“If you have writing samples, that’s excellent. Something you should know is people don’t write spec scripts in animation. We don’t need a script. We’ll just buy your idea. It’s a very narrow target at DreamWorks Animation, Sony animation, and Disney animation because we’re trying to make blockbusters. We’re trying to do something that hasn’t been done before, but that appeals to children and adults.” [DreamWorks Animation How to Train Your Dragon co-producer Karen Foster, who’s worked as a development exec at DreamWorks Animation and at Disney.]Link over to read the full article.
“One remarkable improvement now is the addition of online marketing places like InkTip where smaller projects seem to be hooking up more easily. It doesn’t lessen the need for a good agent but gives beginners more of a chance.” [Tron screenwriter and co-producer Bonnie MacBird]
“I try to figure out what the market is too saturated with and avoid those types of movies.” [writer-producer Sascha Rothchild]
Anybody writing a script - or perhaps thinking of converting your novel to a movie script?
I've wondered what it takes to write a script. Is there a program that gives the layout of what you need, that type thing. Or a guideline of sorts. I would guess it would have to be broken down into segments. Interesting post.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
I'm thinking scriptwriting is just a whole different animal. No, I'd have to do major research before giving it a go.
ReplyDeleteI've written two plays and enjoyed writing them. I've toyed with the idea of writing a screenplay. I'm sure my years in the theatre are responsible. FYI, the accepted format for any script for TV or the movies is a program called Final Draft.
ReplyDeleteI've written two TV series and you shouldn't be scared off by format. There are many programmes that assist with that. My writing partner and I knew nothing when we started out, we learned along the way. One of our series is currently being played on Botswana TV (the first we wrote) and it seems to be quite a success. Like most things, it's all about having a good story.
ReplyDeleteThere is a chat room on Twitter where there's news, information, help, and tips from new and seasoned scriptwriters. It meets every Sunday at 8 pm EST.
ReplyDeleteIt's #scriptchat and the moderator is @jeannevb
They welcome all writers.
Don't know if I could write a script. I have toyed with the idea of a graphic novel, though.
ReplyDeleteYou can get books on writing scripts and how to construct them. You can take classes on script writing. You can buy scripts. There are online sites that give advice.
ReplyDeleteElspeth is right. Final Draft is a well-known program. There are others, but FD is probably the most available.
Lauri, if you ever get the urge to guest post on script writing, I'd love to have you here.
Thank you Marisa!
Go for it, Alex.
Scriptwriting is beyond me at the moment!!!
ReplyDeleteHaving written five plays that have hit the boards but no screenplays - I'm interested but it is like a sonnet - a very precise format. Final Draft helps with that. More interesting is the comment "We don’t need a script. We’ll just buy your idea." Even here, in the great white north, people don't want your scripts - they want your pitches and if you think pitching to an agent or publisher is difficult - yeesh!
ReplyDeleteJan, I've never pitched a script idea, but I have heard hair-raising tales. You have to be animated and think on your feet (and your head and your toes) and be concise, convincing, and fab-u-lous.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a script once, as part of a writer's challenge. I think it worked out pretty well. I doubt I'll do anything with it, and don't feel compelled to do another.
ReplyDelete~jon
I've never given it any thought, but it's worth thinking about. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for stopping by my blog. I wish you luck in moving stuff from here to there.
Hi Julie. Welcome.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I liked about scripts is that their focus is the dialogue.
I've written a lot of screenplays and a couple of stage plays, and there are differences in story structure as well as format. I think it is a skill that any good storyteller can master if they are interested in studying the medium and learning the differences between telling a story on paper and telling it on screen or stage.
ReplyDeleteWow I know nothing about screenplays.
ReplyDeleteI followed the link over to the article--certainly a different world.