I've been writing a horror movie recently and I just keep hitting dead ends. Does anyone have tips on how to get past writers block
Introduce Yourself : Screenwriting is difficult by Gideon Burghardt
Screenwriting is difficult
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Write an outline or even better a treatment before you start writing a screenplay. If you know your characters and story - and especially your ending - then you will have a route map and a destination before you set off on your journey. Some people can write blind, but getting lost (blocked) is more common in those circumstances.
When I fall into the "un" zone (unimaginative, uninspired, unproductive, etc.) I shift to another form of creative writing; usually short stories and occasionally poetry. Examples of the result can be found on my website: www.mwhogan.com . Everyone's path out is different, but this works for me.
Try and see scenes from your script in your mind's eye. This visual stimulation can lead to an unconcius narrative flow that can ignite your script.
I can't recommend this book enough - Bulletproof: Writing Scripts That Don't Get Shot Down. It's fairly new but it will help you at any stage. It's especially useful though when you're just starting a script.
AND -> BUT -> THEREFORE
Whenever I hit a block I default to the basics.
Character is living in a world AND feels a certain way, BUT something happens that disrupts that life, THEREFORE they must do something about it.
Guys thanks for all the tips. Honestly this has really helped out (;
I'm with Graham Lester-George. Outline... Actually, I start with a Premise Sheet (details about Theme, Protag/Antag, Goals, Fears, Needs, etc.) then I go to an outline, which has all the story beats (Inciting Incident and so on). Fill out each story beat, don't skip any. The I go to a Scene Outline, which identifies the Catalyst, Stakes, Reversal and more in every scene. By the time you've thought about and filled in every point, the actual writing of the script is a breeze.
Cheslav Vinnik, film director, script writer. Created seven feature films, the winner of the Soviet Union film's festival and the International as well. Script festival winner. Actor. Former World champion, Europe, Soviet Union