Monday, January 30, 2012
Quote of the Day
“Most screenwriters are unemployed, chronically unemployed.”
Screenwriter Tom Lazarus (Stigmata)
Secrets of Film Writing
Screenwriter Tom Lazarus (Stigmata)
Secrets of Film Writing
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Answer 1
1. My first answer right now is: write with a voice. Not literally of course. What I mean is that a story isn't worth listening to if there wasn't a point to be arrived at. Stories with resonating themes are more likely well received. Anyways, writers have voices. My best example would be... Ayn Rand vs. Jane Austen. Both great writers in their own respect, but they have completely different voices. For writers, having a voice is probably the hardest thing to achieve and at the same time most powerful tool to have. Without a voice a writer's message or point can seem cliche or detached. When you read anything and see that the writer is clearly connected to the themes and truths he/she is trying to arrive at, you feel you can trust the writer; there is some sense of assurance in a writer that has a voice. I think, and again I just think, that this makes the difference when a screenplay without a "name" comes into the hands of someone who can make it into a film. Besides having a compelling story, concrete characters, etc. the difference between another good story and screenplay worth investing in is one where the screenwriter has a voice.
2. In my interview with playwright/director Bernardo Solano, he said that the most integral and essential part to a screenplay is the heart... which is essentially a part of the writer. But I can't say the best way to write a successful screenplay is to be a great screenwriter - obviously. However I do feel that is an important part of it; it doesn't make sense to write a good screenplay and not be a good screenwriter, right? So what makes a good screenwriter? I think above all things, and something hidden and yet apparent in the screenplays I've read, is that voice... I'm trying to think of other examples of the answer coming up but I can only think of maybe a quote or two. Honestly, my sources aren't really that credible (as far as research goes) its hard to get academic sources for screenplays - other than tons of books on how to write a screenplay written by people who have never sold one... which in my opinion is not very good research.
3. I have some comments from an interview. But I have been reading screenplays and came to this conclusion after looking through my research, the interviews, and my other components. So I guess research, interviews, screenplays, and my own notes are my possible sources of evidence. I still need to think of better resources.
2. In my interview with playwright/director Bernardo Solano, he said that the most integral and essential part to a screenplay is the heart... which is essentially a part of the writer. But I can't say the best way to write a successful screenplay is to be a great screenwriter - obviously. However I do feel that is an important part of it; it doesn't make sense to write a good screenplay and not be a good screenwriter, right? So what makes a good screenwriter? I think above all things, and something hidden and yet apparent in the screenplays I've read, is that voice... I'm trying to think of other examples of the answer coming up but I can only think of maybe a quote or two. Honestly, my sources aren't really that credible (as far as research goes) its hard to get academic sources for screenplays - other than tons of books on how to write a screenplay written by people who have never sold one... which in my opinion is not very good research.
3. I have some comments from an interview. But I have been reading screenplays and came to this conclusion after looking through my research, the interviews, and my other components. So I guess research, interviews, screenplays, and my own notes are my possible sources of evidence. I still need to think of better resources.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Revised Essential Question
1. My revised essential question is: what is the best way to write a successful screenplay?
2. Defining terms seems a little difficult with my question because I interpret the question a bit differently. By 'successful' screenplay I don't mean one that makes loads of money - realistically that almost never happens anyways except for a few lucky hollywood hotshots - but successful to me is screenplay that people want to buy. And what I mean by 'best way to write' is as far as writing goes what makes a good screenplay? My answer will be in the writing of the screenplay. So what I am really asking is: what in the screenplay makes people want to buy it? Some people will buy a script because there is a name on it, but there are still others who sell their screenplays solely based on the screenplay... why do people invest in those scripts? I once heard that "most screenwriters get paid nothing, what makes you any different?" And that is precisely what I am looking for! What does make them different?
3. I think likely answers will be: new/unique storytelling, unique insight, witty characters, story/character driven stories, or an incredibly relatable story.
4. My greatest source so far has been my reading of real screenplays.. I have only read one whole screenplay BUT I really got a lot out of it. I am even excited to read more... the only thing is, I have been reading about working screenwritersin my research and there is so many depressing things to be said... like the fact that the majority of writers will be out of work this year, the average writer makes less than my father, hollywood is a shmuck, and to be quite honest with myself if there was a secret to writing screenplays that could be decoded in the greatest of all sreenplays then someone would have found it by now. I have helpful research but its discouraging as well.
2. Defining terms seems a little difficult with my question because I interpret the question a bit differently. By 'successful' screenplay I don't mean one that makes loads of money - realistically that almost never happens anyways except for a few lucky hollywood hotshots - but successful to me is screenplay that people want to buy. And what I mean by 'best way to write' is as far as writing goes what makes a good screenplay? My answer will be in the writing of the screenplay. So what I am really asking is: what in the screenplay makes people want to buy it? Some people will buy a script because there is a name on it, but there are still others who sell their screenplays solely based on the screenplay... why do people invest in those scripts? I once heard that "most screenwriters get paid nothing, what makes you any different?" And that is precisely what I am looking for! What does make them different?
3. I think likely answers will be: new/unique storytelling, unique insight, witty characters, story/character driven stories, or an incredibly relatable story.
4. My greatest source so far has been my reading of real screenplays.. I have only read one whole screenplay BUT I really got a lot out of it. I am even excited to read more... the only thing is, I have been reading about working screenwritersin my research and there is so many depressing things to be said... like the fact that the majority of writers will be out of work this year, the average writer makes less than my father, hollywood is a shmuck, and to be quite honest with myself if there was a secret to writing screenplays that could be decoded in the greatest of all sreenplays then someone would have found it by now. I have helpful research but its discouraging as well.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Service Learning
- For my service learning hours I am completing the ROP videography course.
- My contacts are both Philip Miller and Sean Daly
- Well, considering I do 6 hours a week, I'm pretty sure I've surpassed the 10 hour requirement. In class we watch examples of films then we discuss numerous things like techniques...etc. We are given assignments and a time limit to meet them. I've spent the majority of my time in ROP filming an editing our short films which include: two door scenes (one edited and the other not), a short film (with no dialogue), a short documentary, and we are currently working on a music video.
- I have at least worked 96 hours so far in ROP.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
ESLR Blog
So far in my senior project, I have been an effective user of technology and a life long learner.
I feel I have met the effective user of technology ESLR because I was able to post this blog, keep an updated Working Bibliography for my research via microsoft excel, and use WEB resources for both my research and science project data.
I have met the life long learner ESLR simply because the information I have researched, the experience I am gaining, and even the people I have met and collaborated with thus far will affect the body of knowledge and experience that I will have with me for the rest of my life. Should I choose to follow this career path, this whole senior project experience will affect my career. Also, I understand that this project is completely my own. I feel more liable for my work than I ever have before, whether that is because there is no one else to pick up the slack or because this project is more important to me than any other I don't know. But if I only get a P in the end I will be so dissappointed in myself and because I feel that way I am assuming responsibility for my own learning.
I feel I have met the effective user of technology ESLR because I was able to post this blog, keep an updated Working Bibliography for my research via microsoft excel, and use WEB resources for both my research and science project data.
I have met the life long learner ESLR simply because the information I have researched, the experience I am gaining, and even the people I have met and collaborated with thus far will affect the body of knowledge and experience that I will have with me for the rest of my life. Should I choose to follow this career path, this whole senior project experience will affect my career. Also, I understand that this project is completely my own. I feel more liable for my work than I ever have before, whether that is because there is no one else to pick up the slack or because this project is more important to me than any other I don't know. But if I only get a P in the end I will be so dissappointed in myself and because I feel that way I am assuming responsibility for my own learning.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Third Interview Questions
1. What makes a good screenplay?
2. What makes a bad screenplay?
3. How important is the screenplay to a film?
4. How important is research for a screenplay?
5. In books and novels the author is able to reveal the thoughts of the characters - which help to develop those characters - how does a screenwriter develop characters?
6. Writers always have voices, but screenplays have a set structure and are almost entirely action and dialogue, does this mean the screenwriter loses their voice?
7. Do you have a favorite screenwriter or screenplay?
8. Are screenplays based on novels and other published works easier to write and sell than original screenplays?
9. When screenplays are sold is it crucial for the screenwriter to have connections or are they sold based on the potential of the screenplay?
10. What is a successful screenwriter?
2. What makes a bad screenplay?
3. How important is the screenplay to a film?
4. How important is research for a screenplay?
5. In books and novels the author is able to reveal the thoughts of the characters - which help to develop those characters - how does a screenwriter develop characters?
6. Writers always have voices, but screenplays have a set structure and are almost entirely action and dialogue, does this mean the screenwriter loses their voice?
7. Do you have a favorite screenwriter or screenplay?
8. Are screenplays based on novels and other published works easier to write and sell than original screenplays?
9. When screenplays are sold is it crucial for the screenwriter to have connections or are they sold based on the potential of the screenplay?
10. What is a successful screenwriter?
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