Comments on: Common Screenwriting Mistakes… Part 2

By: Chris J. Scurria

Chris J. Scurria — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:14:05 +0000

Character sketch:
One draws out the “people” on paper.
EXAMPLE:
Joe Thompson
-Pleasant and writes.
-Calm and does not usually get angry.
-Some describe him as “{Peaceful)”

They help a writing a LOT.
Also with subplot

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the children of God.” -F. Pres. Jimmy Carter quoting Holy Bible.

By: Chris J. Scurria

Chris J. Scurria — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:08:14 +0000

Whoa, Moviequill.

Well, to Unk. Spellcheck is good. . . but some overuse it. It can probably generate why kids and
students who may or may not have hobbies turn in
papers so quick. “I don’t need to spell or use grammar, The Spellcheck will do it for me.”

No names but one kid was joking around and found a long word for I think “sad” on the compu program at school years back. He put in laughing. He later got it crossed out by the teacher.

Dictionary; a GREAT IDEA.
Spellcheck. . . noooo.

DID ANYONE READ That was then, This is Now by
S. E. Hinton?
It is tragic. . . but in a way one wouldn’t assume. Good writer.

“I recite my verses forthe king; My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.” -Psalm. Bible.

–The HOLY ONE> not those guides :)

By: Unknown Screenwriter

Unknown Screenwriter — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 20:24:00 +0000

Right… Read that in your blog (being from Canada). I’m a Moosehead drinker from way back… Jazz is good but to be honest, I don’t get to listen to much music these days… I wake up — I write. I go to sleep — I write. LOL. About my only indulgence these days WAS the SOPRANOS, now DEADWOOD. I can rarely even watch a DVD anymore without getting out my DVD remote and a stack of notecards and breaking down a movie but you know what? I still enjoy it. Especially when I find something I haven’t seen before which is RARE.

Unk

By: The Moviequill

The Moviequill — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 19:35:00 +0000

hmmm, I write barefoot too (we have that in common), Moosehead is from Canada which I am from originally (another commanality)… West Coast, BC area and you like jazz?

By: Unknown Screenwriter

Unknown Screenwriter — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 16:57:00 +0000

Mystery Man: Welcome! Looks like I’m not the only Unknown Screenwriter… LOL.

MovieQuill: I’m barefoot right now but my favorite beer is MOOSEHEAD. Hint – hint.

Unk

By: The Moviequill

The Moviequill — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 12:45:00 +0000

just a quick note to thank you for the wonderful scripts you sent (yes there is a reason I am on my knees before you… unless you want your shoes shined?). I will read EVERY one, I promise… thanks, my good man

By: Mystery Man

Mystery Man — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 12:19:00 +0000

Hey guys,

I just wanted to say “hello.” I’m a new kid on the block and I’ve always enjoyed this blog.

http://mysterymanonfilm.blogspot.com/

-MM

By: Unknown Screenwriter

Unknown Screenwriter — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 03:29:00 +0000

Hey no problem… Will send you some that I think really help define the art…

You’re right… Once you’re produced, no problem using “We see” –but even then, using it all through the screenplay gets a little weary.

I go ahead and use it for my first draft i.e., I write whatever comes to my mind… Even ON-THE-NOSE dialogue… Whatever it takes to get that fucking first draft out of me. Then I make a pass on all this stuff.

Screenplays COMING!

Unk

By: wcdixon

wcdixon — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 02:17:00 +0000

Hmmm…I tend to use ‘we see’ or ‘we hear’ a lot, but probably because I’ve been produced a lot while on tv series and know its going to get shot and so therefore expect to see it or hear it….but for the spec could see avoiding it.

And have worked very hard in past several years to write in active voice/active verbs…but have to reread and check and always am amazed at how many passive words I’ll still use without realizing it. Sigh.

I’d also love to look at any good pdf scripts you might be sending to Movie Quill, but up to you.

dixwilson1031@hotmail.com

Thanks.