Writing a Screenplay Hollywood Can't Resist...Priceless!

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Richard Bach

Freelance writers have different dreams and writing ideas. Some of us want to write the great American novel, some of us want to be the news reporter that always gets the big story and then there are a few of us that believe that writing a screenplay that will blow Hollywood and New York away is our only true calling.

The one thing we all have in common, we all have our own writing styles and creative writing ideas that we want to share. And our own writing careers that we strive for.

Writing a screenplay can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. There are steps you can take to break it down into manageable stages or writing strategies that will keep you writing and your story on track, not to mention the creative writing courses and writing software available.

When a film is made, there are a lot of things that goes into it. You have directors, producers, actors, maybe some special effects, but the MOST IMPORTANT part of any film is ...The Idea.

We have all seen movies that have a great director and the best actors and have been horrible to watch. This is because in movie making, which starts with screen writing, the idea rules.

It must be the focus for every writer. But in the movies, we want to see a compelling story that is unique and fresh.

When you begin writing your screenplay, make sure you know who you are writing for by keeping these things in mind.

• Does the screenplay have a clear beginning, middle and end?

• Does the story drift aimlessly or does it make its point successfully?

• The idea

• The genres

• The premise or point of the story

• How to format the screenplay

• The theme

• Synopsis or blueprint of the story

• Characterization

• Structure - what makes it work

• Conflict

• Scenes

• Dialogue

• Subtext - The unspoken feelings. What the character is really saying

• The Pitch - selling the screenplay

• Coverage - a written critique

• Agents - getting one
  
  Hollywood screenwriters know that a reader, agent or producer can tell instantly by fanning the pages back to front if your script is professionally written and in the proper format. Your script will not even get a read at an agency or get studio coverage if it doesn't look right.

  There are several software programs made specifically for screenwriters. I like.

• Movie Outline 3 - Windows PC and Macintosh
  
  These all offer unsurpassed in features and flexibility. They really do make the whole process so easy!

  They automatically format action, character name, dialog and other elements as you write your script. So all you have to worry about is getting your creative thoughts to flow onto the page!
  
  If you prefer books on the subject, I can recommend a few really great ones.

  The Screenwriter's Handbook: The Essential Companion for Screenwriters

  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting

  Story Sense: A Screenwriter's Guide for Film and Television

  Breakfast with Sharks : A Screenwriter's Guide to Getting the Meeting, Nailing the Pitch, Signing the Deal, and Navigating the Murky Waters of Hollywood

  The Complete Screenwriter's Manual: A Comprehensive Reference of Format and Style
  
  A great website dedicated to the journey into movie production and the movie business is Screenwriting-production-distribution-consultant.com It is a movie nuts journey working in the business which includes information about all areas of the movie business including Movie Financing, Movie Production, Movie Distribution and yes even acting.
  

  I also like Screen writer tools which is the quick -n- easy guide to finding screenwriting software, books and supplies on the net!
  
  

  
  
  Take a look at these great writer's resources
  
  Return from writing a screenplay to freelance writing success

  
  
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