Writing with certain actors involved

[Johnny]

When writing your scripts do you envision certain actors playing a part in your movie? Some of the concepts of the projects I'm working on have specific talents in mind when I write them. I visualize them speaking the parts, etc, etc, etc. I know it's a no-no to ask who you want in the role of any of the characters in your screenplay but come on we're human we can be a very impartial, biased, and opinionated bunch.

So do any of you write with certain actors/actresses in mind?

I would daydream of having Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, and Zooey Deschanel among others act in my movies.

:/ A guy can dream can't he?

[DBense18]

When a script is higher-concept and something I believe can actually attach one of those stars, I try to envision a "type" of a specific actor for the dialogue and mannerisms. For instance, in a recent screenplay, I tried to mold a character's dialogue after an aggressive Denzel Washington. His evil sidekick Army buddy, after an ice-cold Barry Pepper. I can totally see these two men actually being in the movie. I also think that it can help you "dream-up" your scenes better if you have a specific voice in mind.

Other screenplays with roles that fit a larger pool of cast, I just flow with it, especially ensembles, family films, or dramas.

A guy can dream can't he?

Isn't that what screenwriting is? One big dream on paper? :cool:

[Script a Wish]

For what it's worth, McKee suggests that you do envision certain actors in your roles.

[Robot17]

I also imagine people I know in the parts.

[DBense18]

For what it's worth, McKee suggests that you do envision certain actors in your roles.

Who's McKee? :o

[Anagram]

I write all my movies for De Niro. He fits in every one of them.

[reddery]

I think why "they" say it - is because an agent or producer is going to ask you who to send it to.

When you become a pro they give a book of codes and on the back of every agent/producer's head is a kepad. You just punch in the code of the movie star you want to send your script to.

Back in the early 2000's agent became self aware, and began saying things like, "I don't think they would be right for this role", or "they are looking for a comedy, could you make it more funny first". With the admin of hyperpad, you can now forgo such meaningless talks, and just write.

:mpopcorn:

[Script a Wish]

Who's McKee? :o

Robert McKee, author of STORY.

[BattleDolphinZero]

It helps me a lot when I can picture a specific actor doing a specific role.

Helps even more when you're pitching.

[Charli]

I actually envisioned myself in a pitch meeting with Julia Roberts and she asked me, "what else you got" and I had nothing, so I immediately went into b.s. mode and created a story out of thin air. I needed to come up with my next script and used this as a tool to get me there. Nothing like being under pressure to deliver.

A muse is a good way to get you there, whether it's an actor, or someone you know, or a historical figure, whatever works for you.

[grant]

When writing your scripts do you envision certain actors playing a part in your movie? Some of the concepts of the projects I'm working on have specific talents in mind when I write them. I visualize them speaking the parts, etc, etc, etc. I know it's a no-no to ask who you want in the role of any of the characters in your screenplay but come on we're human we can be a very impartial, biased, and opinionated bunch.

So do any of you write with certain actors/actresses in mind?

I would daydream of having Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, and Zooey Deschanel among others act in my movies.

:/ A guy can dream can't he?

Sometimes I visualize an actor and it helps make the character more real. More concrete. Hopefully a better character. But I don't go to the point where that actor has to play the character and no one else can. Where people reading it know right away that it's supposed to be Keith David. Just enough that they'd say to themselves, "You know who'd be great for this?... Keith David!"

I don't know if you saw that fake twitter feed for Christopher Walken that was floating around. It was funny. I might write something and think of Walken, but I wouldn't get to that level of actor impersonation, for lack of a better word. Or get to the point where I'm heart-broken when they get Goldbloom to play the weirdo instead.