I’ve been working on my screenplay for almost 2 years now. Final pre-production script is done but I’m sure it’ll see endless revisions once production starts. Working on the director’s script, scouting locations, then shot lists. Then the crew needs to be assembled, it needs to be casted, the budget (lack there of) needs to be finalized…. So much work. Thanks for this video!
01:14 🧠 Before writing a screenplay, ensure your idea has the depth to sustain 90-120 pages with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Understand your characters, their goals, obstacles, and choices. 02:37 🕰 Spend 6 months to a year thinking about your idea before writing to develop a strong understanding of characters and plot. Delay writing until characters have a distinct voice and clear conflict. 03:35 🔄 Screenwriting is an ongoing process, not just a phase. Continuous rewriting happens even after shooting, addressing changes suggested by team members and adapting to unforeseen circumstances like location changes. 04:17 📝 Embrace rewriting to incorporateinput from team members and to adapt to changes in locations or circumstances. Flexibility is crucial in maintaining the collaborative nature of filmmaking. 07:02 🚀 To create a unique and compelling story, avoid relying solely on formulaic structures. While formulas can guide, injecting personal elements, taking risks, and making the story different sets it apart and makes it more engaging. 08:40 📢 Trust your vision as a storyteller. Be wary of accepting notes that may compromise your unique voice. Your perspective and bravery in telling your story make your film distinct and memorable.
This is full of great advice - I once took over a script from a producer who had written the first draft. I re-wrote most of it - everyone loved the new version (except this producer) - my version somehow remained intact until production. Come shoot day that producer exacted his revenge by cramming his old ideas into the film. We ran over schedule and the rest is history - still, a great learning experience - writing is a painful and sensitive process for many involved. I never saw the final film.
Very interesting topic. Some great wisdom shared here. Wisdom that can be applied to any profession. Thank you for sharing. Thanks for the reminder about being bold. We can either stay safe in a corner somewhere, or we can change the world....but, we don't get to do both.
After 25 years doing special effects (practical) and writing for 12 years and learning the hard way I would highly suggest before you write take the time to read and study at least two dozen or more screenplays and read at least a dozen of the most popular screenwriting books. Although there are no rules cast in stone this will give you a foundation to learn the craft.
Great advise Ru! A painter I interviewed once said something that has stuck and resonates with your comments here. “A great art work is never truly complete it is just abandoned out of necessity” Geoffrey de Groen.
Unfortunately, he falls into the trap A lot writers do thinking that if you follow structure, your film will be like every other film - that’s like saying if you’re a human with a head, two arms, a spine and two legs that you’re like every other human. Back to the Future, Star Wars, Jaws and the Matrix all follow a similar save-the-cat structure but they are completely different films. Without structure your film is less likely to be genius and more likely to just be a mess. Good structure is not something the audience should even be aware of like background music it creates the magic but is transparent to everyone but professionals.
This is all very well but what about some advice for script writers who are simply writing a spec script i.e. like 99.9% of beginners? Also, "safety" is what the big studios are all about, it's their raison d'etre. So that basically leaves the indy film makers. Otherwise thanks for the vid
2:49-3:29 that is understandable if you as the director of the film, is also the person with the idea and the script. But if you are the writer, you give the screenplay to the director and producers, but what then? When the writer have given the script to the director, the director then can change whatever he wants to change, without the writer being able to say: I disagree! What does the writer do when the script is given? Does he go to write another idea for another studio? How does that work?
I’ve been working on my screenplay for almost 2 years now. Final pre-production script is done but I’m sure it’ll see endless revisions once production starts. Working on the director’s script, scouting locations, then shot lists. Then the crew needs to be assembled, it needs to be casted, the budget (lack there of) needs to be finalized…. So much work. Thanks for this video!
Timing is everything! Just thinking about focusing on screenwriting, and video pops up! Love it!
01:14 🧠 Before writing a screenplay, ensure your idea has the depth to sustain 90-120 pages with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Understand your characters, their goals, obstacles, and choices.
02:37 🕰 Spend 6 months to a year thinking about your idea before writing to develop a strong understanding of characters and plot. Delay writing until characters have a distinct voice and clear conflict.
03:35 🔄 Screenwriting is an ongoing process, not just a phase. Continuous rewriting happens even after shooting, addressing changes suggested by team members and adapting to unforeseen circumstances like location changes.
04:17 📝 Embrace rewriting to incorporateinput from team members and to adapt to changes in locations or circumstances. Flexibility is crucial in maintaining the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
07:02 🚀 To create a unique and compelling story, avoid relying solely on formulaic structures. While formulas can guide, injecting personal elements, taking risks, and making the story different sets it apart and makes it more engaging.
08:40 📢 Trust your vision as a storyteller. Be wary of accepting notes that may compromise your unique voice. Your perspective and bravery in telling your story make your film distinct and memorable.
This is full of great advice - I once took over a script from a producer who had written the first draft. I re-wrote most of it - everyone loved the new version (except this producer) - my version somehow remained intact until production. Come shoot day that producer exacted his revenge by cramming his old ideas into the film. We ran over schedule and the rest is history - still, a great learning experience - writing is a painful and sensitive process for many involved. I never saw the final film.
Very interesting topic.
Some great wisdom shared here. Wisdom that can be applied to any profession. Thank you for sharing. Thanks for the reminder about being bold.
We can either stay safe in a corner somewhere, or we can change the world....but, we don't get to do both.
After 25 years doing special effects (practical) and writing for 12 years and learning the hard way I would highly suggest before you write take the time to read and study at least two dozen or more screenplays and read at least a dozen of the most popular screenwriting books. Although there are no rules cast in stone this will give you a foundation to learn the craft.
Can u make a video on "Which people are important or must be hired in a sci-fi film"
2:08 great lighting ..I’d like to use that perspective with my next music video! Gotta figure out the lighting
Great advise Ru! A painter I interviewed once said something that has stuck and resonates with your comments here. “A great art work is never truly complete it is just abandoned out of necessity” Geoffrey de Groen.
Thanks! I love that quote.
Dang......that's great.
Unfortunately, he falls into the trap A lot writers do thinking that if you follow structure, your film will be like every other film - that’s like saying if you’re a human with a head, two arms, a spine and two legs that you’re like every other human. Back to the Future, Star Wars, Jaws and the Matrix all follow a similar save-the-cat structure but they are completely different films. Without structure your film is less likely to be genius and more likely to just be a mess. Good structure is not something the audience should even be aware of like background music it creates the magic but is transparent to everyone but professionals.
Thank you, this was educative
This is all very well but what about some advice for script writers who are simply writing a spec script i.e. like 99.9% of beginners? Also, "safety" is what the big studios are all about, it's their raison d'etre. So that basically leaves the indy film makers. Otherwise thanks for the vid
2:49-3:29 that is understandable if you as the director of the film, is also the person with the idea and the script. But if you are the writer, you give the screenplay to the director and producers, but what then? When the writer have given the script to the director, the director then can change whatever he wants to change, without the writer being able to say: I disagree! What does the writer do when the script is given? Does he go to write another idea for another studio? How does that work?
Hi good video man How to meet you
6 months to a year?? Wow
What if you have this idea in your head but haven't got intelligent to put it down in but you feel you have a a brilliant idea for a film are a book