Screenwriting : Do you use a checklist to write your screenplay? by Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique

Yes, maybe and no - sometimes but not always. I don't start out with any beat sheet or pre planned roadmap. I write the opening and the final scene first then I go fill in the story. I generally follow along a four act layout with each split into two sequences. Each of sequence is divided into three subsections giving me twenty four little chunks. I think this was laid out by Adam Skelter some time back. Each sequence is about four pages (some more, some less) - my old brain can handle four pages at a time - not much more. Then I overlay the B, C... story lines. When finished, I reread Aker's book 'Your Screenplay Sucks' and it enviably does - his book is my checklist. Then I pay for full coverage, rewrite and do it all again. That's basically my journey when writing a spec for sale - but not always.

Other times, I just get a hot idea and go for it. I've turned out some award winning shorts that way. I've also got a lot of really hot openings with no follow up storyline/script. So the answer is yes/no/maybe.

No, I generally let the idea take me where it wants to go.

No i don't the idea is the key and writer instincts!!!

Outline. Treatment. First draft. It saves me a whole lot of rewriting.

I outline pretty thoroughly but then as I'm writing the characters tend to pull me in other directions. If it feels right then I let them take the lead.

I don't do a complicated outline or treatment. (more fool me). I usually have an idea then write the scene. Then I write other scenes that fit into the overall story. Sometimes they don't get written in order. I don't mind the rewrites because ideas evolve and ideas are dropped. I suppose writing is different for everyone. We all have our little quirks and the way we write is less important than what we write so long as the end result is industry standard.

I wouldn't open Final Draft without at least a month of pre-writing: logline, theme, title, cast and character design, outline. I'm sure that people with more talent and experience than me can just write and it turns out great. I don't think I'll ever try it though. .

For flat fiction (books, short stories, poetry and such) I don't really need a list. I just write and stuff happens. When I started scriptwriting I came to realise quite rapidly that I need a lot of lists and planning. I was quite surprised at the difference, actually. I'm with Jacob on this; I couldn't open Final Draft without pre-writing. It's just pointless for me; I don't get anything done. The amount I do differs for each story - sometimes I need a thorough beat sheet and scene by scene breakdown, other times it's a bit more vague. But I wouldn't start with nothing but a glimmer of hope and cup of coffee.

It's funny the different techniques. But aren't you writing things down twice? Instead of writing it down in a list etc why not just write the scene? I'm not criticising just interested.

I am a fragment writer. I'll start with a scene, could be the middle, end or just something cool. I'll then start with dot points, perhaps a bit of dialogue here are there. Basically building up a story. Then I'll start writing once I know what the story is.

When I am finished is when the story is told. Sometimes that is a feature other times it may only be 30 pages. I think sticking to a formula would encourage the use of 'garnish', something that appears on the plate that isn't really part of the meal.

Yes, I do, Master P! My final polish passes:

1. Scene Description Setting Pass

2. Main Character Need / Want POV Pass

3. Character Emotional Beat / Dialogue Pass

4. Character Actions Strong Verbs Pass

Closed Account Happy Thanksgiving!! Higher understanding comes from asking questions. That’s what’s up! If we aren’t writing scenes more than twice, were missing out on our best stuff. The golden rule of writing is: writing is rewriting. We find as we progress that our stories are like ‘children of the mind’. The more ink we put into them, the more they grow. The highest compliment we can get on a script is “it feels lived in”. And that means exactly what it says. The writer lived with it. All first drafts are shit. First drafts are so bad we should put them aside, skip revisions and rewrite. I’ve done over 10 rewrites and countless revisions for my latest feature and I assure you this process works. I see my story growing up. Rewriting is the only way to fly. Another way to look at if we’re only writing a draft or two, we won’t go pro. We can bet the bank on that. We are rewarded according to our efforts. That’s not enough effort to go pro. Hope this helps. Always here for you. My man

I agree 100% I will rewrite 10 times, sometimes more. The first draft (vomit draft) is never anything like the final draft. I'm in the UK so we don't do Thanksgiving. But Happy Thanksgiving to all you in the USA. I like turkey and sprouts so I'm with you in spirit!

There is definitely no one way to do it, but doing it for yourself vs doing it as a work for hire with a deadline - two different beasts entirely. A topic currently be covered on another thread.

Do any of you follow the Orphan, Wanderer, Warrior, Martyr system? I saw a video about it and did some research. It seems to be present in many successful films. I'll explain to anyone who hasn't heard of it. Apologies to those who are well aware and if you can explain better than be feel free, I'm still learning myself.

The system fits into the 3 Act structure and provides a roadmap for a script.

1. Orphan - The protagonist, is under pressure, alone, being victimised, down and out etc.

2. Wanderer - The protagonist goes looking for a solution.

3. Warrior - The protagonist tackles the problem.

4. Martyr - The protagonist sacrifices something to help solve the problem.

Think of a film and see how it can fit (or not). Maybe see if this system fits a script of yours.

It may be a tool for beginners, I'm not sure, but I'd be interested in comments

Does a snacks checklist count?

I write different styles with different implements. I can write flit in WhatsApp but I couldn't write it with a pen and paper. Pen and paper I could write a ballad that wouldn't work on computer. Word I can use for short stories, novels and general prose, but they sound thoroughly different if I write them with pen and paper. I try to understand my brain but I think it's holding out on me. I probably shouldn't trust it as much as I do... (:

Michael, I haven't heard the Hero's Journey set out quite like that but it's a great simplification of the process. I like that it's from the perspective of the Hero rather than the Journey, effectively. I guess in that sense it's more of a character-driven version of the archetype instead of plot-driven. It might be useful as a skeleton frame for Gothi literature pieces, which tend to be more character orientated.

I found the video. It's by Word Dancer who makes great information videos about screenwriting. It explains in a more comprehensive way what I said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZBv2luzYKU

Thanx Pamela - I do my best with what I got. Not everyone agrees with you.

I write an outline when I write with my partner, Andy. (It's usually his story, I write the screenplay for it) It helps us get the story the way we both want it. If I plow forward and just write the script, I might miss key pieces he wanted. On the other hand when I write for Johnny Martin, if I offer up an outline, he'll tell me to just go for it after he tells me the basic premise. But then he gives me notes along the way or at the finish.

I outline, but only because pantsing tends to leave me with unfinished scripts/stories more often than not! YMMV - everyone works differently, right?

I don't outline when I begin, mostly because I've been thinking the story over and over in my head for a long time. I start writing, and then take notes and kind of build an outline as I go. So if an idea pops up, I drop it in my notes. If I realize I have to make a connection in act 3 from act 1, I drop it in my notes.

Sometimes I use a beat sheet and sometimes I just sit down and start writing. If I am doing an adaption I try to follow the book and make changes if need be.