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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.

Screenwriting Myths Debunked

Filed under: Screenplay Writing Software by admin @ 3:15 pm on February 28, 2011

A lot of talented writers make the mistake of giving up on a career in screenwriting before they even get started. Much of this lack of belief stems from the numerous myths surrounding the world of screenwriting, which discourage people from chasing their dreams.

The majority of these myths are completely baseless or outdated, as the world of screenplay writing could well be more open than you think:

-    You don’t have to be famous or already working in the movie industry to get a screenplay noticed. Production companies and television networks are constantly on the lookout for new talent with fresh ideas and perspectives. Plenty of successful movies were conceived and developed by new writers without any prior industry affiliation.

-    It doesn’t matter if you struggle to come up with completely new and unique ideas. The truth is that a one of a kind concept is extremely rare and seldom necessary. Many exciting and successful screenplays have been based on works of literature, TV shows and even other movies. As long as your screenplay is well-written and has a coherent storyline it has every chance of getting industry recognition.

-    Don’t worry if you’ve never written a script before. Everyone has to start somewhere, and as with any new activity, the best way to improve your technique is through assisted practice. Even if you don’t know exactly how a screenplay should be set out, there are many useful tools that can help you. Screenwriting software can guide you on those first steps towards writing a structured story that meets industry requirements.

Nuvotech Invites People to Unlock Their Imaginations with Script It! Creative Writing Software

Filed under: Press Releases by admin @ 7:14 pm on February 11, 2011

February 11, 2011  (London, UK) — UK technology company Nuvotech, known for its professional screenwriting software Movie Outline® and innovative cloud service for script copying and shipping Hollywood Script Express, today announced the availability of the much anticipated boxed version of its popular cross-platform creative writing package Script It! for Mac and PC.

This retail ready update also includes three scene by scene story breakdowns and analyses of Hollywood blockbusters Ghost, Spider-Man and Scream, and will be available both as a download and through retail stores and dot coms across North America, and – as a result of a new distribution deal – now also in the UK.

“Script It! was developed to help writers of any discipline organize their ideas and plan their story with ease, whether it be a novel, screenplay, stage play, pitch or presentation ”, commented Dan Bronzite, CEO of Nuvotech. “While designed for the formats of stage and screen, the software is extremely versatile and the tools included will aid any kind of creative writing.”

Key Features

  • Fully integrated step-outlining and scene organization
  • Industry standard script formatting with auto-pagination and auto-complete
  • Script writing glossary with over 250 filmmaking terms and definitions
  • Character name generator categorized by origin, gender and meaning
  • Includes scene by scene story and analysis of Ghost, Spider-Man and Scream
  • Scratch Pad to manage script snippets, research, character notes and plot ideas.

View features comparison between Script It! and Movie Outline 3 and download a free trial.

Educational Solutions

Script It! is ideal for students learning screenwriting because of its intuitive and structured approach to story development, which can easily be tailored into modules for teaching. The software is already being adopted by schools and universities, and Nuvotech strongly support this through affordable academic pricing for individual licenses and multiple seats for writing labs.

“Script It! helps you organize your thoughts and build your story and screenplay beat by beat, making the process of writing a script less daunting and more intuitive, especially for first-timers learning the craft.”

–- Professor Richard Walter, Chairman of the UCLA Screenwriting Program.

Pricing & Availability

Script It! is currently available from Nuvotech’s online software store, and will roll out across major retail and independent resellers over the coming months. The suggested retail price is $79.95.

About Nuvotech

Nuvotech Limited is a software and Web 2.0 services company based in London, England. It was founded in 1999 by produced screenwriter and director Dan Bronzite to publish innovative software and services for the creative industry. Its most recognized brands are Movie Outline a cross-platform screenplay development application and Hollywood Script Express a script copying, copyright and delivery service in Los Angeles.

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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