How do I start a script again?
Starting a new script is like starting a new romantic relationship. You don’t really know where you’re going or what you’re doing… you just get all giddy, are excited to put time into it and hope that it comes out alright.
I’ve already been brainstorming about the new Superhero script, so I’m not completely starting from scratch, but pretty close.
Yesterday I filled out a “beat sheet,” which I’ve taken from the late Blake Snyder, which helps writers organize major plot points. I’ve learned from experience, that for me, it’s essential to have thought out certain things before really getting to work on writing.
Go Into The Story recently had a post on where to start when you’re beginning a script, and it it’s nearly exactly what I do when beginning a new project. Here are the following things that Scott Myers suggested that you should have established before diving into page one.
1. Who is your protagonist?
2. What do they want?
3. What do they need?
4. Who’s keeping them away from their goal?
5. What is the story’s beginning?
6. What happens at the end of Act 1?
7. What happens at the end of Act 2?
8. What is the ending?
I like to go just a touch further, figuring out what the “catalyst” is that’s going to causes our protagonist to start his/her/its journey.
If I don’t do the above, I will completely lose focus. Some people prefer to let themselves go and see where the characters take them. To those writers, I say go for it. But if anything, I think it’s critical that the protagonist and the antagonist are thought out before doing so. At least with that information, a successful ending should come much easier.
I will be taking the currently untitled Superhero script through these steps this afternoon.
Starting is so intimidating… especially if you think you need to write sequentially. If you already have ideas for particular beats, and have scenes in your head, write those. They might inspire you, or tell you the other things you need to write, and then you'll eventually come around and write a beginning.
Nothing is in stone, and you can always tweak/throw out stuff later, to match your start, you finally found.
Personally, I always write some schlock for the start, knowing full well, I'll totally throw it out later.
Woops, I forgot to say, that you *should* answer all those brilliant questions before you put your fingers on the keyboard… then maybe try what I wrote before!
Sorry!
As you probably know I'm a great fan of the beat sheet. I've made a more visual version of it: http://writerofmoviescripts.blogspot.com/2009/04/use-of-beat-sheet_14.html
What did you like / dislike most about using the beat sheet?
Dix – Yeah, starting scares the crapper out of me
… it's completely overwhelming. I feel like I need to write sequentially, but maybe after I've got my plan laid out, I should try working on whatever scene I'm inspired to at the time.
Desiree – Overall, I'm a fan of the beat sheet as well. I think it's really helpful. I guess I just worry that it makes my stories somewhat formulaic.
Do you watch movies now and notice when each of the "beats" is met? I like that I recognize it now, but it can keep me from really losing myself in a movie
.
I am a little more alert to beats and structure now when I watch a movie, than "before". But mostly the analyze comes afterward.
Formula it may be, but I think it works. Every story is unique in its own ways. And the same in many ways too, even without formula.