Script Tips.
Credit: MorgueFile | ©MorgueFile
Hooray for Hollywood!
Despite the myth that many a mischievous actor loves to promote, those stars and starlets don't make it up as they go along! Writers make it up and I'm one of them. I wrote several scripts for Star Trek which were produced for Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.
Writing differs from format to format. Prose you'd craft for an article on AC, a movie review for Amazon or that term paper for a college class isn't the style you'd use for say a novel or sitcom teleplay. The best articles usually tend to be slightly conversational and informative in style and tone. You want to engage readers as if speaking to them, but you're also composing to educate and entertain your audience at the same time.
Then there's writing for the screen.
It could be trying to whip up a chuckle filled sitcom script like Scrubs or Friends, an action packed thriller like 24 or Lost or a feature film like Notes On A Scandal or The Departed. It's writing destined to be acted out. We all know the rule: Show Don't Say. This is essential in screen writing. Dialog is obviously important, however as one of the more popular and universally accepted modern art forms, films must be as visual as possible. It's shorthand communication that can charm and delight a movie audience in Orlando, Florida, the same as a packed movie theatre in Hong Kong.
Script Software
We writers have our quirks just like any other calling or profession. Some of us love to jot down notes onto legal pads, others use a favorite word processor. The digital format of writing is inescapable today and while I've heard of screenwriters still using notepads and even manual typewriters, most of us are going to be using PC's. But it doesn't end there. Using script writing software is the next step. By choosing one you're comfortable with and fits your budget, you're not only increasing your odds of writing more, but writing more effectively. Some of the more popular packages are Movie Magic, Scriptware and Final Draft. Check the web for options and current prices. Microsoft Word can be programmed with standard film script format, so that's another choice to consider.
Despite the myth that many a mischievous actor loves to promote, those stars and starlets don't make it up as they go along! Writers make it up and I'm one of them. I wrote several scripts for Star Trek which were produced for Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.
Writing differs from format to format. Prose you'd craft for an article on AC, a movie review for Amazon or that term paper for a college class isn't the style you'd use for say a novel or sitcom teleplay. The best articles usually tend to be slightly conversational and informative in style and tone. You want to engage readers as if speaking to them, but you're also composing to educate and entertain your audience at the same time.
Then there's writing for the screen.
It could be trying to whip up a chuckle filled sitcom script like Scrubs or Friends, an action packed thriller like 24 or Lost or a feature film like Notes On A Scandal or The Departed. It's writing destined to be acted out. We all know the rule: Show Don't Say. This is essential in screen writing. Dialog is obviously important, however as one of the more popular and universally accepted modern art forms, films must be as visual as possible. It's shorthand communication that can charm and delight a movie audience in Orlando, Florida, the same as a packed movie theatre in Hong Kong.
Script Software
We writers have our quirks just like any other calling or profession. Some of us love to jot down notes onto legal pads, others use a favorite word processor. The digital format of writing is inescapable today and while I've heard of screenwriters still using notepads and even manual typewriters, most of us are going to be using PC's. But it doesn't end there. Using script writing software is the next step. By choosing one you're comfortable with and fits your budget, you're not only increasing your odds of writing more, but writing more effectively. Some of the more popular packages are Movie Magic, Scriptware and Final Draft. Check the web for options and current prices. Microsoft Word can be programmed with standard film script format, so that's another choice to consider.
- Screenwriting books are a great inexpensive resource.
- Writing groups inspire and help network you.
- Show Don't Say is a primary script rule.
Comments
Dave
(Guest)
(Guest)
06/26/2007
Great article and i think all people just starting out in screen writing make the common mistake of writing too much dialog. If anyone would like to discuss screen writing and short films i have just started a free community at www.wecreatefilms.com once again a great article.
writing groups, if one falls in with the right "crowd", I think are a better alternative than wasting cash on script review sort of service; can find some of the same people on sites like zoetrope.com...though on the negative side said writing sites can turn into nitpicking ego drama trips between nobodies, good place for new writers to get tips though...and as for writing software Movie Magic Screenwriter gets an A+ from me
Good tips & clearly written!
RightWriter
(Guest)
(Guest)
02/28/2007
Well written and helpful - thanks alot!
TolianRteddy
(Guest)
(Guest)
02/21/2007
Good advice!
Comments 1 - 5 (of 5)
|
|