lets talk/write screenplays

[middle of the sky]

im reading
'writing screenplays for complete idiots'
i find it quite helpful
theres another book i took out from the library but i dropped it in the tub a couple of times so they wont let me take it out again until it returns from mends...ill get the title later
im reading some books on 'how to' and im mulling over ideas

any one else writing a screenplay? or thinking of writing one?

i dont need to know what...just need to talk/write so i can do this... ya know support....

[Joe G]

im reading
'writing screenplays for complete idiots'
i find it quite helpful
theres another book i took out from the library but i dropped it in the tub a couple of times so they wont let me take it out again until it returns from mends...ill get the title later
im reading some books on 'how to' and im mulling over ideas

any one else writing a screenplay? or thinking of writing one?

i dont need to know what...just need to talk/write so i can do this... ya know support....

just write about your life adventures^^^ they are hilarious

[middle of the sky]

like an indian female forrest gump?

[Joe G]

like an indian female forrest gump?

Yeah! lol something along those lines ...you can probably out do Sherman Alexie with bizarre and funny stories lol

[*Brown Eyed Gurl*]

for sure...why not eh

[Joe G]

but those books aren't helpful if you're only a partial idiot! you have to be complete see ya MOTS but seriously, you CAN do this!!!

[J.L. Benet]

I've written one, and working on another. (I've also written a few novels).
Some books I'd recommend:
Lew Hunter's Screenwriting 434
The Screenwriter's Bible - David Trottier
The Elements of Screenwriting - Irwin R. Blacker
Making a Good Script Great - Linda Seger

There are two expensive screenwriting programs (Final Draft and Magic Movie Screenwriter), but as you're just starting out, I'd suggest the free route.
ScreenPro is a shareware Screenwriting Template for Word. (This is what I use and recommend)

http://www.passarella.com/screenpro/

There is also BBC's ScriptSmart

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/

If you're looking for a place to connect with other screenwriters, check out:

http://www.triggerstreet.com/gyrobase/index

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[Homalosa]

I have a project in my head, so thanks J.L. for the info. Now, anybody wanna read my novel??? LOL, It took me forever to write it, now if I could just get the nerve up to send it out...

[crazywolf]

I have been mulling over a story idea for a comic book. I basically know how to go about doing it, trouble is finding time to do it. Been swamped with remodeling the house, getting ready to move to minnesota, and just working. So creativity has to take a backseat.

Derek

[Lakota Wiyan]

I have a really great idea, but I think I want to write it more for the stage instead of film. Actually there are two stories that I have that will translate well. I want to thank Benet for the suggestions! This thread could help out alot, since I'm kinda shaky on how to write a play! I've acted, but never written, so this is going to be a big shake up for me!

[middle of the sky]

thx jl benet.... that template will come in helpful...

[J.L. Benet]

If you want to get a novel (or screenplay) done, but can't seem to manage it, I suggest getting a hold of The Weekend Novelist by Robert J. Ray. It will take you step by easy step. In under a year you will have a novel done, and it won't seem like that much work while you're doing it.

[middle of the sky]

when is the best time to write? i dont know when i can fit an absolute quiet time..i need absolute quiet..has to be in the morning for an hour..and i have to squeeze in a workout also or maybe change that... theres not enough time in a day eh...im going to keep a log of writing time... whats your writing schedule?

[middle of the sky]

actually..i think music can be a good source of inspiration..the type of music to fit the scene...eh

[Lakota Wiyan]

I start writing by NOT writing...if that makes sense at all. I take any quiet time I can get, even a few minutes and just THINK about characters, and dialogue, and plot lines. Actually I dont like to think out plot lines to much because I hate being restricted and to structured. I prefer to have things happen, and then when I run out of ideas, I go back and reorganize. I know this wont work for more organized minds, but for this mess between my ears, it works really well.

Also, I dont think that sitting down and writing at a certain time works for everyone. UNLESS you have a very organized schedule and can turn off and on your writing inspiration, setting a certain time for writing can frustrate you. I always have a scrap of paper on me, and at least a piece of pencil, just in case I have to write down a note. This is just terrible for my husband who is also a writer, and very OCD! HE is very organized and can write well like that, but I am very, very free flowing. So, if you can't figure out a set time to write, then maybe you shouldn't!

These are just some of my own ideas that work for me, but I'd sure love to hear more about what others do! I just think Native people need to start using their natural instinct and talent for storytelling.