I'm working on my first full length screenplay and was wondering if anyone here writes in chunks as the scenes come to mind? Is this okay to do? I'm sure it leads to some reworking once you tie the pieces together, but it seems to be working okay now? I guess it comes down to personal preference, but I wanted to see how this method is looked upon. thanks!
Okay to write screenplay in chunks?
- Thread starter seantree
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HansK
Veteran
Re: Okay to write screenplay in chunks?
Well, it's possible that your script will turn out chunky
Seriously though, if you don't have a solid story tying these elements together then you will just end up with chunks. If each of these pieces helps to drive your story forward, to the conclusion, then you have something.
Well, it's possible that your script will turn out chunky
Seriously though, if you don't have a solid story tying these elements together then you will just end up with chunks. If each of these pieces helps to drive your story forward, to the conclusion, then you have something.
Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
Re: Okay to write screenplay in chunks?
I agree. You have to do what works for you. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking a scene is important just because you think it's cool, or funny or whatever. It has to work in the framework of the story. A lot of good independent scenes strung together doesn't make a story. The toughest thing about writing is being a merciless editor.
I agree. You have to do what works for you. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking a scene is important just because you think it's cool, or funny or whatever. It has to work in the framework of the story. A lot of good independent scenes strung together doesn't make a story. The toughest thing about writing is being a merciless editor.
J.R. Hudson
Spirit Animal
Re: Okay to write screenplay in chunks?
You can write anyway you want but in the end it will come down to STORY STORY STORY
Films such as RAIDERS of the LOST ARK started off as Lucas and Spielberg wanting certain scenes in the film. Lawrence Kasdan was brought in to tie these dream scenes together into a coherent story.
I say write in any way you can but in the end? Make sure it all comes together.
You can write anyway you want but in the end it will come down to STORY STORY STORY
Films such as RAIDERS of the LOST ARK started off as Lucas and Spielberg wanting certain scenes in the film. Lawrence Kasdan was brought in to tie these dream scenes together into a coherent story.
I say write in any way you can but in the end? Make sure it all comes together.
Thistlebop
Well-known member
Re: Okay to write screenplay in chunks?
So many talented people have different ways of doing things, so I say go with whatever works for you. If it's different than everyone else, well who knows, you might be the next Picasso.
Writing, just like most other things is trial and error, and alot of "just doing it".
--Bop
So many talented people have different ways of doing things, so I say go with whatever works for you. If it's different than everyone else, well who knows, you might be the next Picasso.
Writing, just like most other things is trial and error, and alot of "just doing it".
--Bop
dakotapod
Veteran
Re: Okay to write screenplay in chunks?
I think I have read somewhere Tarantino writes this way. He drags scenes around for years and tosses them in when they fit. I think a lot of his screenplays start with what he thinks is a cool scene and then goes from there… It works pretty well for him and he’s one off the best so there ya go.
I think I have read somewhere Tarantino writes this way. He drags scenes around for years and tosses them in when they fit. I think a lot of his screenplays start with what he thinks is a cool scene and then goes from there… It works pretty well for him and he’s one off the best so there ya go.
HansK
Veteran
Re: Okay to write screenplay in chunks?
[quote author=dakotapod link=board=writing;num=1098238559;start=0#7 date=10/25/04 at 08:19:52]I think I have read somewhere Tarantino writes this way. He drags scenes around for years and tosses them in when they fit.[/quote]
Yup, he does that. But, this also common technique with writers. That's why having a notebook around with you at all times is good. If you hear a good piece of dialog, write it down. If a good idea comes to you, write it down. These little tidbits may never be used but at least you have them as resources to return to. For example, you might be writing a scene with two women discussing their relationships. You recall writing down some funny or interesting dialog you overheard at a cafe. Return to the notebook and see if it fits. Or, you might have written a funny little scene similar to what you need. Return to your notebook and pull it out.
A cool scene can be a spark for a good story. Go with it but make sure that you end up with a story. A sequence of good scenes doesn't necessarily make a good story.
[quote author=dakotapod link=board=writing;num=1098238559;start=0#7 date=10/25/04 at 08:19:52]I think I have read somewhere Tarantino writes this way. He drags scenes around for years and tosses them in when they fit.[/quote]
Yup, he does that. But, this also common technique with writers. That's why having a notebook around with you at all times is good. If you hear a good piece of dialog, write it down. If a good idea comes to you, write it down. These little tidbits may never be used but at least you have them as resources to return to. For example, you might be writing a scene with two women discussing their relationships. You recall writing down some funny or interesting dialog you overheard at a cafe. Return to the notebook and see if it fits. Or, you might have written a funny little scene similar to what you need. Return to your notebook and pull it out.
A cool scene can be a spark for a good story. Go with it but make sure that you end up with a story. A sequence of good scenes doesn't necessarily make a good story.