-
Lesson 2 Assignment
Reply to post your assignment
-
20 Replies
-
George Petersen HIGH SPEED WRITING RULES
My Vision is to direct one of my screenplays as a low-budget indie feature
What I learned from doing this assignment is
For me, it comes down to restricting myself from proof reading. If I can focus on getting it done knowing that I won’t be reviewing it, that helps. A certain freedom from criticism. I won’t be judging myself. So it’s OK to be fast.
-
Lynn’s High Speed Writing Rules
VISION: I am determined to become a great screenwriter capable of getting my screenplays in various genres produced into movies that inspire vast audiences to mitigate climate change.
I LEARNED how not to dwell on perfections, going mostly forward no matter what.
THE PROCESS: I mostly went forward, though I did go back a few times as the story details unfolded to stick in a few earlier setup plants. I was able to write 5 pages in about an hour.
I did change a few words as I wrote, but no thesaurus looking. And I did a brief google search on one research item; after I realized I could have forgone that and fixed it in later drafts.
Rule 1: Choose speed over quality for EARLY drafts.
Did this for the most part.
Rule 2: Master writing in drafts.
Kept in mind this is only a 1st draft
Rule 3: Keep yourself empowered!
Kept telling myself I can do this, mistakes and all
Rule 4: Allow yourself to start (or continue) without all the answers.
Didn’t do any prep, had the outline to help
Rule 5: Keep moving. Don’t ever allow yourself to stall out.
Kept it up, only breaking for my morning coffee
Rule 6: Anything you don’t solve quickly, give it to your creative mind to process, knowing it will come to you!
I didn’t have any problems in these scenes 6 though 8, though I did write a note to fix something in scene 2 yesterday and will fix it in a future draft.
Also before going to bed I looked over the scenes I’d be working on today and gave them to my “creative process” in what I call THE SLEEP TECHNIQUE (which I’ve used since college for math and term papers, etc).
Great. I can do this, a whole script in 25 days, though there may be a few days I don’t have more than 15 minutes for writing. Those days I can maybe write a page and do more than 5 on other days.
-
Now I’m writing faster, did the 5-minute exercise to write a scene (Mastery Session 16), but since it was a very short scene, went on to write the next scene (also short). I’m thinking the 5-minute exercise should be “write 2 to 3 pages in 5 minutes,” rather than a scene in 5 minutes. Or one page in 2-3 minutes.
Also rushing too much leads to “haste makes waste” since I stumbled a lot and had to go back and fix some things that were total jibberish/typo/icks. There’s got to be a maximal speed in first draft (imperfect) writing that does not create so many unnecessary problems it will take more time to fix them in the future than if one just glides along, accepting some problems, typos, etc, but not an extreme amount. Maybe that’s the 2-3 minutes per page speed.
-
-
Mary Lynn Mabray
Module 5 Lesson 1 – 2 – Basic Formatting
Vision: Writing Assignments and selling original scripts
What did I Learn? – I really like Hal’s approach to teaching screenwriting much better than any other program I have ever taken.
First Scene:
EXT. CHANNEL 13 STUDIO – HOUSTON – DAY – ESTABLISHING
Christmas wonderland. Decorations everywhere. PEOPLE hurry inside the studio while others file in and out. Festive environment.
INT. SOUNDSTAGE 3 – DAY
Gorgeous Christmas decorations on set. Cozy. Christmas cookies piled up on cabinet counters on silver plates along with stacks of Helen Hunt cookbooks. Cooking show in progress.
HELEN HUNT, smiles broadly and waves, blows kisses at the camera.
HELEN
Have the best Christmas ever, folks
and as always, I couldn’t do this show without
you.
Helen grabs a cookbook, holds it up and shows to the television viewers. Photo of a beautiful Helen kissing a handsome Santa Claus on the cheek underneath the mistletoe, splashed across the cover.
HELEN
And don’t forget to buy my newest cookbook,
Cooking with Santa Claus! It’s my best Christmas
cookie book, yet. I hope you love it as much as I
HELEN (cont.)
writing it. I have it on the best authority that it is
already a North Pole favorite.
HELEN (winks)
Thank you, Mrs. Claus, and thank you, viewers.
I couldn’t do this show without you.
Thank you, Mrs.
Claus.
The DIRECTOR wraps the show.
DIRECTOR
Cut! That’s a wrap. Great show, Helen.
Loved it!
Helen sighs wearily.
HELEN
You sure? I felt a little off. Was I?
Before the Director can answer, the entire crew YELLS, almost as if rehearsed.
CREW
NO!
HELEN
Well, alrighty then. I’m too tired to argue.
HELEN
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and may Santa
slide down your chimney with goodies.
Two children. ALEXANN, 5 and WILL, 7 rush the set loaded down with presents. Helen’s grandchildren pass out Christmas gifts.
MALE CREW MEMBER
Helen, I don’t have a chimney.
Helen knows he’s kidding.
HELEN
What will I do without you guys for two weeks?
ALEXANN
Swim with me. You promised.
WILL
Parasail with me. You promised, Mimi.
DIRECTOR
Sounds like you have your beach orders.
Helen nods enthusiastically, hurries off the stage toward the children.
HELEN
A promise is a promise. Let’s hit the beach.
What do you say?
Helens wraps Alexann and Will in her arms and squeezes then tightly.
-
Module 5, Lesson 2
MY VISION:
To be a Talented writer that delivers quality fast, with the film industry seeking me out.
WIL: Keep pushing to get it done. Don’t let roadblocks stop me. Go over or around or through.
Title: GRAND HEIST ACADEMY
Genre: Action
-
Lisa Long High-Speed Writing Rules
My Vision: I will do whatever it takes to be comfortable saying that I am a writer by creating impactful stories with amazing characters in order to sell my scripts.
What I learned from this assignment is to just keep going and stop thinking so hard about the quality at this point.
Speed writing is not as easy as it looks, but Hal gives us the freedom to just do it. When I can’t complete a scene…I move on to the next one and I’ll go back to it later.
-
Amy’s High Speed Writing Rules
Vision: I want to become known as an expert in the family-friendly genre and make a full-time living as a screenwriter.
What I learned from doing this assignment is to not judge my work too harshly on the first draft and just get the writing done.
INT. – SITTING ROOM – DAY
STEPHANIE ALEXANDER, 25, sits on the castle’s fancy couch, way too dressed up to be staying in doors. She sips tea and nibbles on a cookie.
CHLOE WILLIAMS, also, 25, sits next to her, a little more down to earth in business casual.
STEPHANIE
Can you believe the ball is in only two days? I have so much to do.
CHLOE
You’re kidding! All you have to is show up. You have people to do everything else.
The two laugh.
CHLOE
Have you decided on a costume yet?
STEPHANIE
Yes, but you’ll just have to be surprised like everyone else.
CHLOE
Oh, come on! I’m your best friend.
Stephanie grins mischievously.
WILLIS (O.S.)
Your highness! Your highness!
WILLIS ALFRED, 60s, approaches quickly and frantically followed by AVA ALEXANDER, 50s who moves with grace and dignity.
STEPHANIE
Whatever is the problem, Willis?
AVA
There’s no problem, dear.
WILLIS
I beg to differ. I’ve just discovered that your highness is scheduled to speak at the symphony concert the same night as the ball.
Ava rolls her eyes in exasperation.
STEPHANIE
WHAT?
AVA
Willis, Willis, you’re making far too big a deal of this.
STEPHANIE
MOTHER! This is a crisis!
Stephanie bolts up from her position on the couch, throwing her tea cup down as she does. It crashes to the floor and breaks.
She begins pacing and stomping around the room.
STEPHANIE
I am the Princess Stephanie of ?. I have must fulfill all my duties to the public. I must be at the ball, and I am the official spokesman for the ? Symphony. GAH!
Stephanie makes a motion like she’s going to pull her hair out. Chloe watches her friend, not surprised but kind of afraid at the same time.
CHLOE
Stephanie, calm down. It’s not the end of the world.
Stephanie turns on her friend, fire in her eyes.
STEPHANIE
It IS the end of the world.
(to Willis)
How could you let this happen?
Stephanie still paces and stomps and pulls at her hair.
STEPHANIE
This is unacceptable. Willis, if you can’t do your job, then maybe you should look for employment elsewhere.
Willis roles his eyes like he’s heard this before.
Suddenly, another FEMALE STAFF MEMBER rushes into the room.
FEMALE STAFF MEMBER
Your highnesses! Your highnesses! We made a call to the symphony and discovered that the wrong date was written in your calendar. The symphony concert is the night after the ball.
Stephanie abruptly stops pacing and stomping and runs over to hug the woman.
Ava sighs a sigh of relief.
STEPHANIE
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Stephanie turns to Willis and gives him the evil eye.
-
Renee’s High-Speed Writing Rules
My Vision: I will work hard to become a well-respected writer who gets my movies produced and has enough work to keep me busy and keep the lights on.
What I learned doing this assignment is to keep myself empowered and not allow myself to stall out while writing the first draft. Just get the story down and fix issues as you rewrite.
The process went great. I kept the rules in mind and quickly got three scenes written, totaling three pages in about 30 minutes. Writing fast is so much easier when you have a detailed outline to follow.
-
Dave Holloway high-speed writing rules
My vision: I would like to be a successful writer in Hollywood, with a number of screenplays produced that put forward a core belief about environmental, political, or personal values.
What I learned doing this assignment is that my writing sometimes has more energy when I write scenes in this high-speed way.
It was very interesting writing in the high-speed method. I usually am pretty critical of what I write as I go along, so it was freeing to write without judgment. The quality wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Writing without criticizing brought some new ideas about ways to augment the story told by the outline.
-
This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by David Holloway.
-
This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by
-
I think this program has served me well, except for the speedwriting. I guess I would rather be slow and take my time overall, than overwhelm myself trying to undo decades of writing habits. And that’s what they are. The script has been a challenge, as I knew it would be; especially, since the voice-overs betray the fact I haven’t interviewed any hyenas or lions lately. lol My critiques reflected a confusion over my antagonist and protagonists. All challenges to be dealt with one at a time. I don’t know if I can surpass the requirements of this course, but this much I do know, I will finish this script whether I use any fancy maneuvers or not. It is the goal of every script I write…
-
Ron’s High Speed Writing Rules
VISION: I want the success and recognition of being an in demand, A-list screenwriter who writes successful films that are financially profitable, award winning and of enduring quality.
I was a little nervous getting started, but with the outline in front of me. The confidence came, the worked flowed, and I was happy with the outcome. .
What I learned from doing this assignment that once I got started I still loved the craft of writing.
-
SUBJECT: Monica’s High Speed Writing Rules
Vision: I will continue to learn everything I can through all different media to apply what I learn to become the best screenwriter I can be. To be successful in getting my movies made and to win awards in the process.
What I learned from doing this assignment is to relax and write. Not to worry about perfection.
How it went using the rules: I reviewed the rules and what I wanted to accomplish in the scent, took a deep breath and just wrote. I had it done in 15 minutes. Whereas before, I’d agonize over the scene. So far so good.
-
WIM2 – Dana’s High Speed Writing Rules
My Vision: I intend to perfect my skills to become a successful screenwriter, scripting acclaimed and profitable films, recognized by my peers, and living an adventurous life.
What I learned during this assignment:
Keep writing. Don’t stop. It’s hard to break old
habits, wordsmithing and rewriting as I write, but I’m learning new techniques.
I hope I’m not too old of a dog to learn new tricks. -
Paul Dees’ High Speed Writing Rules
My Vision: I am a writer/director/producer that writes and makes films of all kinds, and I am recognized by the industry as both a highly successful filmmaker and as a person that’s easy to work with.
What I learned from doing this assignment is to embrace getting something on the page first, and then going back and revising at a later time.
I found this assignment to be very liberating. It reminds me of when I was in elementary school, and my friends and I would make up all kinds of adventures during recess on the spot. We didn’t think twice about what “story” we were creating, and we always made up something new. And I’m finding the more I turn off my perfectionist mode at this stage of the game, the easier it is to crank out the first draft. Great stuff!
-
Joel Stern Module 5 Lesson2: High Speed Writing Rules
My vision: To write eight screenplay blockbusters and to get a speaking line in at least one.
What I learned from this assignment: To keep the ideas flowing and avoid corrections.
It takes a while to get used to writing fast. Constantly fighting the urge to improve the description and dialogue. But I’m starting to get the hang of it.
-
Marcus’ High Speed Writing Rules
My Vision: Get a script made into a movie.
When I learned this
technique in a previous class, the revelation for me was to not worry in the
least about quality. I had always been a fast writer, but I could get bogged down sometimes trying for perfection in very early drafts. Then,
too much detail, combined with sketchy outlines, gave me these massive scripts
that I had to spend weeks paring down. The key here is to trust yourself to create the bones and let perfection develop as you go. -
MODULE FIVE LESSON TWO
FRAN’S HIGH SPEED WRITING RULES
WHAT I LEARNED: I’m learning how to be a speed writer.
MY VISION: I want to write great movies. Movies that are magical, movies that move people and tell the truth. I want to write movies that stars will want to be in.
Trying to speed write. I’m still at the point where I’m not a speed writer, but I’m getting better at letting the first words on the page go and able to say we can do better in the next round.
I’ve been trying this method with another script I’ve been working on, trying to finish and I find it helps get the other scene flowing in my head when I’m stuck with what to do with my characters next. It’s like they help me out telling me what they want to do with this method.
Tomorrow I will start lesson three and get some of my new script on paper!
-
Joyce’s Speed writing.
vision :to create memorable movies that actors want to perform.
WIL: I have more hang-ups to let go, but I am enjoying the speed writing.
Rule 1: Choose speed over quality for EARLY drafts.
I was adding too much to my outline, but now it will smooth.
Rule 2: Master writing in drafts.
A 1st draft keeps writers on track.
Rule 3: Keep yourself empowered!
I encourage myself. I can do this, mistakes and all
Rule 4: Allow yourself to start (or continue) without all the answers.
I chose a topic which I had pursued for many years.
Rule 5: Keep moving. Don’t ever allow yourself to stall out.
October was filled with sad anniversaries. It was difficult to break away when I and loved ones were hurting. so now I’m catching up fast.
Rule 6: Anything you don’t solve quickly, give it to your creative mind to process, knowing it will come to you! this is the best news. I have so much to solve in future drafts.
-
Joe’s High Speed writing rules
My vision is to persevere and stay the course of building steady daily routine, and disciplines that produce consistent writing of exceptional quality. Ultimately, the fruit of those habits and disciplines will be a track record of great marketable scripts that will make other successful talented pros seek me out.
What I learned: Who knew that writing “crap” could be so emboldening! I learned that I AM in a constant state of pausing to make things seem quality right off the bat. Then I twist and turn and rework just as a natural analytical part of my brain tries to make the tension in the scene balanced. I honestly had no idea how much time is actually passing when I’m fleshing out the scene for the first time. It really is tempting to keep trying to make the scene high quality right from the get-go. I think I counted at least 4 times I almost stopped to pause and break. Erring on the side of mediocrity in the name of productivity is definitely a shake-up for me.
INT. Pizzeria – Day
Lorenzo is hard at work at a dough mixer. There is a crowd of shifty-looking high-school students ordering pizza and shooting straws at girls as Valente enters.
One of the employees, NELSON, sees him entering and quickly heads to warn Lorenzo.
NELSON
Hey Lorenzo, you know who is here.
Lorenzo doesn’t respond, except to roll his eyes.
NELSON
What should I tell him?
LORENZO
I can’t stop now. He’s gonna talk to me like this or he can get in line behind the Gen-Zees.
NELSON
OK I’ll tell him.
Nelson turns back to head towards counter. Valente has already let himself into the kitchen.
LORENZO
(to Valente)
Oh, come right on in your highness. You wanna help? You can start by handing me that box of flour behind you.
Valente turns and looks at the flour. Nelson reaches for it. Valente shifts out of his way.
VALENTE
I’m here for a reason. I thought I’d make the courtesy of telling you there’s a new tenant upstairs.
LORENZO
OK then. So?
VALENTE
She’s probably going to be catering to more upscale clientele than you are used to.
Nelson offers the bag of flour to Lorenzo, he just pushes it away, notioning him to set it down.
LORENZO
And that affects you how?
VALENTE
Well, I’m just sayin’ commons fees might have to go up as I may need to make adjustments to the place.
Lorenzo, clearly annoyed, stops with the dough and stares Valente down.
LORENZO
Wait a sec, you got another tenant upstairs, payin’ rent just like me, and commons fees are going up? If you got another person stupid enough to move into this building, then shouldn’t that mean they should go down?
VALENTE
Commons fees are subject to change, you know the lease says that.
LORENZO
Oh it says that? That commons fees will go up when a new tenant moves in? You’re full of shit.
LANDLORD
I’m just complying with the lease you signed.
LORENZO
Yeah, it also says you need to put the reason in writing, so you best get out of my store and start typing it so I can show my lawyer. And make sure you reference the clause about you’re going to be liable for the legal fees once he calls you on the 3 other lease violations you ARE responsible for. Cappice?
VALENTE
Oh don’t worry you’ll get a letter. Should I also include your lack of clientele managment and responsibility for your own upkeep when there’s pizza boxes and soda cans all over the parking lot all day long?
LORENZO
We clean up every single night. And if your damned security cameras were actually turned on you’d have the footage to prove it.
They sit and stare at each other. The sound of more kids and phones ringing up front spill over to them. Someone calls for Lorenzo from up front.
LORENZO
Hey I gotta go make money so I can pay your bills so, if that’s all you came for, can you please get the hell out of my store?
Valente, now red in the face, bites his tongue and exits.
a disgruntled Lorenzo turns his head towards the counter and sees two customers come in.
FREDDIE & ROXANNE
We’re back! Where’s godfather?
LORENZO
Hey, wassssup? Been almost a week man! Nelson, the linguini platters.
NELSON
Gotcha.
-
Erin Ziccarelli High Speed Writing Rules
Vision: I am going to create profound scripts that leave audiences remembering my movies and leave me excited to keep writing and moving up in the industry.
What I learned from doing this assignment is: the breakdown of draft levels is useful to understand the writing process. I used the timer method – setting a timer for five minutes and trying to write as much as possible in that time. I was able to transform the next two scenes from outline form into dialogue/description form.
Log in to reply.