So, the term starts, and I'm expecting papers right away. I was thinking we were going to read screenplays, write analysis, daily writes, and then try to create something ourselves after reading these amazing screenplays that we know our work can't compare to.
Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
Sure, we read screenplays, but that was pretty much the only thing I had right. Writing a screenplay is so different than writing anything else. Each week in class we would focus on one point of writing a screenplay. This class is focusing on Act I of a screenplay (there are three acts) so we watched Act I of movies to understand the dynamics expected in the first act. We had assignments to help us develop our own original script. We started with a character. Once we had an idea of who they were, we built a story around them. We pitched our movie to each other and wrote out an outline of the main events in each act. Before I knew it, I had everything I needed to write my screenplay, I just needed to write in the gaps.
I love this class. The professor really knows the industry (he has had some of his screenplays produced) and is passionate about us loving it. The class is all interactive, it doesn't feel like a class but more a study group. I have been surprised how much I'm enjoying all of this. I'm looking forward to taking Advanced Screenwriting next term.
So, that being said, writing a screenplay is still HARD. I'm so grateful to my sister Kimberly, who will just sit in front of her computer skyping with me while I talk to myself about what is happening. She gives really good feedback, and it's nice to know that everything makes sense to someone else too. She had been so extremely helpful and has helped me build confidence in my writing.
Anyway, here is a little sneak peak into what I've been working on. I hope you enjoy. (and I love feedback. All kinds)
p.s. this is called the pitch. It's a little teaser and the first information I'd give. If the person (producer, director, funder) seems interested, I'd follow up with the synopsis. If they are still interested, we dive right in to the meat of the matter.
A successful, content family man is struggling to make sense of how he got to where he is in life when a home tragedy makes him realize he doesn't have any memories. It's unconventional suburban drama and has the false sense of reality of the Truman Show and the mind bending affect of Stranger Than Fiction.
It's called Static.
Also, we have to read a book in this class, "Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting", and it is amazing. I've loved reading it. If you ever want to try your hand at writing, or are just curious about what going into making a movie, I highly recommend it.
