I want to write a screenplay, but.....?!
Question: First off... I'm a novelist.
But Diablo Cody's Oscar win makes me think I could write a screenplay. The problem is, I don't have the slightest clue how to write one... like how is it structured?
Can anyone write a screenplay, or do you have to take special classes for that?
Answers: First off... I'm a novelist.
But Diablo Cody's Oscar win makes me think I could write a screenplay. The problem is, I don't have the slightest clue how to write one... like how is it structured?
Can anyone write a screenplay, or do you have to take special classes for that?
Anyone can write a screenplay - Diablo Cody's soi disant opus is more than proof enough of that. It's just a question as to whether anyone can write a good screenplay. You have to master story structure, dialogue, terse descriptions and commercial appeal. '
My advice would be to read up on the subject - there are many good books on screenwriting out there, from Syd Field to "How Not To Write A Screenplay" to others. And to read screenplays themselves - it's the easiest way to get a sense of how they're written. There are lots of published scripts, or photocopies are available to purchase from Script City, or there are places to read online. Especially read the scripts to some of your favorite movies to see how they compare.
Then, a book like the Screenwriter's Bible and a program like Final Draft will help you with all formatting questions.
Let's just hope you don't write something with only three plot points and a surfeit of snarky lingo.
Anyone can write one.
I have written two. Nothing that I am too excited about. But it is good excercise in case I come up with something I really love.
Get a good book on screenplay writing, or even software.
I wrote the script for 'Gone with the Wind', it was a piece of cake..
no, seriously, if you are truly a novelist you should know the answer to this question without resorting to this forum.
Diablo Cody is one of those "once in a blue moon" script writers who basically have an interesting story and write a script whose diaogue is believable because it comes from a real experience. But I won't be expecting her to become a major Hollywood screenwriter, that's pro stuff. And if she does try it again, it will all be some lame derivative of the same thing.
Kind of like Peter Frampton.
Just about anyone can write a great screen play. It just takes a lot of imagination and passion, but if you put your mind and your heart into it, I know that you can pull it off.
This wont be the best answer, but its mine: I took a screenwriting class once. The technique,order and structure is at best suffocating. Sure, you get to write the story, but really it's not so much about anything else. You get dialogue, but anything over a line or two is frowned upon. I wouldn't think a novelist would fair well at it. I mean, Diablo Cody pretty much is the exception that proves the rule here. I would give it a whole hearted shot, and follow the advice to get a few good books. If your in or around a college, take an intro class. They can be helpful. And for sure, READ scripts. I remember star wars being a good example of a well written script. But thats just my opinion reinforced by a college prof.
fight the good fight~!
i would read as much as i could about screen writing. check out complete idiots guide (its pretty good) and syd fields 'screen play.'
also, (and i think this is the most important part) is check out some philosophy books and also the structure of classics. the best two in one for this is joseph campbell's 'a hero has a thousand faces'.
george miller and george lucas were devotees of the works of campbell and it gave their films such universal appeal. in other words, the stories were understood and revered by most cultures around the globe.
A screenplay is just a novel visualized. Think about it, instead of writing to keep people interested, you just picture it in your head. "The man lept up so quietly, it was as if he was a shadow himself, being cast forth ahead of the sun" Is how a novelist would write (ok, maybe not a GREAT novelist). In a screenplay it would be "[GEORGE] leaps up, very quietly, so as the other characters barely notice him."
I also recommend a program called Celtx. It has all the formatting you need set in, not to mention if you collaborate with someone, you can link with them and share your work (provided they have Celtx also). Beyond that you are only limited by your imagination. There is no set way on HOW to write, just like any art form. You wouldn't tell Michaelangelo how to use his brush would you?