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Movie Outline Screenwriting Blog

Celebrating 10 Years of Movie Outline

Filed under: News,Press Releases,Screenwriting by Dan @ 12:14 pm on April 12, 2014

Nuvotech is proud to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Movie Outline Screenwriting Software

Movie Outline Anniversary Banner

 

It’s amazing how time flies and this spring marks 10 years since the launch of Movie Outline. The program has come a long way since its first incarnation and here’s a brief history…

How It All Began…

In 2003, produced Brit screenwriter/director Dan Bronzite was looking for software to help him outline his next spec — a teen horror called DO OR DIE. But he didn’t find anything suitable…so he decided to roll up his sleeves and create a program himself. After a lot of hard work and late nights coding he finally launched Movie Outline in the spring of 2004 and the rest is history. He even wrote DO OR DIE using his own app and later sold it to Qwerty Films in the UK.

All Grown Up!

Since then the product has developed into a full-fledged screenwriting software application that allows you to plan your cinematic structure, develop characters and format your screenplay to industry standard scene by scene, providing all the tools all you need.. in a single package.

Thank You To Our Loyal Customers

Through the years we have been blessed by a loyal following and community of screenwriters (novice and professional) who have spread the positive word about Movie Outline and who are always keen to provide us with their constructive feedback. Thank you all for your support!

Special Anniversary Sale — 50% Off for One Week Only!

Click here to buy now from our secure online store.

Coupon Code: 10YEARS

Offer Ends: Sunday April 20, 2014

Getting into a routine can help with screenwriting

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 9:15 am on May 25, 2011

You might be desperate to get your screenwriting ideas noted down and formed into a completed work. After all, if you are successful, you may reap considerable rewards both financially and in terms of your levels of personal fulfilment.

But as with most things in life, the process is not straightforward. It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to complete screenplays, usually including many drafts of your work before you’re happy with it. Of course, there are ways of making the task easier. For example, you can invest in reputable screenplay writing software. This software makes structuring your ideas much more straightforward and means you will not veer away from the accepted industry format.

However, there is more to screenwriting than this. One way in which you can increase the chances that your creation will be completed is by ensuring you get into a routine. It is no good simply waiting until you feel inspired and energized before you sit down in front of your computer.

Instead, you must be disciplined and organized and have a routine in place that you rarely deviate from. It is only by operating in a structured fashion like this that most people find they are able to push ahead with the project.

It takes a certain kind of single-mindedness to be a success in the screenwriting field and you must not consistently let procrastination get in the way of your work – although let’s face it – we all do it sometimes!

So, once you have your screenplay writing software installed and clear ideas in your mind about your creative direction, you might well benefit from developing and sticking to a firm schedule.

Stick to your strengths when screenplay writing

Filed under: Creative Writing,Screenwriting by admin @ 9:11 am on May 18, 2011

If you want to make it big in the world of screenwriting, you are by no means alone. Whether you are a student of creative writing or a budding hobbyist this potentially lucrative industry proves a draw for many hopefuls. For this reason, it is vital you play to your strengths when working out how to write a script. It is only by doing this that you stand a chance in this competitive environment.

For example, you might be tempted to create funny screenplay scripts because there is often a high demand for sitcoms and comedy movies. After all, everyone likes to laugh. However, if comedic writing does not come naturally to you, this strategy could prove disastrous.

Being able to produce scripts that are amusing requires a certain kind of skill and this is arguably something that cannot be learned. Some people seem to be born with it, while others are not. Of course, if you are lucky enough to fall into the former category, you may well benefit from trying your hand at funny screenwriting, but if this style is not one you can get to grips with easily, you might be better off focussing on other genres.

For example, you may be much more suited to mystery writing, adventure plots, romantic pieces or something else.

Knowing how to write a script successfully is never easy, but as long as you stick to the styles you do best, you can optimize your chances. In contrast, if you step out of your comfort zone and try something you are not suited to, the chances are there will be other people out there producing better creations that yours. Weigh up the risks and think outside of the box by all means – but make the most of your strengths too when it comes to screenwriting.

Formatting is crucial in screenplay writing

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 9:10 am on May 11, 2011

When you sit down to create a screenplay, there are many issues you have to bear in mind. Indeed, the process can be daunting. But as long as you are organized and know what you are aiming for, you stand a good chance of producing something you are proud of.

One of the most important issues when you are screenwriting is the way in which you present your creations. If you get this wrong, the sad truth is professionals in the industry are unlikely to even look at your offering. After all, they are busy people and they have to look through many scripts, so the chances are they will not waste time trying to decipher your screenplay if it isn’t set out as per the industry standard.

This is why using screenplay writing software can be so important. It helps you stick to the format required by those in the industry, including producers, readers, agents, actors and development executives.

By presenting your piece in the expected way, you help these specialists to envisage how the screenplay would come across if it was performed in front of the cameras.

Indeed, many experts agree that when it comes to screenwriting, the first ten pages are the most important. It is during these early stages that you have to succeed in grabbing the attention and approval of those analyzing the script. As well as getting your content right, this also means ensuring you are correct when it comes to your margin sizes, page numbers and arrangement of text, among other things.

Without using screenplay writing software, this can be exceptionally difficult to master.

Getting Started on a Screenplay

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 3:03 pm on February 7, 2011

Writing a script is a dream for many people. You might be an excellent writer who has come up with an innovative concept, but have no idea where to start. With research and practice it’s possible to learn how to write a professional-quality script. Here are some tips to get you started:

- Before putting pen to paper, you should read as many screenplays as you possibly can. This will help you to pick up basic screenwriting skills, such as how scripts are constructed, the kind of language that is used and how directions are written. As a general rule, you should only include as much detail as is absolutely necessary.

- Read every book and reliable online resource on screenwriting techniques you can find. Books are particularly useful for learning how other screenwriters work and what the nuances of a successful screenplay are. Make sure that when looking online for information, you opt for advice from reputable sources as otherwise you may find bad advice which can hinder your progress. We have a great resource section packed with useful articles to help you along your screenwriting journey. These articles and other advice could also give you the inspiration and belief needed to take the first steps on your screenwriting journey.

- Before beginning work on your final script, you should learn how to write an outline of your story, as this will make it easier to keep the dialogue flowing naturally throughout. By taking time to map out the direction of your plot, you’ll find it easier to write a script that is exciting, fast paced and interesting.

- Invest in some screenwriting software. Producers and agents are unlikely to even look at a screenplay that isn’t correctly formatted, and screenplay writing software will help you get it right. Screenwriting software will also aid your attempts at producing original dialogue and developing three-dimensional characters.

Turn Your Idea into a Saleable Script

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 4:00 pm on January 27, 2011

If you want to learn how to write a script, you are probably already aware that you will be up against stiff competition in the writing industry. However, while there may be thousands of aspiring screenwriters out there, it does not mean your screenplay won’t stand out from the crowd. There are numerous things you can do to ensure you prove to industry experts that you have the talent and professionalism to have your screenplay produced.

Start by reading screenplays. As you do this, you will find that you become more familiar with the format and language of professional screenplays. Screenplays are always written in the present tense, unlike novels and short stories, which can use a variety of tenses. They also use sparse description to create an image as economically as possible.

To make it in the movie business, you have to use proper screenplay formatting. If you want your script to look its best, use screenwriting software to format your scripts. This will be a vital investment which could give your career a major boost. Readers in the industry are used to screenplays which follow an accepted format and layout.

Another technique many screenwriters use is to outline your stories. Script writing software allows you to do this in an easily organized manner, instead of the traditional index card method. Outlining will let you play around with your scenes, and find the best timeline for your story. Then you can use script writing software to develop it further, and craft a professional screenplay.

Don’t Settle For The Obvious

Filed under: Screenwriting by Dan @ 5:20 pm on January 21, 2011

All too often writers, especially experienced writers, get lazy. They get comfortable in their own writing shoes with their tried and tested screenwriting habits and while this makes knocking out a screenplay a hell of a lot easier than it was when they first started writing.. back in the day, it also sometimes leads to stale material and obvious choices, whether that be for dialogue, characterizations or plot.

So the next time you sit down in front of your computer, take this advice, if you want to know how to write a script: Don’t take the obvious option! If it’s easy to come up with then chances are maybe the audience would have expected it too.

For dialogue, acknowledge your initial idea for a witty retort then step back, chew it over and play around with a few more by turning the dialogue on its head and experimenting with something you would not normally write or that particular character would not typically say. Even if it doesn’t work at first the process will get you thinking and open your mind up to new ideas to make the dialogue fresh and less “on the nose”.

And for plots, instead of surging from one chase scene to an action-packed confrontation between the hero and villain, why not insert something unexpected into the mix? Or create a surprising chain of events and progression of scenes that keep ‘em guessing! In short: lead the audience down a familiar route and then turn your story 180 degrees. If you do this your script will be less predictable and it will leave your audience begging for more…

Write the Movie You Want to See

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 3:21 pm on January 8, 2011

If you want to know how to write a script, you should have a firm idea of what it is you actually want to achieve. When it comes to writing, you should aim to create stories which you would want to read yourself. For example, one reason J.R.R Tolkien wrote was because nobody else was writing stories that he wanted to read.

While he specialized in short stories and novels, you could apply the same technique to screenwriting. Perhaps you have visualized a scene or heard a line of dialogue you know would work beautifully on screen. Or maybe you have a theme or setting you would love to see at the heart of a film, which no-one else has tried. In this case, why not write it yourself?

No doubt you will have watched movies in the past and told yourself that you could do better. Screenwriting can be easy to talk about but is difficult to do well. Whatever you do, you need to be sure that you are writing something you believe is worth your time. If you do not, then why should anyone else believe it is worth any of theirs?

As with most creative endeavors, you will learn how to write a script better the more you do. Of course, it will take a lot of time and effort to create a script which is up to scratch, but screenwriting should be something you enjoy. And the better you get, the more rewarding it will be.

Dare to be Different with Your Screenwriting

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 3:06 pm on November 5, 2010

You may have a natural flair for screenwriting, yet you may have struggled to successfully place a script with a studio or agency.

Unfortunately, the film industry is many things but fair isn’t necessarily one of them. This means that being very good at what you do and working hard may not be enough to guarantee you success.

Many of those with a long list of screenwriting triumphs behind them would admit their careers have been blessed with a certain amount of luck. However, there is no reason to believe that this cannot happen for you.

Rather, you should use the competitive nature of the industry to spur you on to produce the best script that you can.

And there are ways to help give your profile a boost.

One of these is to ensure that when you sit down with your script writing software, you try to generate ideas that will get people’s attention. Many great movies stand out from the crowd because they are different, and have a certain quality that other films lack.

For example, the Big Lebowski, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Julianne Moore, has become a classic since its release in 1998. And this certainly does not feature a traditional or familiar narrative. What makes it stand out is its distinctive voice. Nobody but Joel and Ethan Coen could have made that film.

So, while it is important to know the rules of traditional structure and techniques when using your script writing software, you should also be willing to try something new.

Screenwriting Made Easier

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 10:02 am on October 26, 2010

Screenwriting is not an easy thing to get right. If it was, many more people would be doing it.

However, you should not let this put you off, as there are great joys and rewards of getting it right.
Thanks to developments in script writing software, the process of developing your story is now more straightforward than ever before.

Whereas in the past, you would have had to study the standardized format of screenwriting to ensure it would look professional, now you can simply follow intuitive steps on your computer.

This means you can devote more time and attention to the plot itself, which will be your unique selling point. You can also focus on producing tight dialogue which reveals character and advances the plot, as well as ensuring the characters are not just one-dimensional figures whose only purpose is spouting exposition.

This additional effort could make all the difference between your plot falling under the radar and actually grabbing the attention of readers at a movie studio or talent agency.

By using script writing software, you can rest assured that your finished product will look professional. This can be a massive help, as you will only have to worry about the content of the script itself, rather than how it looks. Correct formatting can be a great source of worry for many beginning writers, but script writing software can take that away.

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