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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.

How to Write a Script

Filed under: How to Write a Script by admin @ 11:31 am on December 26, 2010

Instruction Manual

Every movie needs a script. A script is the instruction manual for any movie, as it details every visual and aural aspect of a story. Because so many people are involved in the production of a movie, a script must be presented in a certain format so that everyone will understand it. A correctly formatted script allows the director, cast and crew to all be on the same page when they interpret (and later re-interpret) the initial premise of a story.

Looking Professional

It is quite possible for any aspiring writer with a half decent story to learn how to write a script. Commercial screenwriting software makes it possible for a screenplay to be converted into the all-important format which the studios demand. This is of particular benefit to up and coming screenwriters as any screenplay they submit will immediately look professional. Also, the time saved can be put to good use by learning more about the craft of screenwriting.

Learning the Craft

Successful screenwriters do not tell the audience a story; they show them. What is written is not what the audience will read, but what they will see and hear. A writer may know exactly what their characters are thinking and feeling, but the essence of good screenwriting is in having the ability to convey it on the big screen. As long as a script includes all the pictures, sounds, and dialogue needed to show a story, then it will be on the right road.

Writing Scripts & Getting Ahead

Filed under: Screenplay Writing Software by admin @ 12:23 pm on December 14, 2010

Writing screenplays for major Hollywood studios is the ultimate ambition for many frustrated script writers. But where do you start?

Screenwriting can be a complicated business but thankfully there are products available on the market which can prove invaluable. One of the most effective and widely accepted tools for aspiring screenwriters is script writing software.

Script writing software allows writers to cut and move scenes within a user-friendly interface to help determine the ideal flow of their story. Organizing a screenplay in this way can be very beneficial to writers, as it can help them discover that extra magic needed to take their story to a higher level. Similarly, it can help a writer see that a scene they thought was indispensible is in fact not needed.

Screen writing software also formats screenplays to comply with the accepted industry standards which the readers in Hollywood insist upon. This is very important as the decision makers in the industry will only read screenplays which are in this authorized format and layout. Should a script not even meet this most basic requirement then it will not be considered, no matter how good it might be.

Screenwriting is a competitive business, and becoming an established script writer is no easy task. However, once a writer has the basics down and can correctly structure and format scripts, they will be that much closer to Hollywood success.

Can Software Guarantee Script Writing Success?

Filed under: Screenplay Writing Software by admin @ 9:17 am on December 5, 2010

Many aspiring script writers and established screenwriters within the movie industry now use screenwriting software to help them write great scripts. Although screenwriting software can be an enormously valuable tool to help finalize a script, it cannot generate a story from nothing or guarantee that a script will be good enough to be fast-tracked for production.

Sadly, there are some screenwriters who believe that using specialized software will guarantee them Hollywood success. Some writers expect screenwriting software to create a story for them. It cannot do this, but it can provide you with the perfect formatting tools to make the best of a great script. You will need to supply your own believable characters, engaging dialogue, and a well-written plot.

Script writing software is designed to help writers flesh out good ideas and construct them into a professional piece of work. Although this alone is not guaranteed to turn a script into a blockbuster movie, it will certainly ensure that those receive your script will see that you are serious about the work.

One of the most affordable and effective screenwriting software options now available on the market is Movie Outline. Movie Outline is a well-developed software package which has many features, designed to make screenplay writing much more satisfying.

It has many different templates which enable writers to include notes and track changes between drafts, and also allows scripts to be formatted in the approved layout and correct font for final submission. Movie Outline can provide the means for success, but it is up to you to provide the magic.

Want to Write Great Movies? Watch and Learn…

Filed under: Screenplay Writing Software by admin @ 4:15 pm on November 25, 2010

Screenwriting can be very rewarding. It enables you to have fun and explore ideas you find interesting.

However, creating a good outline for a film is not as easy as sitting at your desk and reeling off ideas.

It is vital that you hone your screenwriting skills by first watching and analyzing films.

Just as novelists do not tend to rise to the top of their game without being well-versed in other works, you will have to immerse yourself in the world of films and learn as much as you possibly can before you achieve success.

While you should avoid stealing ideas from other people, you can use the material to sharpen your own style. It is also possible to see what can go wrong when making movies, so you can try to avoid falling victim to the same mistakes.

And you should not necessarily stick to the genre of films that you like the most.

By expanding your horizons in this way, you will come into contact with a broader range of ideas and techniques, all of which will be useful when you sit down with your script writing software to begin your own screenplay.

And as your career progresses, you will obviously have to remain in touch with the latest advances in the field, so the learning process never really stops.

So, if you are lacking inspiration when you settle down in front of your script writing software or feel your style could do with a little tweaking, take a break and watch a film. You can learn just as much from ones you hate as ones you love.

Avoid Temptation to Show Off When Writing a Script

Filed under: How to Write a Script by admin @ 12:10 pm on November 15, 2010

If you have wondered how to write a script, you will know there are many things to bear in mind.

Obviously, you have to have a clear idea of your storyline and characters.

Also, you must know at least roughly how the creation will appear to the audience when they view it, so detailed impressions of key moments in your plot should be covered.

However, there is one simple point that is sometimes overlooked by those involved in screenwriting, which is avoiding the temptation to show off.

It can be an enticing prospect to illustrate how clever you are and how complex your ideas can be. However, if you do this when screenwriting, you may very well struggle to succeed.

After all, audiences can be left behind if you make your story too confusing and complex to understand, and people may get frustrated and simply give up.

The real skill in knowing how to write a script is to present what are subtle and clever ideas in a simple and accessible way.

This is not to say you should make your screenplay dull and uninteresting. It simply means you should ensure you leave your ego out of the finished article.

There are many examples of films with simple yet brilliant plots, and getting this skill honed is in itself an art.

Knowing how to make the multifaceted accessible to those reading your screenplay and ultimately watching your film is valuable.

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.

Has Your Script Got What it Takes?

Filed under: Screenwriting by admin @ 2:59 pm on October 16, 2010

Many people have an idea for a film, yet very few will actually get around to making something of it. Whether it is a lack of confidence or they have no idea how screenwriting works, most people will never try writing a screenplay

For those that will try, simply having this inner drive is not enough. You must combine this enthusiasm with detailed knowledge of how to write a strong, saleable script.

One of the most important things when screenwriting is the strength of the characters you have created. Whether they love or loathe your creations, your audience needs to feel some form of connection to them.

Also, there should be something at stake in the story. When screenwriting, you should ensure that you generate an element of escalating suspense that keeps people interested.

Those who know how to write a script also typically introduce a level of conflict (both internal and external) or obstacles that the protagonists have to overcome. This provides the audience with their much needed sense of drama.

It also helps to write about a field you have experience in, whether as a theme, event or setting, as your understanding of the topic will shine through. However, if you are determined to cover an area that you have little or no direct experience in, you will need to undertake sufficient research.

By investing plenty of time in this before settling down in front of your keyboard, you will reap the rewards in the end.

Why Is Script Structure So Important?

Filed under: Screenplay Writing Software by admin @ 9:29 am on October 6, 2010

If you have a wide range of screenwriting ideas and are keen to get them down in black and white, you may question the importance of format.

Many people think the ideas themselves are the most important factor, rather than how they are presented. This is a common misconception. While substance is certainly crucial, the presentation of your screenplay is also incredibly important.

Readers at a film studio or agency will have limited time in which to go through your script. If they find the format of your material confusing, or if it strays too far from the standardized format, they may simply assume you are not taking it seriously and give up. You must get the layout of your screenwriting right, or you may well sabotage your chance.

However, it is now possible to use screenplay writing software which helps you to follow an industry-approved format and layout. Experienced screenwriters understand that the structure of your script is just as important as the story it tells.

When working on a screenplay with screenplay writing software, you will be writing in an industry-approved format, which can allow you to write without having to worry about how professional your script will look.

This can, in turn, help with the writing itself, as if you feel that you are writing an authentic, Hollywood-standard script, you may find yourself writing better than ever. Many respected writers use screenplay writing software to create work which goes on to become a hit, and you can do the same.

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