don't realize it at the time.) It took me until the third script to get the hang of writing. The third and fourth won some awards, and the fifth and sixth got serious Studio attention. Even though I thought it was awesome at the time, I can't even get through the first few pages of my first script, it's that bad.

 

[Noel Evans]

Ive seen people say things like "I can write a script in a week". Ive read some of those and they are usually shithouse. You look at some scripts for even critically acclaimed movies and theres plot holes left right and centre and marginal dialogue. It's hard to write a script. Im not saying Im very good at it either. But Im working, working on it.

Even if you write a great script, and someone picks it up I think its best to think of it as "always in development" and dont expect it will ever get made just because someone optioned it.

I doubt you could get it as a finished product by end of July (if thats what you meant). Sounds all negative, but thats why I want to keep trying.

 

[kiyong]

i think preparation makes a big difference. i find that a clear, solid premise and an outline that comes from that really helps, especially after you're done writing the set up in act 1, and you're stuck in act 2. and i agree with kess as far as writing consistently, and having other writers give you feedback.