I still don't get it

[estandell]

Hello fellows.

I am new to cinematoghraphy, I have done some experimental work but it has been driven by creativity and not by planning. The result, a very bad product. Now I am aware how important is to plan ahead and to write a script for evertything, even for a birthday party! Yes, I look for every opportunity to make money for this "hobby". But that's another story.

The thing is that I am a very bad writer, but now I know that everything can be learned (well, almost). I am using several "techniques" that I have learned so far like brainstorming, lateral thinking, criticizing, etc. but I still don't get it. I can't get the point on how to transfer the idea into a script, into a frame, into a screen. How to get in touch with feelings and emotions of the spectator.

I have read some scripts but it has been very difficult to me to understand how to transfer my toughts. That's why I ask for guidance.

I know that there is so much involved here, framing, angles, sounds, continuity, but all this is mixing up in my mind and is really blocking me out. Maybe I have tied to learn too fast for my brain to process, maybe I need to get out out from here and take a brake, I'm not sure.

Well, anyway there should be a beginning, and I think it must be planning. This is the step I'm learning now and I need to master before I continue, with your help.

 

[Henry Spencer]

Writing isn't something that is an automatic ability. Even talented writers need to learn the craft.

I suggest is that you persevere. Practise, practise, practise and read, read, read.

Expand your vocabulary. This can only be done through reading, writing and conversation. If you are finding it difficult to express your intentions, you need to explore various modes of expression.

Read different forms of literature; film scripts, play texts, novels, poetry, short stories, news articles and scholarly criticism. Through reading these texts you will expose yourself to the techniques and styles used by other writers.

Even when looking at novels, you will see someone like William Burroughs expresses himself in a totally different style from someone like Rushdie. Study these styles and try and develop a mode of expression that suits you best.

Also, try and write in different forms as opposed to just film scripts. Flex your writing muscle. There are so many exercises to try and get the creative process going. Research.

One text I would really recommend you read is ‘Chinatown’ by Robert Towne. This is one of the best texts I know. Economy in language, but a wealth of style, imagery, form and structure.

Good luck.

 

[backlash]

Well, I am not a pro writer, but I make my own scripts and I like to read a lot.

First there are a lot of free material out there. From real stories in the news, or check websites with royalty free short stories for inspiration.

As a tip, just start for short stories, if you manage to nail down a story in 4 minutes you will be able to make great scenes for a feature film.

Also identify the characters, write a very short description, so you try to use that background for every sentence or act that this person will do. Many characters will not have time to develop through the story.

Write, write, and rewrite. The first draft will not be the best, even sometimes the first draft has nothing to do with the final one.

Also not think too much on film to write the plot. If you think on camera angles and views on the first drafts you are losing already the focus about the story. You can rework scenes later on to work on the angles and possible visual effects.

Maybe get some help by someone that is passionate like you and that person might help you on the story boards or other aspects. Actors will appreciate and deliver a better work if they understand what they are doing (sometimes).

 

[Unknown Screenwriter]

Structure...

Hello fellows.

I am new to cinematoghraphy, I have done some experimental work but it has been driven by creativity and not by planning. The result, a very bad product. Now I am aware how important is to plan ahead and to write a script for evertything, even for a birthday party! Yes, I look for every opportunity to make money for this "hobby". But that's another story.

The thing is that I am a very bad writer, but now I know that everything can be learned (well, almost). I am using several "techniques" that I have learned so far like brainstorming, lateral thinking, criticizing, etc. but I still don't get it. I can't get the point on how to transfer the idea into a script, into a frame, into a screen. How to get in touch with feelings and emotions of the spectator.

I have read some scripts but it has been very difficult to me to understand how to transfer my toughts. That's why I ask for guidance.

I know that there is so much involved here, framing, angles, sounds, continuity, but all this is mixing up in my mind and is really blocking me out. Maybe I have tied to learn too fast for my brain to process, maybe I need to get out out from here and take a brake, I'm not sure.

Well, anyway there should be a beginning, and I think it must be planning. This is the step I'm learning now and I need to master before I continue, with your help.

You're not alone... Over the years, I've known a lot of filmmakers who come up with some very stunning SCENES. Amazingly visual. So visual in fact, that often, it was that scene and maybe several more that motivated them to make a film in the first place... Got them EXCITED.

But you've already realized that being driven by creativity is simply NOT ENOUGH. Hey... That's a great first step because a lot of filmmakers NEVER get beyond this step and they end up suffering for it.

From what it sounds like to me, you need some simple structuring to your story ideas... Go ahead and read through this thread:

http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=8369

I'm not advocating that you use the 4 Act Structure but at least reading through it might fill in the cracks for you.

Any GOOD STRUCTURE should work... 3 Act Structure is probably the most popular but most of what you'll find on it are the broad strokes and might still keep you feeling like you don't get it.

Another good structure is the Hero's Journey which the 4 Act Structure is also based upon.

Personally, I like to write my first drafts very loose... I keep it within broad confines of the 4 Act Structure but I never FORCE my characters to DO something just because it's in the structure. Rather, I find what is MOST IMPORTANT is in fact KNOWING YOUR CHARACTERS as well as you possibly can and there are MANY techniques that allow you to do that.

Once you know your characters as well if not better than you know yourself, you write your first draft with a loose 4 Act Structure outline or beat sheet. Let your characters run free... The better you know them, the more they will DEVIATE from the structure. No problem. Let them do that because often, letting them deviate will allow you do discover some amazing new plot points.

As long as you stay aware of your initial structure -- your outline -- your beat sheet -- you'll subconsciously pull your characters back on track. You'll go through this process all the way through that first draft, often ending up with a lot more pages than you need.

No problem...

That's where STRUCTURE really SHINES... It's your flow chart -- your road map. Once the first draft is complete and you've given it a few days to a few weeks to ferment, now go ahead and take whatever structure you're using for the script and begin tweaking that first draft back into shape according to your structure.

Nine times out of ten, the STORY will be in that first draft SOMEWHERE. It's your job to DIG it out. I find that what works best for me is simply going back to my structure and tweak what I've already written to better adhere to my structure.

Hope that helps... Good luck!

filmy

 

[barnaclelapse]

Writing isn't something that is an automatic ability. Even talented writers need to learn the craft.

I suggest is that you persevere. Practise, practise, practise and read, read, read.

Expand your vocabulary. This can only be done through reading, writing and conversation. If you are finding it difficult to express your intentions, you need to explore various modes of expression.

Read different forms of literature; film scripts, play texts, novels, poetry, short stories, news articles and scholarly criticism. Through reading these texts you will expose yourself to the techniques and styles used by other writers.

Even when looking at novels, you will see someone like William Burroughs expresses himself in a totally different style from someone like Rushdie. Study these styles and try and develop a mode of expression that suits you best.

Also, try and write in different forms as opposed to just film scripts. Flex your writing muscle. There are so many exercises to try and get the creative process going. Research.

One text I would really recommend you read is ‘Chinatown’ by Robert Towne. This is one of the best texts I know. Economy in language, but a wealth of style, imagery, form and structure.

Good luck.

I definitely agree with that. If the passion is there and it's coupled with the ideas and ambition, then reading/reading/reading and writing/writing/writing as much as you can stand (and then a little more than that, maybe) will definitely go a long way to filling the gap.

I also like the idea of messing around with different styles and approaches to broaden your range while finding an approach and style to fit your voice.

 

[M1chae1]

This might have been said...

But try reading some books, and then watching the movie version to see how it was translated. Also, get ahold of the script to see how it was laid out.