Wsup ppl, I started writing a screenplay and the first 10 pages were a success. However I'm stuck now. I'm not sure if ive lost interest in my story or i'm just having typical writers block. im trying to write it according to the BS2 and Ive reached what would be the catalyst but im lost. Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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cant make it past page 10
- Thread starter Wesmith829
- Start date
I'm also struggling with writing my first screenplay, so I have to ask you, ....Didn't you have a beginning, middle and end in mind before you started writing your screenplay? If you do, then all the other parts can be filled in with your mind as you go.
For me, I constantly watch my movie within my mind and then write down what I see. Try visualizing what happens next for a while. ....Picture yourself in a theater watching your own movie. .......What will the next scene look like? ....What are your characters saying?
My biggest problem right now is "logistics". I'm having trouble getting my characters from point A to point B and having it be realistic time wise based on where they are located. But that's all tech crap. I know what I want them to do once they get there.
What is your #1 issue with getting to page 11?
-Birdman
For me, I constantly watch my movie within my mind and then write down what I see. Try visualizing what happens next for a while. ....Picture yourself in a theater watching your own movie. .......What will the next scene look like? ....What are your characters saying?
My biggest problem right now is "logistics". I'm having trouble getting my characters from point A to point B and having it be realistic time wise based on where they are located. But that's all tech crap. I know what I want them to do once they get there.
What is your #1 issue with getting to page 11?
-Birdman
Writer's Block sucks.
There are a few ways to overcome it.
1. Get away from the computer. Run, walk, jog, take a ride, do something.
2. Meditate.
3. Pull out a notebook, and write down random things that come to mind.
4. Write the story backwards, or scenes of the film that you think would be cool. Collect scenes together, put them into a rough draft, then link and refine those scenes later.
5. Bring a notepad everywhere.
6. Take a break and come back with fresh eyes.
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Once you've began writing, don't stop. Don't correct spelling errors or issues. Just write. If you are writing the rough draft on a computer, dim the screen. If you are writing, don't you dare rip out a page or use the eraser.
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This would make a cool filmmaking/screenwriting tutorial. Coming soon!
There are a few ways to overcome it.
1. Get away from the computer. Run, walk, jog, take a ride, do something.
2. Meditate.
3. Pull out a notebook, and write down random things that come to mind.
4. Write the story backwards, or scenes of the film that you think would be cool. Collect scenes together, put them into a rough draft, then link and refine those scenes later.
5. Bring a notepad everywhere.
6. Take a break and come back with fresh eyes.
------
Once you've began writing, don't stop. Don't correct spelling errors or issues. Just write. If you are writing the rough draft on a computer, dim the screen. If you are writing, don't you dare rip out a page or use the eraser.
------
This would make a cool filmmaking/screenwriting tutorial. Coming soon!
Skip the Blake Snyder stuff. Write the story, that is, the whole idea from start to finish. If you don't have the ending in mind, it's hard to write the middle. Now that doesn't mean you might not change it down the road. Knowing where the character starts and where they finish allows for lots of creativity about getting there. Once you have the "story" then go back check it against your story template.
If you try to write to a template, you'll find yourself frustrated. A template is not a source of creativity but a tool for structuring your story. Unfortunately it tends to be too confining and cookie cutter but is a good starting point for new writers. However, you first must write the story before you can make use of it. If you don't know your own story and a sense of where it goes, it's hard to know what will serve to drive the action.
What is your story theme? What would cause conflict/challenge? How will the protagonist be different as a result of these experiences? If you don't know, it's because you need to flesh out your story. Having an outline and/or story summary will help. By analogy, if I plan a trip from New York to Los Angeles, there are many routes. It allows me to create a trip plan based on the timing. Now I can choose locations I want to visit along the road. That's how to use Snyder's or any template. If you don't have a destination in mind, it's hard to move forward. If you have a destination in mind, it's harder to get lost.
I would only stick to strict screenplay structures from books if I were trying to write a screenplay to sell to a major studio. If you're writing for fun or for a small production that you plan to shoot, etc. I would just write the story the way it feels natural for you.
Also, if you get stuck after 10 pages you probably didn't write a detailed enough outline. Some people prefer not to use an outline, but before I write an entire screenplay I have dozens of pages of plot ideas typed in messy paragraphs.
If you already know the major plot points that are happening throughout the story it's easier to connect the dots between them and less daunting than staring at a completely blank page and trying to make it exciting as you go.
Also, if you get stuck after 10 pages you probably didn't write a detailed enough outline. Some people prefer not to use an outline, but before I write an entire screenplay I have dozens of pages of plot ideas typed in messy paragraphs.
If you already know the major plot points that are happening throughout the story it's easier to connect the dots between them and less daunting than staring at a completely blank page and trying to make it exciting as you go.
I don't think there's anything wrong with following the Blake Snyder method. He didn't exactly invent his methodology, he just found a way to communicate it in a way that is very accessible to novice screenwriters. I started with Snyder, I'm now in the process of reading a few more popular screenwriting books, and I gotta say that while all of what I've read has been very informative, Snyder's books are just so much more of a breeze to read. He writes for laymen, in laymen terms.
I personally don't believe you need to strictly follow all of his rules, and hit every single beat, but I certainly think it's good knowledge to possess, and you can choose freely when to adhere to his rules, and when to break them.
I gotta ask, though -- you say that you're following his beat sheet, but did you read either of his books? The reason I ask is because you wouldn't have your current problem had you already finished The Board. If you haven't read Save the Cat!, I do recommend it; it's an easy read and there are a good deal of nuggets of wisdom, not all of which pertain to the beat sheet. I personally very much like using The Board. It's very similar to an outline, but more fluid.
Is this project super-secret? If not, you can always post the general plot-line here, and ask for ideas for a catalyst.
I personally don't believe you need to strictly follow all of his rules, and hit every single beat, but I certainly think it's good knowledge to possess, and you can choose freely when to adhere to his rules, and when to break them.
I gotta ask, though -- you say that you're following his beat sheet, but did you read either of his books? The reason I ask is because you wouldn't have your current problem had you already finished The Board. If you haven't read Save the Cat!, I do recommend it; it's an easy read and there are a good deal of nuggets of wisdom, not all of which pertain to the beat sheet. I personally very much like using The Board. It's very similar to an outline, but more fluid.
Is this project super-secret? If not, you can always post the general plot-line here, and ask for ideas for a catalyst.
I plan my screenplays out prior to writing them. Some folks use post-it notes, write a scene name and basic description of the scene then put it on a wall. The next scene follows and so on. You can order the scenes later if you like, so simply start with great scenes that you want to see - one scene per post-it note.
The above helps me a lot.
If I'm stuck, I'll take a few steps back and simply think about the story for a few days. I may also talk to friends about it - they can give me great ideas and insights, help me move forward.
The above helps me a lot.
If I'm stuck, I'll take a few steps back and simply think about the story for a few days. I may also talk to friends about it - they can give me great ideas and insights, help me move forward.
If you have writers block after 10 pages of first draft you should seriously think about choosing a different hobby/profession. Neighbour of Oscar Wilde said that every time he looked into Wilde's window all he could see is a candle light and a writing hand. Constantly writing hand. A frase attributed to several writers/screenwriters - "Writing = Ass + Chair ". That's it. no one on this forum can help you. Sit down and write. Turn off your phone, internet, don't go for a snack or w.e. Write. If you can't write,sit. Wait.
If you have to carry a heavy piano to a 10th floor and you are tired after 2nd and start asking for grip strategy, mental concentration mantra etc. you will stay on that 2nd floor forever. t some point you simply have to do it. (No product placement intended)
If you have to carry a heavy piano to a 10th floor and you are tired after 2nd and start asking for grip strategy, mental concentration mantra etc. you will stay on that 2nd floor forever. t some point you simply have to do it. (No product placement intended)
Wesmith829- Do you know your ending? Having that mapped out is important and helps pull you through the muck and the mire. I've found that writing backwards can help jostle the kinks and get things flowing.
FantasySciFi's comment rings true:
The Story Solution is another guide to consider.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-Solution-Actions-Heroes/dp/1615930841
Of course, the reason there are so many books on screenwriting is because there is no ONE that is the panacea.
But when mixed and matched together they can certainly offer all sorts of useful insight into the craft.
I think I'll give the "Cat" a look. Haven't read that one yet.
FantasySciFi's comment rings true:
The Story Solution is another guide to consider.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-Solution-Actions-Heroes/dp/1615930841
Of course, the reason there are so many books on screenwriting is because there is no ONE that is the panacea.
But when mixed and matched together they can certainly offer all sorts of useful insight into the craft.I think I'll give the "Cat" a look. Haven't read that one yet.
What happens after page ten?
Writing is a chess game.
What happens after the tenth move?
Just how well planned is your writing strategy or story architecture?
You know your characters MUST achieve certain goals, good or bad, or have certain situations thrust upon them at specific times, so...
What happens next? After page ten?
Writing is a chess game.
What happens after the tenth move?
Just how well planned is your writing strategy or story architecture?
You know your characters MUST achieve certain goals, good or bad, or have certain situations thrust upon them at specific times, so...
What happens next? After page ten?
Outlining can be a valuable tool. For our latest feature, we pretty much outlined the entire movie with index cards before we started typing. We thought through scenes sequences, etc.
It was a long and arduous process, but IMHO, if you do this before you start to write the script, it will save you so much time and dead ends and writers block type episodes.
Here is a photo of our office boards as we made the transition to writing our screenplay in Celtx.
It was a long and arduous process, but IMHO, if you do this before you start to write the script, it will save you so much time and dead ends and writers block type episodes.
Here is a photo of our office boards as we made the transition to writing our screenplay in Celtx.
get an OST from a film thats similar to the one your writing (dont give me rubbish about its unique coz theres something similar there always is one way or another) then start writing to the music.
Can you write other parts of the script from your treatment if you have one? That way you are still doing something, and then you can come back to page 10 later, and just work on the rest in the meantime. That's what I am doing now as well with a script. Stuck on the first half, and going to write out the second in the meantime.
This was my line of thinking also. The photo ahennessey posted says it all. Maybe step away from the screenplay for a bit and start planning some more. I know it sucks, but it'll be worth it in the long run.
Otherwise some great advice already put forth by everybody.
^
WesSmith829:
I agree with all the other suggestions you've been given. I tend to do a few different things. For the story I'm currently working on I have been carrying around my digital recorder and recording all the ideas that come into my head. I've got over 30 minutes of recorded notes, ideas and just random babblings about this story. Whatever and whenever they come to mind. Last night I sat down and wrote 10 to 12 pages in a few hours just by writing whatever scene came to mind. I wrote the intro V.O. and a few of the final scenes. Also wrote one of the middle scenes. So, while the story is in my head, I'm not writing it in a linear fashion...i.e., this comes first, then this, then that and so forth....If I did that, my stories would never come out.
I've done the same thing when writing short stories and the novel I'm working on currently.
Good Luck and this board is a wealth of information and knowledge. Use it to your advantage.
Matt
I agree with all the other suggestions you've been given. I tend to do a few different things. For the story I'm currently working on I have been carrying around my digital recorder and recording all the ideas that come into my head. I've got over 30 minutes of recorded notes, ideas and just random babblings about this story. Whatever and whenever they come to mind. Last night I sat down and wrote 10 to 12 pages in a few hours just by writing whatever scene came to mind. I wrote the intro V.O. and a few of the final scenes. Also wrote one of the middle scenes. So, while the story is in my head, I'm not writing it in a linear fashion...i.e., this comes first, then this, then that and so forth....If I did that, my stories would never come out.
I've done the same thing when writing short stories and the novel I'm working on currently.
Good Luck and this board is a wealth of information and knowledge. Use it to your advantage.
Matt
DO NOT SKIP THE BLAKE SYNDER STUFF. I'm guessing you are new to screenwriting... well, this is where it all begins.
Even John Truby, who says you can't sell a 3 act structure still is really just sideways around it.
I have more than a few screenplays under my belt, but what works wonders for me is to write a treatment based on the beats. If I can't fill in a spot right away, I just keep going.
Also, KNOWING YOUR CHARACTERS IS VITAL. As a writer, you shouldn't be directing your characters, they should be directing you.
PS... when I come to a "block" I go outside and smoke a cigarette. Halfway through it everything becomes crystal clear. I don't recommend starting smoking just to be a better writer though
Even John Truby, who says you can't sell a 3 act structure still is really just sideways around it.
I have more than a few screenplays under my belt, but what works wonders for me is to write a treatment based on the beats. If I can't fill in a spot right away, I just keep going.
Also, KNOWING YOUR CHARACTERS IS VITAL. As a writer, you shouldn't be directing your characters, they should be directing you.
PS... when I come to a "block" I go outside and smoke a cigarette. Halfway through it everything becomes crystal clear. I don't recommend starting smoking just to be a better writer though
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I have more than a few screenplays under my belt, but what works wonders for me is to write a treatment based on the beats. If I can't fill in a spot right away, I just keep going.
Also, KNOWING YOUR CHARACTERS IS VITAL. As a writer, you shouldn't be directing your characters, they should be directing you.
PS... when I come to a "block" I go outside and smoke a cigarette. Halfway through it everything becomes crystal clear. I don't recommend starting smoking just to be a better writer though
Awesome for having a few under your belt already. I just started to delve into the realm of screenwriting myself, but there's always a starting point right?
KNOWING YOUR CHARACTERS IS VITAL....Amen brother.....Don't let them direct you or tell you what to do....You tell them what to do. Think about it this way...Your characters are historical figures.....If you were to write a screenplay on George Washington and the Revolution....You'd have all your source material in front of you to your advantage......Think of your characters in this way.
I tend to be partial to a good cigar and some scotch or rum myself!
Rum and a blank page make for a great night.
I've been able to write since third grade and my degree is in English. That said, having the ability to write - even write crap - is something that many do not posses. If you know your characters, you should be able to put them into a scene and the actions / emotions should come quickly. Dialogue will likely come slower and if you don't have extensive experience in really listening or understanding people or how every single piece of dialogue has to move the story, then just write whatever works and come back to refine it.
One last thing about Save the Cat. As I mentioned, I've been writing poetry and short stories and about film for a long time. I'd had ideas for scripts in my head and even wrote a 60 pager. Then I read Save the Cat. Then I created a board. Then I wrote a complete 90 page script in 4 days. I just finished Richard Walters Essentials of Screenwriting and even read the Bible - Syd Field... but NOTHING will help you finish a screenplay better than Save the Cat. In fact, I read it (or at least most of it) every time I start a script and have been able to get a full draft done in a week.
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Rum and a blank page make for a great night.
I've been able to write since third grade and my degree is in English. That said, having the ability to write - even write crap - is something that many do not posses. If you know your characters, you should be able to put them into a scene and the actions / emotions should come quickly. Dialogue will likely come slower and if you don't have extensive experience in really listening or understanding people or how every single piece of dialogue has to move the story, then just write whatever works and come back to refine it.
One last thing about Save the Cat. As I mentioned, I've been writing poetry and short stories and about film for a long time. I'd had ideas for scripts in my head and even wrote a 60 pager. Then I read Save the Cat. Then I created a board. Then I wrote a complete 90 page script in 4 days. I just finished Richard Walters Essentials of Screenwriting and even read the Bible - Syd Field... but NOTHING will help you finish a screenplay better than Save the Cat. In fact, I read it (or at least most of it) every time I start a script and have been able to get a full draft done in a week.
I, too, have been writing stories and "painting pictures with words" as my mother always told me. I had a great example set by my grandfather...he was an amazing oral story-teller. I would sit and listen intently at his stories....I miss that man so doggone much.. .. . . but, I digress....
I will have to check out the Save the Cat book and the others that you've mentioned and I've heard mentioned on this board time and time again...until they arrive...write is the word of the day!