Screenwriting : Zero Draft Thirty: Write a Script in a Month Challenge by Evelien And Dorien Twins

Most of the first draft scripts I write on done faster than 30 days. Try writing one in 10 days. http://www.10dayscreenplay.com/

Phillip... Show off! :-P LOL!

I'm in! :)

Beth: The last three screenplays I wrote were historically based and in one case, based on the real life memoirs and news articles of a living person. In the latter case, a producer I'm working with adapted rights to the source material. I also spent 90 minutes on the phone with the subject to get a better sense about her motivation for doing things and her relationship with her daughter. In reading her memoirs and interviewing her, I took detailed notes. From there, I put together both a scene idea outline and a story synopsis. Once I felt comfortable with writing about the subject, I wrote the first draft in 9 days. The producer read my draft and then gave me extensive notes, which I spent two days incorporating. In some cases, new ideas came from his suggestions and I put those in as well. In other cases, I thought his suggestions were non value added and didn’t use them. Finally, my process included two read throughs; one where I read it aloud and the second one where the FD voice read it aloud. During the process, I correct omitted words and awkward sounding dialogue. I also trim anything I think is redundant or non- value added. The producer read the script one more time and shipped it out to an interested party. The following week, I began watching Bukowski documentary footage and read his books “Women” and “Post Office”. During this process, I wrote notes and scene outline. A few days later, I began writing the script and finished the first draft in a week. The following day, I wrote a logline and synopsis. And so it goes. But I never spend time flogging a spec script that nobody’s interested in reading. In the final analysis, my process is really feeling comfortable with the subject and story before I begin typing a line.

...Just joking with ya, Phillip. I'm well aware of how hard you work -- hence the joke. :)

Beth: Actually, that's exactly the way I took it. I know you are quite respectful of others. I wanted to share my process for preparation and getting it down on paper. God forbid, it might even help someone :)

Ah ha, good! I mean, I used the tongue-stuck-out emoticon and everything. :) No really, I appreciate you sharing your process, Phillip. For those of us with complicated schedules and multitasking lifestyles, working under 30 days to complete a spec first draft is very challenging, but certainly doable. It helps to pick up tips wherever possible. :)

Beth: You're quite right. Lately, I've had the luxury of marathon blocks of writing time. But those with real jobs have to find free time to write. Very good point!

Great exercise for when you land an assignment and have a hard deadline. I've had as little as 12 days to deliver a first draft... which would go out to talent (so it had to be a good first draft). This is a business of speed and accuracy - here's a frightening quote from Matt Nix (BURN NOTICE): "Under the pressure of production, you have to be able to bang out good scripts on a clock. A writer who can finish a solid draft in two months? They’re easy to find. I’m interested in the writer who can write that draft in two days."

I have to disagree. So some people can't write everyday and some people can't find the motivation to write every day. That doesn't mean a damn thing is wrong. No need to look down your nose at people who aren't as prolific as others. Everyone is different and how much you write doesn't make you a better or lesser writer. If this gimmick can help some people then what's the harm? Remember the author of "How to Kill a Mocking Bird" is highly regarded, but didn't write a lot of novels did she?

I just attended a lecture by a certain NY lit agent, and he claims that Dec 1, the day after the end of NaNoWriMo, is his worst day of the year. That's when all the writers who think that something knocked out in 30 days is fit to publish send their queries to agents & editors. But this same agent also made it clear that the literary world sneers at screenwriting and therefore screenwriters. I'd like to think that a writer can straddle both worlds, as I'm attempting, but suggest that a two-week hack by an established screenwriter exemplifies a process and lifestyle that many outsiders would consider unappealing.

(unless otherwise ordered because...job) We would never even dare sending something out after a rush-write of 30 days -- we'd take some time off afterwards (from that specific project) and have it sink in before we take another good/better look at it later @CJ, we completely understand where you're coming from, if that's the only reason you find to complete a script - then maybe a form of re-evaluation is in order (or a break perhaps? writers block and all) -- we would also never "push" ourselves to HAVE something done, even if we're not happy with the way things are going. We're so used to working at different projects at the same time (5 to 6 at any given day) that working a single project seems more daunting than anything else haha

I for one would love to write more than I do to finish scripts and projects faster. But due to physical limitations out of my control it just isn't so. I have no day job, all I do is write and develop new concepts. Pisses me off I can't work at a faster pace due to siting 3 inches from my screen to write. 30 days to finish a first draft spec is doabe but I would have to clear everything else off my schedule. The wife would hate me for that month. I envy writers who can get their work done at a normal speed. Actually, I envy anyone with normal vision!

Um... why so serious, guys? Sheesh. I just see this as a fun challenge. Motivation. C'mon... just look at the cute baby picture. :) I understand The Black List makes people's skin crawl -- it does mine -- but I'm considering this under my own terms, not Scott Myers' nor anyone else. This challenge has absolutely nothing to do with my process. Nothing. I would think others would approach this with a similar mindset. Plus, we're talking about a first draft NOT a finished screenplay. Michael Arndt wrote the first draft of "Little Miss Sunshine" under two weeks, but then spent a year or so rewriting... Anyway, to each their own. :)

David, you're my hero. :)

Thanks Beth. Not sure how or why! lol. I just do what I have to do.

I saw this yesterday and thought at first, that's a clever marketing response to NaNoWrMo (which is a much more daunting challenge). Then I thought the same as many here. 30 days for full script? That's nothing when you're used to doing it. 10 days is doable, not advised but doable. I average about 2 weeks that's about 7 pages a day.

Oh, I know, CJ. You know I share similar concerns -- the cynicism alone is offensive. However, I choose not to match cynicism with cynicism (not that you are). I'm also not one to follow fads, marketing tactics or The Black List. Again, I just thought the IDEA of using the month of November as some kind of personal deadline was a good one, or at least, it works for my schedule. I could care less where or who the idea came from. Honestly, I was hoping for encouragement not a debate -- hence the "why so serious?" But, I recognize and acknowledge there are negative outside factors at play. However, they're not going to rain on my parade. :)

A couple of more points. Addressing what Bill said: 1) Time and opportunity don't always (in fact, almost never) walk hand in hand. Last year I was hired by a largely government, funded Euro television show. They actually tested me for creativity in situations where I had to improvise material based on a scene scenario provided by a panel of several people. And honestly, I was somewhat out of my comfort zone during that process. Yet, I gritted my teeth and did my best. At the end of the session, these seemingly dry, heavily accented foreigners said, "hey, you a funny guy!" In another situation, I answered an Inktip ad posted by a producer looking for a biopic about an obscure historical figure. I thought to myself, "There's no way that anyone has written a spec script about this person." For two hours, I did research on the guy, and in another three hours, had written a logline and story synopsis. Then, I submitted my idea. The following day, the producer said, "Please send me the script." At that point, I thought to myself, "Oy vey! This presents me with a situation. Do I tell the guy I don't have a script yet?" I had done the honesty thing once before and failed miserably. So I chose the path of stalling for time; and immediately began work on the screenplay. Two days later, Inktip contacted me and asked if everything was okay and could I please send their client my script. Instead, I sent the producer a note saying I needed five days to do some polishing and finished the script by the end of the week. I sent him the first draft (86 pages) and we added about twenty five more pages. The producer got this script into the hands of William Morris Endeavor, Emmett Furla, Weinstein Company and a few others. Since this was a large budget period piece that takes place in the Papuan Islands, it was a hard sell. And beyond the initial option, nobody nibbled. However, fast forward nearly two years later and I'm still working with the producer. The people that passed on our first project are now interested in our fourth and fifth projects together. And the two new scripts we're submitting were both written in two weeks and revised in a week. Now, was my first script with him my best? No, it wasn't, but I came up with a pretty damn creative, "Heart of Darkness" type story that fit what the client wanted. 2) I reread the Blacklist challenge and thought "who cares?" I say pick a topic out of your comfort zone and then see if you can write it in a few weeks. Earlier this year, I was given the challenge of writing a limited location horror script using a specific location. That script was written in 10 days and has since been a semi-finalist at Screencraft Horror and an official selection at three other film festivals. This reinforced my belief in my ability to tackle any genre. Whether I succeed or not is another story. CJ: I share your disdain for the Blacklist. The other day on Twitter, when a director was saying opt in to their service and get a crack at being picked for his next project, I commented that the Blacklist does a poor job connecting writers to anyone. Apparently, I upset the CEO of Blacklist and he tweeted me, “please explain your remark.” I tweeted him back that I regretted my negative comment; and further stated Twitter wasn’t the appropriate forum to discuss my issues with his company. I promptly offered him the option to go offline to provide him a list of my reasons for criticizing the Blacklist. He has not responded to my offer, which leads me to believe he was willing to engage me in a Twitter war but not interested in my feedback on why the Blacklist will never get another dime from me. To me that’s a good indicator of his level of genuine commitment to improving his service. Isn't this fun!

No. It's not fun. I always appreciate thoughtful commentary, but... Sigh. I give up. So, no personal encourage for OUR community? Twins, perhaps this would have been better as a Stage 32 post without any affiliations or links to The Black List -- it's like kicking a hornet's nest.

Beth, I think that's just it. The idea coming from the Blacklist blog just reeks. My first thought after recognizing the marketing ploy, was 'there should be something even better on ST32' -- the GITS challenge does nothing to help along the way it's more of an honor code to yourself, while making them look cool for hosting it. Come up with something for OUR community that is helpful, measurable and rewarding in some way and I bet we're all on board.

We're not members/followers/... of BL and don't think we'll ever be. The only reason why it's mentioned is because we cannot change who wrote the article/challenge LOL - just thought we'd give credit where credit's due is all (Also; the S32 interface does not allow us to edit the original topic-)

I like this thread and think debate is always good, no matter what the topic. Isn't that what a forum is for? To forumize? PS, you are all beautiful, creative souls!

What would you guys like to see? I'm happy to start another thread. Or, do we need to reach out to management, perhaps for something bigger?

Honestly, we do not care who donnes out challenges or whatnot - as long as it keeps writers motivated to keep going for what they love in a constructive manner, it's all good to us - we do not care about politics behind X vs. Y. If the only reason people are against this is because the guy connected to TBL wrote it - or is connected to it - then by all means a Stage32 challenge is in the books, even though we don't see what the motivational difference would be between this one or the one that happens to not come from someone connected to TBL. If people are actually so offended by the mere idea of "someone wanting to finish a screenplay in under 30 days" because they might not otherwise have the time to finish it (or might be working on several things at once at any given time) then having a challenge would be a waste of time alltogether. *****did not expect this to become a (TBL) debate*****

Twins, you can edit posts. :) And, frankly, I'm exhausted of The Black List -- more like the "Black Plague" as far as topics. It's the same conversation over and over. The same points again and again. The mere mention of it and threads turn dark and pedantic. People have debated about BL extensively -- just do a general search in the Lounge and you'll see. Anyway, I think it's time to move on. (Sorry, moderator rant!) :)

edit made

Yeah, I'm with you, Twins. I thank you. I was unaware of the November challenge. It's unfortunate and disappointing that The Black List sours things. Again, I'm happy to start another thread if you, or if everyone would like. :)

The Blacklist didn't sour anything for me. If you read my post, Bill's and several others, there were interesting points made about working under pressure. My BL comment was a side note but; God bless their money making venture and buyer beware. Incidentally, not everyone wants to search the previous posts searching for a topic. So if people aren't flaming others, then I say let the post go where it goes. But thanks for your ever vigilant work as moderator.

Thank you, Beth. That literally was our only motivation for sharing the link: "I was unaware of the November challenge". Until we read the article, so were we. Guess we'll have to make sure to pick-and-screen every article we share from now on to make sure TBL isn't mentioned anywhere.

Hey! Good one: Blacklist The Black List. One daren't mention the other B-word...

I'm currently in Hal Croasmun's ScreenwritingU ProSeries 57 class, and he definitely believes in writers developing a tolerance for crash writing. Not my style at all before now, but I'm discovering that I can actually (to put it bluntly) pull some amazing stuff out of my ass when I have to. "Learn to do first draft work" is his mantra. Everything doesn't have to be perfect. As my first writing teacher taught me many years ago, you can always go back and "subtle it up" later. Motivation also helps. I got notes earlier this year from an Oscar-winning actress who has the clout to get my movie made. You should have seen how fast I jumped on that rewrite.

Richard: great post.

Phillip beat me to it, Richard.

Twins: No, no. It's not "never mention," just saying (rather complaining, sorry) WHEN the Black List is mentioned, or is part of a post, it tends to overshadow the intent of a poster because many members harbor strong negative opinions about TBL. Please feel free to start a discussion about any screenwriting topic you wish. :)

Already wrote one, three weeks from beginning to polished draft. The Wolf Of Lexington Heights. After years of bouncing around in my head years, that is, so it's slanted.

Ronnie: Well done.

Thanks Phil. Perhaps it's about inspiration, creative energy to burn or lack thereof. Laziness in other words.

All of these problems are with Blacklist 2.0, not the actual Blacklist. When they tried to find some way to monetize their "name brand" they ended up cheapening it.

It's just a writing exercise. Stop over thinking it.

It's a good idea CJ, but would certainly need wrangling and management. If it comes to fruition I'd say 32 pages as a limit is way too high especially if the goal is to get up and coming filmmakers to produce. I'd say 5 pages is more of a challenge for writers and way easier to get made. And of course 3+2 = 5.

Fair points and great ideas, but, yes, it would need wrangling, much planning and management. Perhaps suggest it to the powers that be. I'm happy to assist. I already know of some great future changes/improvements for the site. :) However, for the moment, the intent of this thread is not to "just churn out mentally" nor "vomit stuff out" but to see if others would like to use the month of November as a personal deadline to finish a first draft of anything they choose, in any manner they choose. And support each other in the process. This is Stage 32, for cryin' out loud. We do things better. :)

CJ, to do what you're suggesting in a manner that would have more influence in the screenwriting world, and help new writers in the process, would be to have Stage 32 promote it, take ownership, support it on the blog with weekly tips, et cetera. What you're suggesting sounds like a writers group, right? Plus, then get material into the hands of up and coming filmmakers. That sounds great! Let's figure it out. But that's a bigger conversation. So let's talk elsewhere. :)

Well I'm rooting for you Beth! I look forward to hearing your progress on this challenge. Maybe start a different thread or I might. Best of luck to all the writers out there! I may try this too as a personal goal, but it's hard with work as November tends to be busy. I may pull out my old script and look at it. I wrote that one in 25 days (66page TV Pilot) that I'm proud of. It's only a first draft and desperately needs a proof read for grammar and spelling. Being the Dyslexic script writer has it's challenges but I don't let my disability get in the way of my enjoyment of script writing. I know I will never work as a Hollywood script writer but that's okay. I love my career as a TV producer.

Meanwhile, I'm working on an outline for a script I'm hoping to jump start in November. Twins, what are you working on?

You know you can do it Beth! Erica: NEVER let a disability get in the way. You haven't for the past 20 years it seems. Being visually impaired (I know many are getting tired of me pointing it out, LOL) I can agree writing is a challenge. But we make our situations work for us that make us the most productive. Never stop moving forward.

Beth: What will be the genre of your new script?

Thanks Erica! Yeah, I think I may start another thread. :) So, please join me! Perhaps pull out that TV pilot and start a rewrite. Do whatever works best for you and your goals. Having a disability has nothing to do with your ability to be creative -- you're living proof of that. I'm happy to hear you're loving your career as a TV producer. That's awesome. :)

Hey Phillip, I'm working on a thriller.

Beth: thrilled to hear it.