http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ Hardcore Screenwriting Discussion en Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:41:42 +0000 http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/reel-bad-arabs-cultural-ism-in-film#post-642 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:37:17 +0000 Susan P. 642@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>I watched this documentary the other night and was both impressed by the research that the author/narrator Dr. Jack Shaheen had completed - and distressed by the images from Abu Ghraib. If you watch the film (link hereunder) be aware those will come up:</p> <p>The site: <a href="http://www.reelbadarabs.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.reelbadarabs.com/</a></p> <p>The film:<br /> <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-223210418534585840" rel="nofollow">http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-223210418534585840</a></p> <p>As I watched, I was led to consider the pursuit of cultural stereotype and where the line falls (if indeed there is a line) between this and out and out propaganda.</p> <p>I watch a reasonable amount of documentaries and there have been times when I have experienced genuine surprise at an individual or group of people in a country acting in a certain way e.g. friendly, supportive and helpful, towards an adventurer or filmmaker. When I have that response I realise it's because I have come to expect something entirely different. What has influenced me? Media. And not just news services but interpretive news and film.</p> <p>I don't know enough about the core and history of Hollywood - or the socio-political influences that may govern aspects of its financing - to know just how much the pursuit of cultural ism is a function of conscious choice (although life experience tells me it's probable). Or has part of this come about by simply following 'what has come before'?</p> <p>I also wonder how many individual filmmakers would dare to be completely different IF they wanted their film to be part of mainstream. Would cutting across isms set within Hollywood - whether it be THIS topic or any other - naturally cast you in a problematic light. That people would take a step back and wonder about your 'subversive' agenda?</p> <p>We've managed to move to gay cowboys - and celebrated that. People laud a new breath of life, reality and compassion. Where else might we travel - or be afraid to? </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/the-acts#post-696 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:17:47 +0000 Rut.Biton 696@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Alright, so I'm reading a lot about how x has to happen before the end of Act I and y must occur before the end of Act II, etc. </p> <p>I'm sorry, but as only a consumer of films and not a writer of them, der, how do I know when one act has ended? I mean, i did a little drama in highschool and college and it said, Act I on the page so I knew. I'm not seeing that in the scripts I'm looking at. I studied a little tiny bit of film in college and the acts weren't really discussed. How do I keep to that structure, more or less, if I don't know what should constitute each part?</p> <p>Maybe it's answered here in one of these posts, but I haven't found it so far. thx for the guidance-<br /> r </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/recommended-scene-length-approach-to-structure#post-673 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:31:39 +0000 Rut.Biton 673@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Hi, me again, from Israel. </p> <p>Is there a rough estimate of how long/ short a scene (when written) should be? It might help me to know whether a scene is just too long or so short nobody would consider shooting it. Is five pages too long? 1/2 page rediculous? Anything goes as long as it's good; or that's true if you're established but for aspiring writers...?</p> <p>Also, second question: I've read on some blogs that some screenwriters actually write scenes, then kinda put it all together. What do you think of that? That, combined with outlining seems to be working for me, but i worry I'll end up short on themes, or that in the process of putting it together it'll fall short. I naively feel it might be good, though.</p> <p>What I have are some powerful scenes (ha! theoretically, assuming I can write them well) that I don't want to forget. However, if I write more chronologically ie ACT I, Scene 1, etc, then I a) tend to procrastinate and b) will be waiting a long time to write some of these pivitol scenes.</p> <p>Any suggestions?</p> <p>Thanks-<br /> r </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/scripts-with-comments#post-668 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:18:09 +0000 Rut.Biton 668@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Does anyone know of sites or whatever where i can see scripts, whatever sort produced or not, with comments? I know this is a longshot, but I haven't the money or location (i live in northern Israel) for a class on screenwriting. </p> <p>I'm reading things such as concerns about flashbacks, etc and would love to see examples of "Oh, me oh my, this one's not advancing the story" or..."Ah, nicely done." I guess I can assume if it's a big Oscar winner they've done it right, but i suspect not always. Plus really SEEING examples or exemplary work, good, fair, poor, etc are so useful. </p> <p>Thanks-<br /> rut </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/page-2-stage-free-screenwriting-software#post-688 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:25:42 +0000 DavidThi808 688@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Several years ago I wrote Page 2 Stage which is, I think, still the best screenwriting word processor available. At first we sold it but our main business took off and Page 2 Stage no longer made sense for us.</p> <p>Rather than sell it to another company that would continue to sell it, we made it free. And we also released the full source code so that others could extend it if they wish.</p> <p>You can download it at <a href="http://www.page2stage.com">Page 2 Stage</a>.</p> <p>ps - Free means free. Please don't contact me about how you want to sell it and can you do some kind of deal. Same with the source code - it's free and available to anyone. </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/help-with-first-query-letter#post-672 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:58:56 +0000 sreadey 672@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>I have asked for some help with my first query letter in a couple other forums with varying feedback. The consensus of one forum was that they liked my first paragraph, but I should remove my second paragraph. The consensus on another said that I should lead with my second paragraph. I was hoping I could get a third set of opinions/suggestions. Below is a copy of my original query letter followed by a revised version that leads with my main character. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all of your help.</p> <p>Dear _______ ,</p> <p> - Take away our guns and our bombs; are humans still at the top of the food chain? -</p> <p>SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST is the story of eight select individuals who are abducted by an alien race and unwillingly thrust into a survival tournament versus the most dangerous predators from Earth. The humans learn to work together as they battle to stay alive against lions, gorillas, hippos, and more, eventually facing the “ultimate assessment”; a showdown with a highly-evolved extraterrestrial beast of prey. </p> <p>It is also the tale of a man regaining his appreciation for life. Haiden McCloud is the star of his own wilderness survival television show, but when his brother is killed during the filming of an episode, he slips into depression and goes into seclusion. As he endures this treacherous ordeal, Haiden is able to gain a new perspective on the value of life.</p> <p>SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST is a fast-paced sci-fi/action/adventure with an ending that is left open for a sequel. To request this script, please call xxx-xxx-xxxx or email <a href="mailto:xxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com.">xxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com.</a> </p> <p>Dear _______ ,</p> <p> - Take away our guns and our bombs; are humans still at the top of the food chain? -</p> <p>Haiden McCloud is the star of his own wilderness survival television show, but when his brother is killed during the filming of an episode, he slips into depression and goes into seclusion. One night while in the Australian Outback, Haiden encounters a mysterious light. Before he knows what is happening, he finds himself trapped in a dark cell on an alien ship along with seven other select individuals; a Muay Thai boxer, an FBI agent, a skilled surgeon, an NFL athlete, a Green Beret, a notorious hitman, and an Indian huntress. </p> <p>Unwillingly, the group is thrust into a survival tournament versus the most dangerous predators from Earth. They learn to work together as they battle to stay alive against lions, gorillas, hippos, and more, eventually facing the “ultimate assessment”; a showdown with a highly-evolved extraterrestrial beast of prey. </p> <p>My latest screenplay, SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, tells the story of man regaining his appreciation for life. It is a fast-paced sci-fi/action/adventure with an ending that is left open for a sequel.</p> <p>To request SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, please call xxx-xxx-xxxx or email <a href="mailto:xxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com.">xxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com.</a> Thank you. </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/characters-laughing#post-684 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:49:57 +0000 Brian Burke 684@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>When your character laughs, how do you prefer to convey that, and most importantly, is it up with the latest trend?</p> <p>What I've been doing:</p> <p>*putting a laugh into action lines, not parantheticals<br /> *not using CAPS on it, but I have caps on my other SOUNDS<br /> *using the word laugh, chuckle, or giggle, whichever I deem appropriate for the situation.<br /> *avoiding any "ha-ha", "lol", "hee-hee", in dialogue as well as action lines.</p> <p>I'm trying to use laughing very sparingly.</p> <p>Thanks in advance for your time and comments. </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/this-is-what-you-like#post-585 Fri, 22 May 2009 08:16:16 +0000 James Patrick Joyce 585@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Hmmmm..... </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/introductions#post-681 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:41:50 +0000 Brian Burke 681@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Hi all, I made it through the secret door, lol.</p> <p>I didn't see a folder for intros, so I made one, we all got in here-- somehow.</p> <p>My logline: an unemployed, middle aged, self-employed artist in a down economy discovers the art of screenwriting, after his wife praises a political "op-ed" column that he wrote. But a world of black fonts fixed over white is far from the colorful palette he once knew. By using the force of "the Google", he intends on seeking out the best mentors of the industry-- and lands here. But it's a long way to the top of the pile of scripts.</p> <p>What's your logline, your REAL one? </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/apologies#post-663 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:13:36 +0000 Unk 663@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>I went ahead and started this gig and had great intentions but after my brother died, I just didn't have the motivation to get involved in any discussions about screenwriting and of course, that was somewhat temporary but I felt like I let those of you who were in here discussing screenwriting DOWN.</p> <p>For that I apologize.</p> <p>But for what it's worth... I'm back.</p> <p>Unk </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/antagonist#post-643 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:13:44 +0000 WoodySr 643@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>I'm still in the middle of rewriting my script and one of my problems is the antagonist...</p> <p>I've read many times that the antagonist is a major character who should be stronger than the protagonist while creating obstacles throughout the story. The climax of the story should be a battle between the two usually won by the protag.</p> <p>Here's my problem...My story is a fantasy that has a similar "feel" as Field of Dreams. If you recall, the antagonist is his brother-in-law who is trying to buy the farm. He appears only a few times in the story and other than buying the farm, doesn't really create many obstacles. Nor, is there any major confrontation between the two. He simply is convinced to buy into the fantasy.</p> <p>My antagonist also appears only a few times, but he does subtly work through others to create obstacles. However, he's a long way from Darth Vader or Mr. Potter (It's a Wonderful Life).</p> <p>I think my story works, but I can't shake this feeling that I need a "STRONG" antagonist.</p> <p>Any advice will be appreciated... </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/agents-or-managers-or-both#post-665 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:47:27 +0000 Unk 665@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>I just thought I would add this topic to the forum... I myself have very limited experience with Managers. As a matter of fact, my ONLY experience with them is through several of my colleagues who have had managers at one time or another.</p> <p>Now I know several screenwriters who have both a manager and an agent and who wouldn't have it any other way. And on one hand, I kind of like the idea of a manager more or less BEING there for you when you need to bounce something off someone but that brings me back to the craft of screenwriting.</p> <p>I talk to A LOT OF PEOPLE. Now I'm not saying I know everything there is to know about STORY and screenwriting but I know enough to maintain a discussion with pretty much everyone I've ever had a discussion with about this subject.</p> <p>I've discussed the craft with managers (not mine) before... Now it could be because we were standing in a room drinking but I wasn't that impressed with their knowledge of the craft. In fact, I felt like the points they WERE making had more to do with SELLING and MARKETING.</p> <p>Cool. No harm no foul. Maybe that is how they define their role. Very much like an agent. LOL.</p> <p>The writers I know who adore their managers swear to me that they know both STORY and what sells. Sounds very good to me to have someone in your corner who has that kind of knowledge.</p> <p>Agents on the other hand... They are pushers. The really good ones push very hard and while they do have your interests at heart, they also have their agency's interests at heart and after pushing very hard for a fairly short amount of time (in my mind) -- they MOVE ON.</p> <p>Understandable. Which goes back to your writing. What are you writing? Which brings me back to Managers. Am I to assume that for the additional 5% commission, Managers do really have your interests at heart?</p> <p>I would hope so.</p> <p>Unk </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/on-the-screen-but-outside-the-box#post-658 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:47:38 +0000 Aurelien 658@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Hi everyone,</p> <p>I went to see District-9. I won't go around and talk about the movie as it's still a new release, too early for the spoilers. However, I'll talk about one screenwriting feature that kept me thinking. </p> <p>One can tell a story in many different ways. In District-9, it's done as a documentary. That's quite ambitious for a feature that can easily fit into the 'blockbuster' style when it comes to funding and producing-directing heads. Producer: Peter Jackson, director: Neill Blomkamp. Peter Jackson was enough of a sale argument to me but the concept of the movie, well, that was more than I needed to buy, run and watch.</p> <p>The documentary format, for a story, it seems to work for 'The Office' and it works for 'District-9'. So when does one decide to write in this format? Right at the beginning or at the end, when the story's alright but something's missing: 'hey let's try it another way!'</p> <p>What do you think? </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/hardocre-screenwriting-discussion#post-584 Fri, 22 May 2009 08:15:21 +0000 James Patrick Joyce 584@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>Seems relevant, to me.</p> <p>Seems to be why Unk started this forum.</p> <p>Seems that people who were attracted by Unk's blog and by his stated interests in starting this forum, would be interested in the concept of intensive, or at least focused, screenwriting discussions.</p> <p>Anyone interested in discussing screenwriting issues? The most popular threads don't. Kind of like a general movie forum, with screenwriters... rather than a screenwriting forum.</p> <p>Did anyone have screenwriting topics that they were interested in drilling down into?</p> <p>I'm curious. Because I'd love to sink my teeth into some seriously relevant topics... If anyone wanted to. </p> http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/topic/time-periods#post-615 Wed, 27 May 2009 07:17:59 +0000 WoodySr 615@http://www.unknownscreenwriter.com/forum/ <p>I'm in the middle of rewriting my first script and I've just realized that my "age" might be showing.</p> <p>My story is not really dependent on "when"--70's-80's-now-- it happens, but maybe my personal experience is...</p> <p>I'm thinking that since I'm not a cell phone addict, Facebook user, Twitter guy, etc. that it might show in my characters lives. I'm well aware of what is going on, but to use this stuff in practical terms...I'm lost!</p> <p>Would it be better to have the story take place in an earlier time period when I'm more comfortable using the mores of that time vs. doing my best to tell it in this period?</p> <p>Any opinions will be appreciated... </p>