WRITING A SCRIPT

Writing a script is one of the loneliest jobs in life. Just you and the pen, pencil, typewriter or keyboard. The only other object that a writer needs is the paper basket. Even if you use computer's keyboard you will find that you have to print part of the text because reading it off the screen is not always easy.

The big advantage of any kind of writing is the fact that you can do it anytime, anywhere and about anything that comes into your mind. The baby does not let you sleep get up and put your frustration on paper. Your wife is spending the evening with friends -write about the relief of being on your own. The boss is giving you hell –you can get back at him on paper.

The first thing you have to do before starting on the unique adventure of scriptwriting is the technical format of your script. There are specific rules- the correct font and its size, margins, holes, binding, number of pages etc,.. These rules are very strict and if you do not follow them your script will not be read. Did you know that if you send – to a professional reader - a script of over 90 pages long it is put aside to be read later just because the usual script is around 90 pages? Did you know that if your opening shot is an airport or a battle ground it is also put aside because crowd scenes cost a lot ?

I am not about to talk about the specific structure of scriptwriting because there are thousand of websites, books and courses that will teach you that.  But in order to learn you first got to have Imagination. Imagination that will enable your mind to soar everywhere covering all kind of subject. No Limit.. Let your imagination go wild, crazy ideas and concept. Let is loose. No boundaries. Without this quality you can forget about scriptwriting. No chance that you will ever make it.

Imagination can be triggered by several factors. I usually find that my imagination is greatly influenced by classical music. I listen with my eyes closed and let my imagination roam. It helps a lot. I have other that it happens to them while reading the paper, telling stories to their kids, sitting in the park, taking walks etc,. Try it and find out what brings you inspiration.

Congratulation – you just finished the 7th, 11th or 20th draft of your script. Do not be tempted to show it around. Let it rest for at least one month. Read it after a month and you will find out that certain words or scenes do  not exactly reflect your thought or concept. Don't be afraid to change them. I wrote a 120 page script with another scriptwriter. After a month we read it again. Both of us discovered that we did not like the script but at this stage we knew exactly what we did want. So we sat down and wrote a new script on the same concept and it was much better that the old version.