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Prof_Pretorius
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10 Feb 2012, 4:29 pm

I've become fascinated with the idea of scriptwriting due to it's anonymous nature. You write a killer script, post it, get it out to be read, and before you know it,get cheques in the post.
I do understand that after a script is purchased, they are heavily adulterated and generally re-written. I also understand that the chances of one you write actually making making it to the screen is roughly that of winning in a casino.

I'm interested to hear from anyone also struggling to write a script of any sort.


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Zokk
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13 Feb 2012, 3:14 am

My advice:

1. Don't write for Hollywood; write what you'd want to watch.
2. The chances of an unknown scriptwriter having their script bought or even looked at by a big-name executive are virtually non-existent.
3. Read a lot of scripts; learn scene structure and filming conventions from them.
4. Read up on the three-act structure and Joseph Campbell's hero's journey.
5. Don't rush into it; take your time writing and revising until you're satisfied with it.


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Skateri
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13 Feb 2012, 7:48 am

I don't know if this works for anybody else than myself but I tend to start at rewriting books into scripts... And of course, like Zokk wrote, read a lot of scripts so you get a feeling of how it is done... You can probably borrow scripts in the local library... Good luck!


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Prof_Pretorius
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19 Feb 2012, 6:40 pm

Thanks for the advice ! !

I've got a shelf full of books that I KNOW would make a great movie, but thought I'd try to write one from scratch first.


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DeathChamberzMusic
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19 Feb 2012, 7:51 pm

Do you already write stories and looking to translate to script.
Have you studied the basics of script writing



pakled
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20 Feb 2012, 10:36 pm

I wish I could remember the name of it, but I believe there's some freeware designed with scriptwriting in mind. You might search for that. Also, there's any number of web sites devoted to writing in general (like Smashwords, for example), and scriptwriting in particular (well, there probably are, I've never written one).

I know I've seen books on sites like Freebookspot and Sharebook free on writing scripts as well. Hope that helps.


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Zokk
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20 Feb 2012, 10:50 pm

pakled wrote:
I wish I could remember the name of it, but I believe there's some freeware designed with scriptwriting in mind.

It's called Celtx. I use it myself, and it's really versatile and easy-to-use. I'd recommend it to any scriptwriter out there. It does all the stuff that Final Draft does, but it's free.


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