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The Unknown Screenwriter » The Unknown Screenwriter Forum

1. 

   Rut.Biton
   Member

   Reputation:17

    

   Hi, me again, from Israel.

   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...?

   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.

   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.

   Any suggestions?

   Thanks-
   r

   Posted 5 months ago #
2. 

   Unk
   Key Master

   Reputation:50

    

   The average length is no more than 2 to 3 pages but there's nothing wrong with a longer scene if the story requires it.

   Nothing wrong with writing scenes and eventually threading them together... Unfortunately, most writers never end up with enough material for an actual movie this way...

   Having said that... I see nothing wrong with writing the scenes that you've already envisioned. It's good to get them out of your head as soon as possible so you can work on the rest of the story.... i.e., what happened before and what happens after.

   Glad you asked for suggestions because I hate giving advice...

   My suggestion would be to outline the entire story from beginning to end. Just beat it out and get it done. It's brutal but it's usually better that way. Adhere to some kind of structure that works. Especially one that works well for your story.

   Once you have that outline... Whether it be on yellow sticky notes, paper napkins, an outlining program, a word processor document, handwritten on a legal pad -- whatever -- then you can write a lot easier. You can still write those scenes that are setting your belly on fire -- those scenes that you just have to get out of you but at least you'll know where you stand.

   Hope that helps...

   Unk

   The Unknown Screenwriter

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   Brian Burke
   Member

   Reputation:13

    

   (before hitting "send", I noticed UNK had just responded to the question. I add that his suggestion on outline, especially with sticky notes, is key)

   Hi Rut--

   On scene length, I would consider two things: content and genre. Start as late as you can in the scene, get out early, standard industry advice. If there is filler, cut it, each line has to move the story forward or give us info.

   On genre, a comedy, for example, should have some short scenes, maybe of just a few inches, the fast pace will keep us interested, just don't overdo it, mix it up with one or so pagers. In a drama you might have a scene of a few pages, let's say a divorced couple comes to the final showdown in the house. But, like UNK suggests, MOVE us around, from the--

   KITCHEN

   chasing him to the--

   STAIRS

   and such.

   Just keep our attention, if it's a five page scene that would be some real compelling and awesome stuff, out of this world if you achieve it.

   As for writing scenes out of order, go for it, knowing you will put in double duty piecing it together. In my first screenplay I kept getting visions of scenes and would write them like mad in Notepad. This made me learn more about my characters and how I wanted to do the set-up, traits, etc. But, it took me twice as long to piece it, and I didn't mind one bit.

   UNK touches on this in a post-- writing like mad out of inspiration. It's your first draft, let creative juices flow, the discipline and order comes down in trimming that up and piecing it together.

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   Rut.Biton
   Member

   Reputation:17

    

   Thank you so much for both these replies. I wasn't notified in email anyone had responded.better check my settings again.

   UNK, I like your "suggestion," since I hate taking advice. It's interesting how this process works and as I've been reading and watching videos of interviews with other writers I feel very comforted that others have this tortured relationship with the process. It's really HARD. I dread the writing, for some reason - like housework. I just UGH, don't wanna, but once i'm in it, it's very cathartic.

   To you both: It's ok since i've felt I'm weak on themes, character development, etc and this stewing process, while just capturing scenes that seem to come out of nowhere, I think is allowing me not to commit too much junk that I'll just have to edit out a thousand times later. I'm also beginning to understand what people mean about the characters kinda live and change, lead, perhaps? This is a wierd undertaking and I'm so glad others speak of that sense of "I can't do this!" but we just tentatively keep trying...wishing you all much success. and thanks again-
   rut

   Posted 4 months ago #

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