http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1638647526/practice-makes-perfect-a-short-film-competing-in-t

ALL screenplays have structure. No matter what. There is not one single movie out there that someone decided to write, who just let their pen flow and it somehow magically turned out to work perfectly on screen. It just doesn’t happen. Every screenplay writer must take into account the structure that screenplays require, and I will teach you the basic knowledge in structure.

The base of structure in all screenplays is the 3 Act Structure. If you’re not familiar with it, read up more on it here for some history. But you’ll learn that this is the base. Beginning, Middle, and End. Certain things have to happen by the first act, by the middle, by the climax, etc. A low point must come, a point of no return, a confrontation, etc. are just come of the things that all screenwriting formulas include, but none are all equally alike. Next, comes the interpretation of that 3 Act Structure/ Begining, Middle, and End. And this is where it gets interesting because YOU as a writer get to choose creatively what you think will work best for you. Although there is the basic 3 Act Structure that everyone must follow for writing a screenplay, there isn’t just one exact formula. So i’m here to suggest a few for you to pick from and to get started learning what it takes to write a screenplay structurally.

1. In The Screenwriting Formula by Rob Tobin, he takes a basic stab at the screenwriting formula. You’ll find that other writers have tailored this formula more specifically, claiming for example there are 8 sequences within that basic formula (we’ll cover this one later in post). But Rob Tobin, keeps it simple. For people that have a hard time grasping structure and feel they get in way too deep over their heads, this book might be wise. In this book Rob Tobin covers the major elements of the first act, the major elements of the first part of the second act, the major elements of the second part of the second act, and major elements of the third act. He then lists what is essential to have within each act. For example, the major elements of the first act include: “The Hero and His Flaw, The Hero’s Redeemeing Qualities, Hero’s Enabling Circumstances”, etc. He claims that screenplays include 7 elements: The Hero, The Flaw, The Enabling Circumstances, The Opponent, The Hero’s Ally, The Life-Changing Event, Jeopardy, aand Combining Story Elements-but you’ll have to buy the book to read about how they are incorporated into structure
2. Next, we have Chris Soth’s Million-Dollar Screenwriting: The Mini-Movie Method. In his DVD seminar (four DVDs with a running time of some 300 minutes) he goes into detail about how the three-act structure was designed for the theater. He argues the formula for screenwriting is based on “sequences” or “mini-movies” that keep the action moving forward and he shows how they meld to create a strong and vibrant story. His take on structure is very straightforward, and his DVD’s while not the best quality are still very informative.
3. My all-time favorite and most effective which I will always stand by is The Story Solution by Eric Edson. Now I’m not going to go into too much detail here because I already did a post on this one alone- check it out here. But I think this screenwriting formula is the most effective because they’re short and simple. Instead of focusing on 8 sequences, which often take more to go into each one, you get to focus on 21-23 SMALL sequences which requires a lot more and is so much easier to follow. In Eric Edson’s book he lists exactly what needs to go in each sequence and gives specific examples for each sequence. But more than that his book is worth it because of the content he lists as necessary for a screenplay, which not all my other suggestions go into. However, if you don’t feel ready to inch out a little further and push yourself to go for this one (even though I will still suggest it to beginners) dont feel bad- you can go for a simple one like my first suggestion.
4. There are also other things like the Blake Snyder Beat Sheet that you can use. I wouldn’t suggest using this alone because I don’t think it goes into as much detail as other books or DVD’s. You can certainly get Blake Snyder’s book as it doesn’t hurt to explore different formulas. In this beat sheet, there are a number of things listed in chronological order thats needed to write a movie. Example: Opening Image (1), Theme Stated (5), Set-up (1-10), Catalyst (12), Debate (12-25), etc.

There are so many different formulas I could show you guys, but I thought these were a good start. It’s important to explore and test these different formulas before sticking with one that will be your guide as you write your first screenplay from start to finish. I read a few books, took a few classes, and listened to some seminars before sticking to my favorite. I hope this post was some help in navigating screenwriting formula and please take my suggestions. Learn the formula so we can get to writing

Happy Writing!

Imagine the story you are writing, as if it were going to become the next big hit film. Think of what the trailer would show. What big moments would that trailer captivate? Go through each scene as if you’re behind the camera filming it. Thinking of your story in cinematic terms helps you to transition from prose writing to creating realistic, believable settings and characters for film. The more we practice  with thinking of our story in filmatic terms, the easier it will be to transfer our image into the minds of others.

Prompt: Write a short story or use one that you have previously written and go through dividing up each scene. For each scene, include stage directions, camera shots, what you would want the actors to do, and any other compelling cinematic direction or detail you can think of. Then, write approximately how long you think that scene would last if you were filming it. Finally, in order to get a clear and concise idea of what’s going on in every scene and to make sure it works, describe in detail what’s going on in each scene. What’s the situation? Is the scene interesting? Are the characters likeable? Is there conflict?

Example: Is the scene about two people sitting at a coffee table having morning coffee saying. “Pass a muffin, John” “Here Sally, here is your muffin. Would you like some juice?” “Why yes John, some juice would be lovely”…you get the point!

P.S.- While you’re at work with each scene, why not enter our one scene contest?

Happy Writing and goodluck prepping! Some exciting screenwriting posts for beginners coming soon!

 Although it’s geared more specifically towards screenwriters, these tips can’t hurt to hear even if your   primary focus is on something else, like novel writing. Never the less, I thought I would put the word out there: The next FREE phone conference class on How To Get An Agent or Manager is on April 1st  where you can sign up here. Check out their website or facebook for more details! Even though I have read up on this subject, I still found invaluable information. Here is a small sneak preview of some of the things you learn: (p.s. they send you a printable handout to go with the phonecall!)

-The three main barriers to getting an agent

-The difference between agents and managers 

-Why screenwriters want agents/managers and vice versa

-Rules of Engagement

-The Roadmap

ALSO if you’re catching this post in time like those of us on the West Coast, I’ll be tuning in on another FREE Screenwriting U telephone conference class on “21 Powerful Rewrite Strategies” TODAY AT 2 P.M. and you should join me! Hurry because it’s limited to only 100 callers! and there’s still time! Visit their facebook or go to their website and sign up here and don’t forget to print out the handout that goes with it!

Goodluck and Happy Writing!

If you’re having trouble finding descriptive words, here is a great website: http://www.kisd.org/khs/english/help%20page/Descriptive%20Words.htm

If you still need that extra push, consider these questions:

Why is this particular instance important? What were you doing?

What other things were happening around you? Is there anything specific that stands out in your mind?

Where were objects located in relation to where you were? How did the surroundings remind you of other places you have been?

What sights, smells, sounds, and tastes were in the air? Did they remind you of anything?

What were you feeling at that time?

Inspired by these photographs, I came up with a great way to tap into your creative side and make your descriptive detail flow right from your pen. Look at the 50 photographs I’ve posted below, and pick one. Now transpirt yourself back in time- or forward- and write a scene or story giving as much detail as possible. It can be from your point of view in the present or looking back- but just BE DESCRIPTIVE.

Link to the pictures: http://www.2expertsdesign.com/showcase/the-beauty-of-urban-decay-50-mindblowing-photography

Use the descriptive word list above if you get stuck and consider the following questions:

What was the view like outside the window? What trip you were on when you saw this picture? What happened right before this picture or right after? How did you get in that position/place? What did you feel when the sun hit that spot?  What did it smell like? What did this place mean 100 years ago compared to now? What took place in this picture? Did you know someone who used to live there? What were they like?

Share your descriptions in the comments and make sure to say which picture you chose! Happy Writing!

Read article here: http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/12/27/101-short-stories-that-will-leave-you-smiling-crying-and-thinking/

The article features 101 “short stories”- and by short I mean a few sentences- that people from all over the world have shared about moments that made them stop in their tracks and think (hence when you see the MMT at the end of the story).

Here are a few great ones:

“Today, when I slipped on the wet tile floor a boy in a wheelchair caught me before I slammed my head on the ground.  He said, “Believe it or not, that’s almost exactly how I injured my back 3 years ago. MMT”

“Today, while everyone else was complaining about the overbooked flight, I smiled and joked with the gate agent about my willingness to sit in the belly of the plane with the luggage.  15 minutes later, the gate agent found me sitting in the gate area and hand delivered a first class ticket to me.  She winked and said, “Thanks for being so patient.  As you know, the coach cabin is full. MMT”

“Today, I was diagnosed with a malignant tumor and given 3 to 6 months to live 10 minutes before the hospital realized they mixed up my biopsy results with the patient in the next room.  MMT”

“Today, I was driving to a job interview when I saw a businesswoman standing next to her BMW on the side of the road.  She had a flat tire.  I pulled over and helped her put on the spare.  When I arrived to the interview, the woman who I helped ended up being the CEO of the company.  I got the job.  MMT”

“Today at the diner where I work, an elderly couple came in for the 4th time this week and requested my table.  I asked them what kept them coming back.  They told me that I reminded them of their granddaughter who passed away 6 years ago.  Then they told me her name.  She was my best friend at the time.  MMT”

“Today, I stopped to chat with the office janitor like I do every Monday morning on my way into work.  And at the end of our conversation he grinned and said, “You know, you’re the only one who ever stops to talk to me around here, and you’re the President and CEO. MMT”

I wanted to share these stories for two reasons

1. They truly will leave you smiling, crying, and thinking

2. After reading them, it will leave writers inspired to write their own short shorts

Which leads up to our challenge of the day. I challenge you to write a short story- only a few sentences long- either about a true event that “made you think” or if nothing comes to mind, conjure up an inspiring moment from your creative side! The real challenge is to get readers to feel as much emotion as possible, in as few words as you can. Post your short shorts in the comments!

For the original website, go here: http://makesmethink.com/

“By becoming more attentive to our dream lives, we can acquire a heightened sense of symbolic undercurrents of existence that imbue life with meaning. Tune into your subconcious by recording your dreams and attempting to build stories about them. This will prove to be a more efficient way of incorporating symbolism into your writing than by inserting symbols arbitrarily.”

Prompt: Select a dream that you’ve managed to record in some detail and turn it into a realistic short story with symbolic overtones.  Build the story around a recognizable event, such as the struggle between a separated or divorced couple to reconcile, etc. 

Thanks to The Daily Writer for this one!

Post your response (up to 500 words) in the comments

Each and every name has specific and in depth meaning by it’s specific syntax and the history/destiny of the name.

The Dynamic Interplay of Names and Destiny by Roy Feinson gives detailed descriptions of hundreds of names and what they imply judging by their syntax and what bias that world has come to place on that name.  ”Charisma. Power. Sex appeal. Wealth. How much of each of these desirable assets starts with the sound of your name? How do these syllables affect not only your self-image but, even more importantly, the expectations that others have of you?”, as described in the book.

An example of what this book aims to show you goes like this:

Scarlett: ”Name reflects uncommon intelligence, sense of humor, constanty mulling something over, etc.”

Walker: ”All WL people are characterized by their determination to make their marks in life and share commn belief that tomorrow is going to be a better day”

See how much there is to learn about every name? So next time you’re brainstorming for a character’s name in your story, take the time to carefully research in depth detail- it will tell alot about your character. Challenge: combine names and the meanings of these names to create a unique unheard of name that contains the combination of detail from two seperate names and voila!- a character personality unique to your story.

Here’s one more thing to leave you thinking- from the publisher of the above stated book: “Which names are the sexiest? The most powerful? How does your name or your child?s name determine destiny? Why are ?I? people becoming doctors at four times the rate of ?O? people? Why do the Keiths of the business world statistically out-perform the Nigels by almost 300%? [the book]explains, in fascinating detail and name-by-name example, how the sounds of a specific name evoke basic, gut reactions and what this means for you and yours.”

Also, be sure to check out the website at http://www.internationalwomensday.com/global_iwd_arts.asp, and read about how they want to celebrate and incorporate women all over the world through art and stories! Submit yours today!