Posts Tagged ‘Free Screenwriting Software’

User Question: “How much value does coverage really add to the screenwriting process? I’ve heard that studios have given poor coverage to movies that ended up being huge hits… what does the whole coverage process really indicate about a screenplay?”

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Coverage can be valuable to a writer if you can keep it in perspective.

The reality is, every script in history has had at least one detractor. It’s simply not possible for everyone’s tastes to align on one project. So if your script is criticized or receives bad coverage, keep in mind that had it gone to another reader, it might have a different fate.

That said, a good script is a good script and will always get made. If you are getting read at the studio level, and your script is truly great, it will be bought. Just because one studio or one reader doesn’t care for it has no bearing on what another studio might think.

So, in short, coverage can be valuable – especially if you get constructive criticism that you can take to heart and use to improve your screenplay. But, remember, just because someone doesn’t like your work doesn’t mean it’s bad – it just means it’s not for them.

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How do I become a member of the WGA/start my screenwriting carreer?

Monday, August 4th, 2008

Those are really two different questions because the day you decided to become a screenwriter will not be the day you receive your WGA card.

If you’re interested in screenwriting, you should do one of the following: 1) Enroll in a screenwriting class or program or 2) Give yourself one. You can do this by buying several different screenwriting books - I recommend one on formatting, and another on character writing. But the most valuable tool you have is one writers often take for granted: movies. Watch and study your favorite films. Why did they work for you? What made them effective? What are the themes that speak to you? How did they structure their story and fill out the three acts? If you want to learn how to write, you need to become a student of film.

As for the Writers Guild, their outlines for membership are laid out pretty plainly at their site (www.wga.org). I can summarize, however. If you have produced credits, you can be a Guild member and receive their benefits. You likely won’t be a WGA member until you make that first sale.

So, immerse yourself in your craft as much as you can. Treat it like an actual job - give yourself hours and deadlines. All of these tools will help you become a better writer.

Danny Munso

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User question: Is it normal to write my screenplay out of order?

Friday, July 25th, 2008

It’s more than normal, it is the norm.

I am of the opinion that you cannot start a great story without first knowing what the beginning is and what the end is. Perhaps those will change throughout the writing process, but you need those elements before you begin in some form or another.

Many professional writers speak of the dreaded Second Act as the toughest to crack. This is usually the case. Even if you know where a story is going, that doesn’t mean you necessarily know how to get there.

The second act is usually the toughest part of most screenplays and will almost certainly require more planning and more drafting than your first or third acts. A lot can happen from Page 30 through Page 90, and don’t feel bad if you don’t figure it out quickly.

Eventually, if you know what your end point is, you will naturally find a way to connect the dots in your story.