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Message |
    
Rebecca Easton
Wandering Member
Post Number:
285
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 11:24 am: |   |
If you were going to transform your manuscript into a screenplay, what software would you use? Anyone have any software that might help a novelist turn their work in to a play or should a novelist send the manuscript off to the agents or corporations and then let them turn it into a screenplay? What's your advice?
Becca
http://RebeccaEaston.com
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Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
528
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 01:14 pm: | |
Rebecca,
If you haven't already done so, spend about a year learning how to
correctly write a screenplay.
If you've done it, the software will only help you format correctly.
Look at Final Draft. It's good. There are others.
Good luck,
BN |
Snarzler
Awareness Member
Post Number:
21
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 01:31 pm: | |
In rereading your original post, I have a few additions.
If you don't intend to be a screenwriter but merely want to test your work in other markets, I would get a collaborator to help you transfer it into a play script or film manuscript.
But if you would like to write screenplays (or seriously try it), here are some of my thoughts:
Get a couple of books that specialize in screenwriting. There are some solid ones out there that use successful films as examples. Don't read about one of your favorite movies. It will destroy it for you.
Stay away from Syd Field and Robert McKee. They had their purpose once, and do not anymore.
As for software, I like using Sophocles. It formats to spec scripts. The fancier (read $$$$) programs like Movie Magic and Final Draft format to shooting scripts. Sophocoles has a free version that will let you print up to thirty pages.
For just storying around, I like Dramatica, but you can't save, print or cut & paste with the demo. I think it worth the price, but I waited for the student discount.
FWIW, YMMV
If there were no creative people, would life be as interesting? |
Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
530
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 02:58 pm: | |
Snarlzer,
I'm sorry, but I would have to challenge your statement.
I have Final Draft and it is geared specifically toward Spec not a Shooting script.
I admit I have no experience with any of the others.
I do agree with your advice to Rebecca. Screen writing is a whole different animal that cranking out prose for novels et al.
bn |
Snarzler
Awareness Member
Post Number:
22
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 03:21 pm: | |
Bill
I did a little digging. It depends on what version of the software you are using.
I tested an early (1998) copy. They have 'corrected' this 'oversight' in later releases.
Still, its a few hundred bucks. I wouldn't recommend purchase to someone uncertain of wanting to be a screenwriter.
*shakesmouse*
Peace bubblegum cigar?
Andrea
If there were no creative people, would life be as interesting? |
Rebecca Easton
Wandering Member
Post Number:
286
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 11:02 am: | |
Okay, another question? Do any of you send screenplays off? If so, what's the percentage of turn down? And, would a company like MGM rather have their writer's do the screenplays? I mean, dont they adapt to a book all the time? How does that work. Anyone able to educate me on how the whole process works?
Becca
http://RebeccaEaston.com
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Snarzler
Awareness Member
Post Number:
25
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 12:33 pm: | |
There are very specific packaging requirements for screenplays. Plain white board, two or three brass brads, sometimes washers (I'm a two-bradder) and only one place with identifying information. No wga or copyright registry numbers and pay attention to the margins!
As for sending them out, its expensive here in the boonies, so I target mine to open prod. cos. (that take specs), agents and contests. I also participate at Zoetrope. Initially (before they started charging and the kids took over) I also was involved with Project Greenlight and Trigger Street.
If you have a mystery thriller, look for credits in the film or on imdb.com
See if there is a vanity shingle (an actor or director's prod. co.), and get a name. For example, Egg Pictures was Jodie Foster's (she closed it after 9/11). I sent a query to her partner there. I got a nice note when they closed saying it showed promise, but they weren't forwarding anything so feel free to send it elsewhere.
Most of the time, I send a brief cover letter, a treatment (1-2 pages) and sometimes the first ten pages (depends on what I know they'll accept). If you're desperate to know, you can send it RRR, but that ticks off a lot of mailrooms. If its a particular favorite, I'll send a SASPostcard. I've gotten it back about 80% of the time. I also use the SASPs for checking in after four months or more.
Right now I'm concentrating on a book that I also have outlined into SP form. When I'm Stephen K Snarzler and its a runaway best-seller, I'm hoping to adapt it. Otherwise, I'll move on to a few short stories. I get frustrated with just one area all the time, so I alternate between novels, screenplays, short stories and articles. /ramble
Did I give you an answer somewhere in there?
Chiropracracked,
Andrea
If there were no creative people, would life be as interesting? |
Rebecca Easton
Wandering Member
Post Number:
287
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 01:09 pm: | |
Yes, thank you. I am not sure what to do and I think I'll just work on the novel part right now. Whew!
Becca
http://RebeccaEaston.com
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Joy Lee Rutter
Wandering Member
Post Number:
285
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 01:15 pm: | |
Hi Rebecca:
A writers group I had once belonged to, I met a guy that wrote screenplays and the book he called his bible was "How Not to Write a Screenplay" and here's an amazon link if you're curious.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580650155/qid=1095966689/sr=ka-1/ref=pd_ka_1/104-7054003-5963122
Hope that helps. 
Joy
Be Wary of Your Post~~You might be Googled
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Diana Hignutt
Wandering Member
Post Number:
176
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 03:53 am: | |
Rebecca,
It is much harder to sell a screenplay than it is to sell a novel, but the payoff is often far more rewarding. I would just add my echo that the best thing to do if you are serious is to study the screenplay format and totally rework the book to screenplay form, without relying on software to do it for you. Remember, of course, that as important as showing is compared to telling in a novel, it is absolutely imperative to show in a screenplay. I started writing screenplays and came close a couple of times with options, but I bailed on that biz. It is a very "who-you-know" business, even more so than novel publishing. Do it because you enjoy it, and don't count on selling something soon.
Diana |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
3441
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 05:24 am: | |
Rebecca,
My second book, The Alley of Wishes, is in the screenplay loop or whatever they call it in show biz haha.
First I was asked to write a treatment, which is a general overview of the book. I included the locations, the characters and a brief thumbnail of each, and then the overview of the book. I was advised to begin the overview not at the beginning but at the pivotal moment and proceed from there. My treatment was two pages long. I was advised to register it as my property online but can't remember where without looking at my paperwork.
The treatment elicited some interest and the book and overview will be passed along to a screenwriter. I was given the option to try my hand at the screenplay but did not want to learn how to write one properly at this point. Screenplays are expensive, that is, screenwriters charge a LOT. |
Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
540
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 08:15 am: | |
My experience in screen writing has led me to believe that one
should decide what course one wants to follow in fiction literature.
Either be a novelist or be a screenwriter. Almost everyone who ever wrote a book dreams of it on the silver screen, but the truth is almost all are not suited for cinema.
A movie script is best written as that, not a book adaptation. Movie makers that adapt books basically only use the idea anyway, not the story. Stephen King was once asked what he thought of the latest release of one of his books and he said, "It's the first one they've made that I recognized the story line."
Sure, they are quick to jump on a best selling author, but that is because they think the success of the book (and the author's name) will equate to ticket sales, not because its a great story.
If one wants to be a screenwriter, I think they should move to Hollywood and get in the middle of it. Smooze and kissy-kissy sells more scripts than good writing.
bn |
Snarzler
Awareness Member
Post Number:
26
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 10:48 am: | |
For the best example, watch the movie Adaptation and then go read the Orchid Thief.
Andrea
If there were no creative people, would life be as interesting? |
Dennis Collins
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1108
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 08:23 pm: | |
I've always heard that first attempts at screenwriting generally produce terrible results.
I have permission from a film studio (NOT in Hollywood but a successful studio nonetheless) to submit The Unreal McCoy but they want it in screenplay format and I can't afford to pay someone to do it. This is a legitimate film company owned by a man who has appeared in 24 or so movies with starring roles on at least 22. He's been in everything from "Purple Rose of Cairo," to "Dumb and Dumber."
I own the film rights but I wouldn't take a chance of butchering my story by attempting to transform it. I'd love to find someone who has the ability but has never had a break. Together we could rule the world. |
Scott F. Falkner
Awareness Member
Post Number:
22
Registered: 08-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 11:48 pm: | |
Here's a few things that might help.
First of all I'd suggest that you don't use any formatting software when writing your script. Formatting a script is simple enough and becomes second nature with a little practice.
FOR FORMATTING: Go out and buy/order "The Screenwriter's Bible" by David Trottier. This book is NECESSARY when writing a screenplay. One of the essential things you'll learn is that most of the scripts you see on the internet or in published form are "Shooting" scripts. A "shooting" script is NOT what a studio/agent/exec wants to see from a writer. Your draft of the script should have NO camera directions--unless they are ABSOLUTELY necessary to the story. This is just one of ten-dozen things you'll learn from this book. On top of all those things, "The Screenwriter's Bible" has about ten pages of JUST FORMAT EXAMPLES for every situation you could possibly encounter when writing your script. I HIGHLY recommend this book if you're writing a screenplay.
Another book that is so, so, so informative is "The Complete Book of Scriptwriting" by J. Michael Straczynski. This guy knows what he's talking about as he was a writer/producer for "Murder, She Wrote" and the creator of "Babylon 5", as well as a bunch of other stuff. This book talks about format as well, (and not only movie scripts, he also tells you how to put together scripts for television drama, comedy, mini-series, radio plays and animation) but in my opinion, the best thing about this book is he tells you HOW TO SELL YOUR SCREENPLAY. He tells you where to look to find the names of the people you should be sending your script to. He tells you the difference between good and bad agents. He SHOWS YOU STANDARD SCREENPLAY CONTRACTS. And he does it all in a very matter of fact--often funny--down to earth kind of way.
I can't tell you how important and informative these books are. (Don't take my word for it. Go to B&N and leaf through them... I swear they sell themselves!)
If you still insist on doing it yourself without outside instruction, here's a great website to find examples of "Shooting" scripts from a TON of popular movies. http://www.script-o-rama.com/ At this site Drew has the script for just about any movie you can think of.
Ok. I'm done.
Hope some of that helped, and good luck with your screenplay.
Scott F. Falkner
www.scottfalkner.com |
Snarzler
Awareness Member
Post Number:
29
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 01:04 pm: | |
I'm not usually a "me too" poster.
Scott, those are excellent suggestions.
Dennis, are you looking for a screenwriter to adapt just The Unreal McCoy for you or to be a co-collaborator on it and future projects? I know a few screenwriters who would adapt it for the experience, but if you have a professional nibble...
Andrea
If there were no creative people, would life be as interesting? |
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