write a screenplay

So many things came up, and I’m put this one on the backburner for awhile … hopefully not too long, it’s still a goal. I lost a bet with my wife and I had to buy her an expensive purse because I didn’t finish my screenplay by May 1, 2009 :-( ... Oh well, put it down to pick it up again soon … not giving up on this goal.

“Take an idea, anything that interests you, or an object, then spend a few days looking and noticing, perhaps making notes on what comes up about that idea, or, try to create a situation or surrounding where everything that happens is in relation.”

From creative writing prompts: http://languageisavirus.com/writing_prompts.html

I’ve been stuck on figuring out Plot Point 1 for the screenplay for a couple of days.

I’ve decided to just sit down everyday and have each character come to life in front of me, maybe spend 15-30mins. to observe each one. That will help work out what happens at Plot Point 1 and help to shape their characters in my mind.

I’m having a tough time putting down the first words to the screenplay. Writer’s block, just because I don’t know how to do it, and then I don’t know what to write.

But, it’s just a bunch of sentences isn’t it?

The CHIEF treads down the corridor of the jail’s processing center, flanked by two of his lieutenants, their footsteps echo against the reflective tile floor.

It’s not the best sentence, but that can be worked out after the draft is complete.

All I have to do is one sentence at a time, building on top of each other until I get 90 pages.

I’m reading “Four Screenplays” by Syd Field in preparation for when I start writing in 2 months. He says the first 10 pages are the most important part of the screenplay.

I had a blaze of great ideas for the screenplay while I was in church this morning. I know, I should be paying attention. I wrote somethings down on the bulletin and need to transfer it to my book of blanks before the end of the day, so I don’t forget.

I need to lumber into work tonight to prepare for the coming week. That’s going to take time away from my goals. But gotta do everything with a happy attitude … it makes everything go better.

It might be a bit ambitious to complete a screenplay in 5 months, but I guess, ignorance is bliss. I wrote the number on the title of this post as a countdown in days when I should be complete if I do 2 months of research and foundation, and write a page a day til completion.

The countdown begins today, there’s no stopping the clock now …

If I write a page a day, I could have 90 in 3 months – a completed script.

I think it’s important to spend the time laying out the foundation. Writing the outline. Working on the characters. Setting a theme. Doing research. Etc … I want to spend a month or two and brainstorm.

So 15 minutes everyday for the next 2 months. Then start putting the story together. If all goes well, it will take 150 days (5 months) to complete.

I thought of an idea, a title, a beginning narration, wrote it in my book of blanks, while eating Mongolian Beef at VII last nite. Not a bad beginning.

I will think of 2 or 3 story ideas tonight :-) ...