Screenwriting : Collaboration by J G Blodgett

have you seen The Sunset Limited? some good dialogue can carry it through.

I'm definitely interested. If the dialogue is compelling, it can work. Anyone who thinks otherwise, watch a show called "The Booth at the End" I was thoroughly invested in the entire series, and it's just two people talking at a diner for 30 minutes each episode. Here's the trailer for the show. I've always considered it a much watch for screenwriters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyzvc8QHL0

@ Stuart, that could work too.

Watch MY DINNER WITH ANDRE, and SWIMMING TO CAMBODIA

Not sure how other people could write dialogue for your character if they don't know who your character is. Perhaps you could get a collaboration line-by-line, where you present something YOUR character says, and then let the other writer choose what the OTHER person says. If you're not in the same room, this could take days or weeks!

This could work as an indie production aimed at festivals, but in most cases more than two writers will keep the resulting script out of the major screenwriting competitions. So either somebody involved (you and/or the screenwriting group) needs a hefty trust fund -- enough to cover, say, $50K production budget plus distribution costs -- or relatives who love indie film at the extremes. Larry is right about MY DINNER WITH ANDRE and SWIMMING TO CAMBODIA. But both worked because the performers had notable name recognition from the New York professional theatre and were masters of the monologue form.

Before a word is written, get the terms of engagement, rights, etc. in an agreement. With this many writers, I would strongly suggest the use of an attorney.

Jean-Pierre, I love BOOTH AT THE END!! Great example.

Lisa and Audra, of course the character and his aim would be defined before we start writing :-) I think it would be fun to get the different perspectives on the character and what conversations might alter his final decision on his actions.

Ardua, sorry :-)

Thank you for the sound advice, Phillip.

Jim Jarmusch did a similar concept with his Coffee & Cigarettes films. The interest in his case comes from the talent he got to have the conversations - many are famous musicians. & it is mostly improvised. It also took 17 years to make.

I'd definitely be interested in collaborating on this. If you still need people let me know!

Arran, sounds good. at work now but send me a friend request if you could. Thanks

Jake, I must have skipped over your comment earlier. Interesting suggestion. not sure if it's the way we will go but considering my character's aim it would actually fit. Thanks

I know we will. If anyone thinks that they have come up with something original they are sadly mistaken, lol. Everything is like something else that had already been made, it's just about putting your own style and/or twist to an already existing concept. As far as making it interesting and readable/watchable, it's just a matter of creative writing/filmmaking, simple as that. I can't wait to start this thing!!

oh, anyone else reading this, I only have 3 willing writers so far :-)

sounds good, Jake. you round us out to five writers!!

Oh, and anyone still interested, ideally I would want more than five writers to participate and submit pages. the more perspectives the better to choose from. friend request me and message me if interested.

JG Blodgett: unit set (coffee shop), small cast -- try it as a stage play. You'll get to see it live -- and stage actors are more talented.

LindaAnn, I appreciate the advice but I have a clear vision in mind. I know exactly what I want to tell each writer as to their character and a visual style has been formulating in my mind for months now. I cannot wait to get together and collaborate this thing, and soon after, God willing, shoot it!! I really appreciate films like THE SUNSET LIMITED, LOCKE, THE HOURS, etc. that have a stage play feel but on film. I think it's a great hybrid format and am excited to get to it. Again, thank you for the advice but this is definitely moving forward at this point as a directed, collaborative screenplay :-)

Jake, I just sent you a request on skype, and that makes 3. One gentleman ducked out due to creative differences - already, lol - and I am awaiting the 4th to message back now. Thank you, sir, and we'll get this going asap!!

Okay, so I'm sitting here watching COFFEE & CIGARETTES cause I just had to see what the assumption was about, that what I proposed will be similar to said film, lol, since it was mentioned more than twice. I haven't finished yet but I have to say that the only similarity that my project will have is that people will talk to each other -- like all characters do in movies -- and the fact that I suggested a coffee shop, lol. Interesting film, and strangely entertaining so far but way off as far as a comparison. Thanks for turning me in on to it though!! :-)

"Coffee and Cigarettes" was such a snooze they could use it in dental offices. I'm already getting sleepy. Zzzz.

lol, I can agree with that. it had a certain charm to it, kinda reminds me of CLERKS, just not quite as cohesive. but a bit of a snoozer nonetheless

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jake. Nice name, by the way

Building a team to build a story! That's what's up, JG! Good luck! Keep us posted.

Shawn, if you are interested, pm me your Skype handle. we will be chatting about the project tomorrow evening. the more writers submitting pages the better.

I'm interested in what you're doing, and I'll join you on the call at shawn.speake1. But I'm almost positive I'm taking a summer break.

Very good, I'll send you a Skype request as soon as I get home, right before the meeting. Thanks!!

Shawn Speake, Arran McDermott and Tony Mendoza, thank you for jumping on board!! Looking forward to collaborating with you all on this thing!!

It was a pleasure meeting you on Skype this afternoon, Jacob. I had a lot of fun talking filmmaking. Thanks for taking time out of your day to network with me. I look forward to helping any way I can.

Shelly Paino, thanks for jumping on board!! Can't wait to see what you bring to the project!!

Luke Anderson, welcome to the team!! That makes five... but not five writers. If anyone is still interested, pm me so I can brief you on the project.

I'm interested. Sent you a request so I can PM you.

Awesome, Heath!! It's Sunday, so I'm going to go and spend some time with the family now but hit me up and I will respond tomorrow. Thanks!!

@Monique Mata