Hi everyone,
I have a spiritual/metaphysical feature film idea that means a lot to me. I’m a writer but not a screenwriter, and I’ve written about 20 pages describing the concept.
I’d really appreciate guidance on the best next step:
Any advice would be truly appreciated. Thank you.
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Marziyeh Gholampour, guidance can definitely be found here on Stage 32. There are some great people on this site. However, will need more information regarding what you are writing and the directions you want to take your film.
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Add some characters and let them talk/chat.
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why don't we start from the logline?
than the everything else.. ;)
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Hi, Marziyeh Gholampour. Stage 32 has a webinar about outlining. Go here and scroll down to "Outlining Your Feature Screenplay." www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Outline
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I've been through this. I was told "no one wants to hear that their religion is wrong." Best bet, for my two cents, make your story relatable to everyone, practical in the real world, and something that solves the most common maladies ever.
Could your concept be seen through the online participation of an influencer who has a spiritual epiphany while in a pissing contest with another influencer? FIELD OF DREAMS is a fantastic example. THE CELESTINE PROPHECY not as good an example.
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And an afterthought, since you're not a screenwriter and that form of writing does have its specialties, consider if you can hire a writer. Collaboration for a script with this sort of theme would be difficult to find. Oh yeah, the writer needs to understand the concepts you seek to convey... otherwise, it comes off hollow.
At least have someone who knows the "realm" you're writing about and who understands scripts at least review your concept. That should be affordable.
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The best advice I can provide you is this: take a week to become familiar with the format of screenplays. Read one or two of them, and then go write your story! This will get it out of your head, it will allow your story to be told. Then go find someone to collaborate with so they can see your visions, and which way things need to go. Break a leg!
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If you want to write for the screen, study the rules and the craft. If you want a collaborating screenwriter, you've come to the right place. Message me privately if you'd like to discuss the concept and pitch your idea with a galvanizing synopsis or at least logline.
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Thank you all so much for your helpful guidance — I really appreciate the time you took to respond.
Without going into story details, the project explores the connection between the inner world and the outer world, and how inner awakening and intuition can shape a person’s life. It’s universal, not tied to any specific religion, and some elements are inspired by my own intuitive experiences, which is why the project is very meaningful to me.
I do have a logline and the main characters already developed, as well as about 20 pages describing the concept. What I need now is guidance on the next practical step — whether that’s finding a screenwriter to collaborate with, refining the outline, or preparing the material for pitching.
Any advice on which direction to take from here would be truly appreciated. Thank you again for your support.
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You're welcome, Marziyeh Gholampour. I suggest refining the outline. It's easier to write a script if I do the heavy lifting in the outline. If you want to collaborate with a writer, you could make a post on the Job Board (www.stage32.com/find-jobs).
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Faith based films tend to follow certain formulas. Here’s a webinar I found useful.
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-write-and-direct-your-faith-based-feature-film
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Next step is difficult to discern without more information... as in, intuitively pick someone to consult with, execute an NDA, and see what gets recommended with what you have.
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Hello Marziyeh Gholampour Congratulations on developing your film idea. Next step: create a treatment and outline. I detailed these types of documents in a recent post: https://filmbudget.com/screenwriting-treatment-synopsis-outline/ or access via the main page: www.FilmBudget.com
Best of luck in your endeavors! Jack
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My latest script includes some Christian ingredients. The young rich woman is deeply Christian. So in one scene she tells the scientist "Help me to spread the word of Jesus in the whole universe and I will give you the deepest French kiss you have ever had". The ironical thing is that at the end of the script, the reformed criminal gives the scientist a French kiss, and says "Hallelujah". So make your characters complex, and include some irony.
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@Marziyeh Aside from all said above, I add some points. The “Meat of The Story” in the novel is key. Is there enough going on, to fill the feature film time on screen? Cut out thoughts, feelings & the usual longer exposition, then think of what will be seen in moving visual action. Often many pages in a novel, allows for little visual pace. If a novel is very light on “Plot” then even several large chapters might only be 1 - 2 minutes of screen time. Some production companies have readers to see if novels can be “adapted” for screen. Logistics count too, a well written book might cost too much to make and for that reason alone, it will not be green lit. Locations, actors & specific scenes can add millions, so it’s wise to have options available if writing for a low budget script. Emotional beats, each sequences climax, & changes in status quo count, even in fantasy with little/no conflict. Your story sounds an exciting concept, & I like the idea of the seen and unseen. Who the characters are & how the viewers relate to them is important. Also consider target audiences.
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Hey Marziyeh Gholampour , People with great experienced have commented in this, which are incredibly good. But view months ago I also have a vision about writing not quite spiritual movie but a journey of person who lost everything and went on spiritual journey after losing everything what he loved for. And filled with grieve the man choose to ask his all answers to God. As we already knew that this world has so many religions and every single one has their own kind of GOD. isn't it ironic that one single globe and many Gods have been demanding their control over this. But end of day what's important is that we are human, and we shouldn't forget the humanity.
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You can hire someone to write the script. I can do that if you like. I did it for Peter Ford on here, as well as Ishanee Bawankar on here. And others.