Screenwriting : Beginner Question: What to Write? by Arial Burnz

Personally, I want to see your hungry vampires!!! Do not avoid a genre because you think it's saturated. There are 60k+ script registered a year and only a handful of genres - by that thinking they are ALL saturated. If you have a novel that has been published, by all means write the script! There is no better pitch than "it's based on a book with an audience."

Write whatever YOU want to write. Spec scripts are usually just a calling card anyway, in the hopes that a producer might give you an open writing assignment. For now, while you're writing for yourself, write what moves you and what you enjoy.

Special effects can cost a lot of money so I would avoid them. However if they are necessary then you have to have them. I don't know what genres are popular right now but all I ever did was try to avoid the ones that were obsolete because it is hard to get people to read them. If you have a novel that got good reviews and would make a good film you might want to consider adapting one or two of those. If a novel gets good reviews it is easier to convince people they should read your screenplay. Also, if the book received good reviews it would be less risky than an ordinary spec screenplay for a producer. I have written over a dozen so I tend to like doing adaptions and I have had better luck with them.

Thank you for the input!! All encouraging and useful information. I've been around scripts for years, but only from the perspective of reading them for enjoyment or as an actress. Never from the POV of submitting them and practical applications. I'm looking forward to other comments. Thank you!

Based on my trip to the movies last Saturday and viewing several trailers, if your script doesn't have three explosions per page, several scenes where cars fly through the air, and somebody leaping 75 feet and doing a 360, while firing several weapons, it will never sell.

Ahahahaha! Yeah, I hear ya!

James. That is only true for action movies. I have friends that work on those kind of films and they cost a fortune to make and the people that make them usually won't except unsolicited material so if someone is trying to break that is an almost impossible way to go.

I'm sure you're right Dan, but when you sit through five trailers like that in a row, it's hard not to get the feeling that action movies are the only things that get made. Probably reflects a bigger marketing budget.

Arial, write whatever you're most comfortable with. The various genre come and go in cycles and if you're writing for what's popular today - you're already behind the curve. It's not uncommon to take 5 years to go from script to screen. Personally, I write mostly paranormal comedy. Wardrobe is not much of an issue (unless you go wacko with knights in shinning armor or storm troopers). When you're just starting, I suggest you go easy on the FX and pyrotechnics.

James. Yes. Studios know people go to see big action scenes, special effects and their favorite actors so that is what they invest in and you'd see trailers at theaters .That really is a small part of the market but they are the ones it seems almost every screenwriter wants to be a part of except me. I prefer the lower to middle range because it is more about the story and I like working with those people over studio execs.

Ariel, first welcome to Stage 32. I'm also an author of both romance and paranormal. I've been working for the past eighteen months of changing them to screenplays. It's a process, and difficult at times because we think it all has to be shown, but you'll get the hang of what is needed for a screenplay and what stays in the novel. You'll most likely change a lot of the screenplay once you start writing, I know I did. I was also wondering the same thing, is paranormal dead, but guess nothing can ever be gone if there's still an interest and audience. I haven't changed my paranormal into a screenplay YET, mine has shapeshifters which I know equals BIG COST. Anyhow, let me know if I can be of any help, it's a long process, but you can do it :)

Dan Guardino You've mentioned writing adaptations, have you written one for a bio? I'm in the process of writing out a screenplay for a book that I've helped to write for a celebrity (model). Her story is very interesting and has gathered interest from production studios. My question is, I've written all the important aspects, making sure that each scene builds to the next and is needed, but I'm only halfway done and at 110 pages already. Should I forget feature and maybe focus this as a mini-series?

Write whatever inspires you.

Yes....write whatever inspires you. But at the same time.....I would write whatever inspires me AND whatever I think is potentially salable in today's market place, since my primary goal as a commercial writer is to sell my commodity.

Good Luck and Happy Writing, All!

Definitely something to consider also Bill.

Thank you all for your wonderful input!! These are all good things to note and have helped me put things into perspective!

Izzibella: YES! (fist pump) A fellow PNR author! So happy to meet you! Congratulations on your amazing project of converting your novels into screenplays. I'm excited to do the same.

I just started taking a screenplay online course - Master Class by Aaron Sorkin. OMG I'm loving it! And today I just wrote my FIRST SCRIPT for my first class assignment. I adapted a short story I wrote on my site, which has received a lot of attention from my readers, retweeted and shared several times and the readers have praised the twist ending. I always thought it would make a great short film. Counting the title page, it came out to 7 pages.

EVERYONE: Would it be a good idea to post this short film script on my profile to receive some feedback? Would any of YOU be interested in giving me feedback for structure and story input? (Arial bounces up and down in her seat)

I'm taking that class, too! :)

If/When I post the script, the main input I'm concerned with is: Am I putting too much scene description? I am, after all, coming from writing novels. LOL

And...am I/am I not including enough information (scene headings) for the POV or camera angles? As I understand it, most of the camera stuff goes into the Dailies, right? They don't belong in the spec scripts, yes? Thank you in advance!

C. Harris Lynn: Woo hoo!!! I just started it yesterday. OMG EXCITED! (Arial does the Snoopy dance) How are you liking it so far?

I got to the short story adaptation lesson and was trolled in the message boards, then blindsided by a 22-page slush candidate. I'll get back to it one of these days. :)

I was going to take the Steve Martin class too, but they already got $100 of mine, so I'll call it a day with that.

Understood. Damn trolls. I hate that shit. People be hatin' cuz dey jealous!!!

^^^ Preach! :D

Arial, I will read the short whenever you get it posted.

Hi!! Okay...I THINK I posted it, but I'm only seeing the synopsis and logline. Can anyone get the PDF I uploaded??

AH! I got it now! I edited the post and re-uploaded the PDF. Enjoy! I look forward to your feedback. and thank you in advance.

Remember....it's my first time. Be gentle. LOL

Great advice from everyone, Ariel. My advice, write what you're passionate about, have fun, if you care about your characters, then maybe others will care as well. Put your heart in your writing and always follow your instincts. Great hearing from many of my favorite fellow writers here. I've away from S32 lounges for a while.

I was able to print it out. I assume that's your e-mail on the title page - I'll send you some notes (but it will take a few days - I'm really busy now.)

I read it last night and love the story line. I'll get you some notes in a day or so.

Thank you, Doug!!!!

Welcome back to Stage32, Jorge! And thank you so much for the encouragement!

Write what you know or what you're passionate about.

Arial - I just sent you some brief notes, let me know if you got then and if they are helpful, thanx, Doug

Arial. Which one of your book was a best seller?