Script Writing Tutorials

[dduckett]

Hi everyone, my name is Dave. Let me be upfront: I'm not a professional script writer, and I've never had a movie script published (or anything else for that matter). In a nutshell, I'm someone who loves to read and write. It's my passion. That being said, I hope I can provide some useful links and suggestions to get you started with writing scripts.

Note: I've updated this whole thread in the spirit of minimalism and honesty. -7/3/10

[dduckett]

IDEAS

As each person is individually different, then so our writing and thinking processes differ. I cannot give you specific directions related to thinking, and I’ve found that most “creative thinking” exercises didn’t do much for me. If I were to give you personal advice for coming up with ideas, then I would tell you to go out and live your life. Life is the field where you’ll find a buried treasure of stories and ideas. You’ve just got to make an effort to dig very deep and in different places until you find it.

Also, don’t make the mistake I did and sit in front of the computer all day, browsing forums and googling “how to write”. The Internet is a wonderful technology, but don’t let it think for you or tell you how to do something. Think for yourself. Stop stalling and start writing. This sounds harsh, but I wish someone had said exactly these words to me: "Sit your ASS IN the CHAIR and write and don’t do anything else!”

Ironic I’m writing on an Internet forum to tell you this, but you are at liberty to stop reading at this second, shut the screen off, pick up the paper and pen and start. In fact, I encourage you to.

Idea generation is one of the hardest subjects to tackle; I for one have terrible writer’s block and am not the best person to explain this process. I will say this: whenever I have had good ideas, I tend to be out amidst people, always without paper and pen. You would be surprised how swiftly those grand ideas fly away. So, in the wise words of Francis bacon, “A man would do well to carry a pencil in his pocket, and write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable, and should be secured, because they seldom return.”

[dduckett]

Erased due to lack of substance in the previous post.

[dduckett]

FORMATTING:

Just look at the projects already provided by CeltX. They'll help you get familiar with the program too.

If you want an external source, see http://old.oscars.org/nicholl/format_a.txt

[dduckett]

Erased due to a lack of personal knowledge on the subject.

[dduckett]

Erased because content wasn't helpful.

[dduckett]

Erased because it is outdated.

[ntay]

This could be incredibly useful for new...and even used...screenwriters.

Maybe this should be stickied...?

Welcome to the community, Dave.

Peace,

Nick Taylor

[dduckett]

ESSENTIAL URLs

http://www.autogk.me.uk/index.php - Auto Gordian for formatting your video footage when taking it from a DVD. Check tutorial on their site.

http://www.filefactory.com - Host for your PDF generated scripts.

http://www.screenwriting.info/glossary.php - Screen writing glossary,

http://www.scriptcrawler.net/ - A database of scripts to view/study.

http://www.simplyscripts.com/WR_glossary.html - Screen writing glossary.

[Sheila]

Hey dducket,
This is a terrific contribution! On behalf of all the Celtx community, Thank You!
Would you have any objections to me posting the info to the Celtx Wiki Manual as well?

Sheila

[dduckett]

Please feel free as I love to write and update. I also love CeltX and its community... you all rock!

[Sheila]

Great stuff!
When i get a moment, I'll put it up there.
Thanks again, dd !

Sheila

[dduckett]

Erased because content is outdated. The CeltxWiki provides up-to-date information on the program.

[Sheila]

These tutorials can now be viewed on the Celtx wiki as well.

Sheila

[HarryLime]

I have trouble trusting the screenwriting credentials of someone who does not know how to spell "dialogue."