Suggestions on Better Methods of Pacing

lhmaloney

lhmaloney

Well-known member
Here it is guys, I'm writing Ia film for S2DVD (crossing my fingers for a distributor, if not I am affiliated with a distribution network where I can recoup and make a sizable sum) Any how, to me the writing is awesome (obviously, lol) everything seems in place, but the pacing seems a little lagging to me. I'm assuming because in real life when I describe things, I try to be vivid so people can imagine it, and I think that may be transferring over to the script. But at the same time, all the info I am putting in there seems very necessary to the scenes. Any help or links to advice on how I can't get the pacing (or timing) a little faster. Thanks in advance.:shocked:
 
You're writing a script you're going to direct and produce yourself? Are you worried that the script won't translate into a good movie experience or are you worried about getting it greenlit by a producer? What are the objectives here?

Be sure you're using Celtx screenplay software, that can make a difference with everything.
 
brianluce said:
You're writing a script you're going to direct and produce yourself? Are you worried that the script won't translate into a good movie experience or are you worried about getting it greenlit by a producer? What are the objectives here?

Be sure you're using Celtx screenplay software, that can make a difference with everything.
Click to expand...

Im using Final Draft. For this film Im doing the dirty work. I do have people investing in it however. That does not matter. I want the best story possible. So Im trying to tightening everything up. So far, what I've been reading and writing have been great. You just always have to polish and look for places to tighten up. I just feel like my one major weakness might be pacing. Or it could be me humbling myself because I feel comfortable with my script. Either or I want to make sure the pacing is on point.
 
Check that you're hitting your plot points on time, or early, edit, kills widows, and keep dialogue as tight and right as possible.

EJ
 
Last edited:
Take out a random line here or there. Does it still make sense? Then you are improving the pacing and letting the audience fill in the blanks- we are smart. Less is more.

Noah
 
Basically what EJ said. Map out your script on a timeline and compare it to some of the models from kylemd's thread. Certain things are supposed be happen at or near page 30, 60, 90 etc.
Pay close attention to that first act, someone said here it's the easiest, I think the opposite, it's the hardest. It's drawing back the bowstring, you've got about 30 pages to pull back as far as possible, you're establishing the scripts dramatic potential and trajectory. Aim straight.
 
I used to think the first act was the easiest, then I realized just what is needed to make it really work and now I **** myself writing it.

A good thing to speed up a spec is to hit the beats ten early. So act two begins at 20 ish, midpoint 50, third act begins at 75 and have your spec come in at 100.

EJ
 
brianluce said:
Basically what EJ said. Map out your script on a timeline and compare it to some of the models from kylemd's thread. Certain things are supposed be happen at or near page 30, 60, 90 etc.
Pay close attention to that first act, someone said here it's the easiest, I think the opposite, it's the hardest. It's drawing back the bowstring, you've got about 30 pages to pull back as far as possible, you're establishing the scripts dramatic potential and trajectory. Aim straight.
Click to expand...

totally agree with what you are saying. I think this ideology, along with no more than 3 minutes to a scene, those rules made me begin this thread. And like you said the first act is an sob, because when the script gets going it gets going so I really need to develop my hero early on in the first act. So the first couple of scenes seem longer than i'd like them to be. But soon as the first act is over. Everything's on point. Plus i'm only on my second draft, it's not a major problem. Also I appreciate the guy who said trust the audience, they're smarter than I think. I think I'm trying to spell everything out, underestimating my audience. I guess I'll look into that also. Thanks guys
 
brianluce said:
Be sure you're using Celtx screenplay software, that can make a difference with everything.
Click to expand...

Awesome. Even when the thread has nothing to do with this mediocre software you find a way to bring it up. :) Hey maloney, stick with FD, it's what everyone in the world outside of Brian uses.

***snicker***
 
alveraz said:
Awesome. Even when the thread has nothing to do with this mediocre software you find a way to bring it up. :) Hey maloney, stick with FD, it's what everyone in the world outside of Brian uses.

***snicker***
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've wrote a couple srcipts off FD, I like it. Never used that Celtx whatever that is, not interested in using it, FD does a suffice job. Anyway, I have my dad looking it over now, he's more into poetry short stories of artsy type stuff, so he'll add a different element with his suggestions and also help things be more hard hitting with his experience with short stories. I'm still open to suggestions though
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top