j1clark@ucsd.edu
Veteran
But coffee does not still the inner critic the way booze does... in fact, the inner critic can become even more active... to the point of total inhibition...
Film Directors - How do you handle this?
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But coffee does not still the inner critic the way booze does... in fact, the inner critic can become even more active... to the point of total inhibition...
Melvin Harris
Black Flag Member
I'm a director who has to write. I hate it. But because I love this, and I am called to this, I do it. That's how you deal with it. That's how you handle it. Nut up and do what you must. What I have done in your situation is I have realized that it all starts with me, with my passion, with my whatever douchey people say to sell their mediocre skills, and then I work to make that crap real. I put in the time to get the product. There is no other way.
There is no other way.
When you do this though, you will find that people will gravitate toward your effort. They'll jump on your moving train. You'll find like minded people in the same situation who need help. You'll find screenwriters who will need your skill, etc.
Here's Ava DuVernay talking about shedding desperation... it's a good clip...
El Director
Veteran
There's a few ways you can go, but here's what worked for me, as a filmmaker who hated writing initially (and now has written seven features, made three of them)
Start with a mind map or a list. Just jot down the key beats of your story. If your story is convoluted, a mind map may be better than a list. Congratulations, you're starting to get your story out of your head and onto paper. A treatment would be next, it can be as long or as short as you want, you're essentially stringing together your beats to actually tell your story. Think of it as actually sitting a friend down and telling them your movie. If you really can't stand the idea of writing this out, do a simple audio recording and pay some guy in India to transcribe it for you via an online transcription service. You're now going to be a lot better off to either find someone to help you write your script, or to write it yourself if you choose. Plus, having a treatment is motivating. It's a fairly easy to achieve and now you have your whole story printed out so if you feel discouraged, you can always look at, and even touch your dream. It helps make it tangible. Although, having a completed script will make it more so
Also, try some other screenplay software besides Celtx. There's Trelby, which is also free, Final Draft of course, Adobe Story (has free and paid), FadeIn (cheap with free updates, my pick) etc... It seems silly, but sometimes having the right software can be motivating, so find the one you like.
Start with a mind map or a list. Just jot down the key beats of your story. If your story is convoluted, a mind map may be better than a list. Congratulations, you're starting to get your story out of your head and onto paper. A treatment would be next, it can be as long or as short as you want, you're essentially stringing together your beats to actually tell your story. Think of it as actually sitting a friend down and telling them your movie. If you really can't stand the idea of writing this out, do a simple audio recording and pay some guy in India to transcribe it for you via an online transcription service. You're now going to be a lot better off to either find someone to help you write your script, or to write it yourself if you choose. Plus, having a treatment is motivating. It's a fairly easy to achieve and now you have your whole story printed out so if you feel discouraged, you can always look at, and even touch your dream. It helps make it tangible. Although, having a completed script will make it more so
Also, try some other screenplay software besides Celtx. There's Trelby, which is also free, Final Draft of course, Adobe Story (has free and paid), FadeIn (cheap with free updates, my pick) etc... It seems silly, but sometimes having the right software can be motivating, so find the one you like.
Michael Carter
Veteran
While I agree with many of these comments - but if you have a film mapped out in your head, to some extent you have "written" it.
Find a partner who writes. There are a lot of writers out there with no desire to touch a camera. Read scripts, meet people, see if you can find a writing partner. A good collaborator is an amazing thing to have - collaboration can turn good work into great work.
I don't think you have to master Celtx and know the ins and outs of formatting if you can structure and pace a compelling story and create convincing dialogue. But if you collaborate at the production level (and you will - actors, designers, composers, etc) you need scripts that are within the standards people are used to. So at the very least, find someone to take that on. If they're also a good storyteller, you'll get much more than just "formatting".
Find a partner who writes. There are a lot of writers out there with no desire to touch a camera. Read scripts, meet people, see if you can find a writing partner. A good collaborator is an amazing thing to have - collaboration can turn good work into great work.
I don't think you have to master Celtx and know the ins and outs of formatting if you can structure and pace a compelling story and create convincing dialogue. But if you collaborate at the production level (and you will - actors, designers, composers, etc) you need scripts that are within the standards people are used to. So at the very least, find someone to take that on. If they're also a good storyteller, you'll get much more than just "formatting".
I was just like you. I had the same type of problem: 'I want to make a movie, I have an idea but I can't write a screenplay" You know what helped me ? A YELLOW POST-IT NOTES.
On every single note write a scene concept even only a one word, then put it all in correct order. You can re-arrange it whatever you like. Trust me when you have a story and this little notes, words will come by itself.
On every single note write a scene concept even only a one word, then put it all in correct order. You can re-arrange it whatever you like. Trust me when you have a story and this little notes, words will come by itself.
I'm a struggling first time screenwriter too and use index cards to write down ideas and notes, whether it might be for a single scene, a general plot idea, general or specific ideas e.g. a quote or song that might help outline a character, ideas for including symbolism, single dialogue lines, transitions, use of audio, everything. I started a couple of month ago and now have so many cards that writing the actual first draft script will be mostly a matter of arranging and putting together what's all already there and written down. I tend to approach things non-linear and that technique helps me a lot. Also it took pressure off me. Downside is it might take a lot longer than forcing yourself to write regularly.