Screenwriting : Writing a script by Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Writing a script

Hello Everyone...I hope you are all alright. I am currently writing my first script, but the script is scattered at the moment. Does anyone know a formula or have any advice on how I can could keep track on what I write and keep it organized? Is there a limit on the number of the genres that should be portrayed in a graphic novel, webtoon or an animation script?

I would really appreciate your advices...

Kiril Maksimoski

If you are not sure which direction you're taking, halt the script, then first think of idea, outline it and then resume writing, or start again.

No...if you're writing script for graphic novel there's no limitation to the genre...comic books usually tend to have super-heroes and some supernatural beings as players, but for graphic novel, you can have down to earth characters and realistic themes as well and gain success...it's all in the story, of course...

Anthony Moore

Hello Mmapaseka. The first thing you should do it write a logline to define the main idea of the story and solidify which genre it is. Then do a one page outline, with each paragraph being a summary of each act. This is especially important, as it helps keeps your story on track while you're writing. After that you can try to shoot for 10 to 30 pages per act, depending on how many acts you have. Finally you want to edit it for errors and then get some feedback.

I write 2-5 pages everyday when I'm working on a script. Consistency is key to finishing. I have a punchlist of common new screenwriter errors to avoid if you'd like a copy.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Kiril Maksimoski Thank you so much for your advice, I appreciate it and will definitely use this in my process, when writing the script. I hope I don't take a break for too long, in the thinking process and imagination , setting the script in place and making it successful. I think you have telekinesis, because I actually need to write realistic and down to earth characters. I need different individuals to relate, get connected and understand the context of the story, and not just understanding the surface.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Anthony Moore The process for writing the script is concise, i understand all the points you have made, what I can do to keep the story moving with out loosing the context of the main plot and journey of the story. I would really love to read and learn from your punchlist of common new screenwriter errors to avoid, it would be awesome. May you please share it with me. Thank you for advice, I appreciate it.

Brian Flanagan

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

There's all kinds of advice out there.

One author suggests beginning with the last sentence. Then you know where you have to end up.

Another advises us to just start 'throwing paint on the wall' and see where it leads. In a similar vein, we're told to just write it all down with no worries about the finished product -- that comes later.

These methods have worked for me, but might not for you.

Here's a fun, helpful little book:

The Screenwriter's Survival Guide

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/262920.The_Screenwriter_s_Survival_G...

(I see there's a "New" version by the same author, but I haven't read it yet.)

David W. King

Anthony Moore, I like your approach to screenwriting I think it is really smart.

Craig D Griffiths

I would say just get everything out of your head. Then make sense of it.

You will develop your own process.

Peter Roach

On mixing genres; I read somewhere - I think these writer folks here will immediate recognize it - don't have more than one type of fantasy. You should not have aliens landing to fight Werewolves. That is a stretch too far.

Anthony Moore

M, I sent you a Network Request. Send me your email address and I'll send you a copy of my Punchlist.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Brian Flanagan Thank you so much for the advice...I appreciate this.

Wade Cox

I have a decidedly low-tech approach to this exact problem....I keep a cork board in my office, just behind my desk, and I pin note cards for each character and each scene in a particular script that I'm working on. Helps me to keep my problems straight so that I don't have any loose ends at the end of my script.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Julia Petrisor That is a good way organizing your material too. Great, thank you.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Nick Assunto - Stage32 Script Services Coordinator I am very excited to discover myself too., very hopeful the approaches that I will take, will bring amazing revelations. Cool, thank you s much.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Craig D Griffiths I will defiantly do my best to empty myself.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Peter Roach Wow, thank you. I will definitely not do that.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Wade Cox That is a great approach too, I actually never thought of that too. Thank you, I will try that out.

Craig D Griffiths

I tend to not filter myself in my “dot point” phase of my process. I’ll often look at the start of the list and think I was suffering some form of madness.

Mmapaseka Mokhonoana

Jack Sprat Wow, great. Writing a Treatment for pacing the story and drawing a map to keep the story on track sounds great, I will definitely be doing that. Thank you for your advice, for the referral for the Treatment.

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