“So You Want To Write Movies That Actually Get Produced?”
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This post was written by Jason Brubaker on February 2, 2010
Tips for Screenwriters
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Assuming you get your script into hands of potential buyers, I want to help you avoid the trash. So here are some things, when I was reading, that got my attention in a negative way:
1. The script was not in proper format.
Seriously, they have software for this. You’re a professional. Go out and get a copy of Final Draft. FD is industry standard.
2. The script was bound wrong.
Go get some brass brads ASAP. Please don’t even think about those pretty, clear binders you get at Staples. That sort of thing can be annoying and distracting.
3. Make sure you use spell check.
Many readers spend their time reading mediocre scripts. That’s bad enough. Finding misspellings makes the reading experience worse.
4. Please proofread your script for errors and confusion.
I can’t tell you how many times I was introduced to a character named Jed, who was later named Ted – Obviously the writer chose to change character names somewhere in the story, but failed to make this change consistent throughout.
5. Keep the cover letter brief. Don’t forget the release.
Make sure you remember to sign the release and agree not to sue the production company. Additionally, please do not write a long, drawn out cover letter, telling the producer why your script is going to be the next multi-million dollar blockbuster.
Again, please make sure your script is targeted to the correct buyer.
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Posted under SCREENWRITING
This post was written by Jason on October 31, 2008
Screenwriting is writing.
I worked for a producer in New York City. It was my job to read, evaluate and write coverage on screenplays in hopes of finding a gem. In one year, I read hundreds and hundreds of scripts. Unfortunately, I only found a couple potential gems and most everything else ended up in the recycle bin. I’ll explain later on how to avoid some of these pitfalls, but first things first.
It’s a Hollywood cliché that everyone has a screenplay. From my experience, most people usually don’t. Most only have the first five pages of a script. Unfortunately, these people will never finish the first draft, even if they have a spark of talent. To separate yourself from this poser majority, I want you to make your someday, today.
It’s really not that difficult to write a first draft. If you think about it, it’s just a matter of sitting down in front of a keyboard and typing. Since most screenplays are around 90 to 120 pages, if you only wrote one page per day, you could have a first draft in as little as 90 days.
But as you probably already know, disciplining yourself to write is the hardest part. For me and most my friends, the actual act of writing takes the most effort. And if you ever sat down to write you know what I’m talking about. As I put these words to paper, it is 3:25PM. I had planned to start writing at noon, but ended up cleaning my bathtub because it was easier.
The hardest part of writing is writing.
Posted under SCREENWRITING
This post was written by Jason on October 15, 2008
