Module 5 – Lesson 1: Basic Formatting, Description, and Dialogue

[Andre]

Subject Line: Andre’s First Scene…

My success from this program is:

To learn how to write the best script(s) of my life, so far, by dramatically improving the quality of my writing in the genres of Action, Erotica, and Horror; while having both the Financial and Time resources to travel the world doing so, with colleagues / friends /peers, (the very few that I have).

1. Under my Vision, answer “What I learned from doing this assignment is to,

a. plug and play Outline to Script software. I am using WriterDuet screenwriting software.

b. Outcome will be 30% by design.

c. be not perfect. This is difficult for me, and is also part of the plot for the movie-perfection.

1. Go to the first scene in my outline and write it. Use everything from this lesson.

a. SLUG Line: INT/EXT: LOCATION -DAY/NIGHT

b. DESCRIPTION/ACTION: What is happening on the screen, present tense? Short, to the point. Show don’t tell.

c. Character name above dialogue: Who is speaking?

d. Dialogue: What words does the Character say?

2. Tell in Forums how the process went for me.

· The process for me was a bit daunting. I am using WriterDuet for my scripting software. They too have tutorials for outlining.

· Formatting. Font size etc. Issues to keep within the extremely limited 5-10 pages. I guess with 8-point font it is possible, but how respectable is that to the reader? Even 12-point font is a bit small.

30% accuracy is the goal,
so no pressure to be perfect.

PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON

To fully honor my Outline to Script as quickly as possible. To write my first scene. From Outline to Script.

Copy and paste Outline into screenwriting software. Then fill in Action, Description, and whatever Dialogue shows up for me.

1. From Outline, bring over my Slug Line, Description, and Scene Structures (Beginning, Middle and Ending).

2. Turn every scene from the Outline into a Scene in the Script.

3. Match my Outline as I write the First Draft. Do NOT go off on tangents.

4. Desired Quality level: 30%

IMPORTANT NOTE: Readers should be able to look at the written scene and instantly see that it matches the outline scene. Please do not make the mistake of changing the story now. Stay on target.

Worry not about quality for
the moment. Just write the first scene.

End Andre’s First Scene.

[Pamela Rice]

PAM’S FIRST SCENE
My One-Sentence Vision: I will turn my ideas into produced movies and live a happy, successful life as a writer and industry professional.
What I learned from assignment: Learning to write in rough drafts goes against my instincts. I want to clean up my writing, but am forcing myself to trust the process.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Pamela Rice.