Writing an action sequence can take a little getting used to as you learn to translate what you envision on the screen into words. It certainly helps to read well-written action scripts to see how it's done.
In general, keep in mind that the way you format action should mimic its pace. The faster the action, the more you'll want to break it up into discreet bits. Feel free to use fragments to keep the pace fast. You can also use capitalization to emphasize and draw attention to elements.
Go find a couple of scripts for popular action movies and read them. (Study)
Then write some practice scenes!
Study – write – repeat!
Until next time,
Brian
********************************************
Brian K. Allen
Screenplay Writer & Coach
http://www.TheScriptReviewer.com
********************************************
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Wondering if your main character is “complete”?
Here is a simple way to find out. Ask someone who has read your draft script the following 9 questions:
1.) Who is the main character?
2.) What is the main character’s goal in the story?
3.) What are the main character’s physical and psychological characteristics?
4.) What makes him/her unique?
5.) When does the story take place? Define the era and the year. Describe any events from that time period that cause conflict for the main character.
6.) Where does the main character live during the story? Describe the geographic location. What role does the location play in the main conflict of the story?
7.) Why do the actions of the main character determine whether he/she achieves the goal and overcomes obstacles?
8.) How do his/her unique character traits influence their actions?
9.) How does he/she use his unique characteristics to overcome obstacles & achieve the goal?
If your reader can answer the above questions... you've done a great job!
********************************************
Brian K. Allen
Screenplay Writer & Coach
http://www.Scripts4Agents.com
********************************************
1.) Who is the main character?
2.) What is the main character’s goal in the story?
3.) What are the main character’s physical and psychological characteristics?
4.) What makes him/her unique?
5.) When does the story take place? Define the era and the year. Describe any events from that time period that cause conflict for the main character.
6.) Where does the main character live during the story? Describe the geographic location. What role does the location play in the main conflict of the story?
7.) Why do the actions of the main character determine whether he/she achieves the goal and overcomes obstacles?
8.) How do his/her unique character traits influence their actions?
9.) How does he/she use his unique characteristics to overcome obstacles & achieve the goal?
If your reader can answer the above questions... you've done a great job!
********************************************
Brian K. Allen
Screenplay Writer & Coach
http://www.Scripts4Agents.com
********************************************
Sunday, January 10, 2010
What are “shots” within a screenplay?
To put it simply, shots tell your reader that the focal point of the scene has changed. Here are some frequently used “shots”:
1.) PAN TO --
2.) ANGLE ON --
3.) JAKE'S POV --
4.) REVERSE ANGLE –-
5.) EXTREME CLOSE UP --
As you can see, they are formatted like scene headings. They are all uppercase and flush to the left margin. They also have a blank line above and below them.
If you’re still trying to sell your script, don’t use these too much. It will make it seem like you’re trying to ‘direct’ the movie and may interrupt your readers flow.
Once your script is bought… the production staff / team will add ‘shots’ during the re-writes. Don’t direct unless you’re the Director. :-)
********************************************
Brian K. Allen
Screenplay Writer & Coach
http://www.Scripts4Agents.com
********************************************
1.) PAN TO --
2.) ANGLE ON --
3.) JAKE'S POV --
4.) REVERSE ANGLE –-
5.) EXTREME CLOSE UP --
As you can see, they are formatted like scene headings. They are all uppercase and flush to the left margin. They also have a blank line above and below them.
If you’re still trying to sell your script, don’t use these too much. It will make it seem like you’re trying to ‘direct’ the movie and may interrupt your readers flow.
Once your script is bought… the production staff / team will add ‘shots’ during the re-writes. Don’t direct unless you’re the Director. :-)
********************************************
Brian K. Allen
Screenplay Writer & Coach
http://www.Scripts4Agents.com
********************************************
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Freezing points, writers block, laziness!
At one time or another, all writers will experience a freezing point, writers block or just run flat into: a laziness spell!
One of my writing coaches told me that two things will help us move through those times a lot quicker.
First: Using a screenplay planning sheet
Second: Giving ourselves a reward after finishing our script.
=========================================================
Using a Screenplay Planning Sheet
=========================================================
When you can look at your project on a 2 page "snap shot", your brain tends to loosen up a bit and the creative wheels begin to turn again.
If you just read & re-read your actual script... you may tend to get "paralysis of anaysis".
=========================================================
Giving Ourselves A Reward After Finishing Our Script
=========================================================
What kind of reward? How about a new "how to write a script" book? How about a screenplay writing DVD?
Too many times writers do more studying on the topic than they do actually WRITING! This isn't for you! I want you to read/watch JUST ONE 'how to' book/dvd and then write a complete screenplay!
Once you've completed that project... feel free to buy another book/dvd (just 1) and then start your next project.
Happy New Years!
Brian
********************************************
Brian K. Allen
Screenplay Writer & Coach
http://www.Scripts4Agents.com
********************************************
One of my writing coaches told me that two things will help us move through those times a lot quicker.
First: Using a screenplay planning sheet
Second: Giving ourselves a reward after finishing our script.
=========================================================
Using a Screenplay Planning Sheet
=========================================================
When you can look at your project on a 2 page "snap shot", your brain tends to loosen up a bit and the creative wheels begin to turn again.
If you just read & re-read your actual script... you may tend to get "paralysis of anaysis".
=========================================================
Giving Ourselves A Reward After Finishing Our Script
=========================================================
What kind of reward? How about a new "how to write a script" book? How about a screenplay writing DVD?
Too many times writers do more studying on the topic than they do actually WRITING! This isn't for you! I want you to read/watch JUST ONE 'how to' book/dvd and then write a complete screenplay!
Once you've completed that project... feel free to buy another book/dvd (just 1) and then start your next project.
Happy New Years!
Brian
********************************************
Brian K. Allen
Screenplay Writer & Coach
http://www.Scripts4Agents.com
********************************************
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
