Writing the Movie or a Story

[DavidK]

Originally Posted by sc111

-- once I completed around script three, I felt a lot more comfortable about breaking a number of "rules." By script six, I stopped thinking about them altogether.

That's a really useful observation. My hunch is that writers usually only worry about the essential elements of screenplay style with their first couple of scripts. Once you have the basics figured, you write without thinking about them. I've probably written fewer feature scripts than a lot of people here because it's not my main goal, but like you, I found that after two or three completed screenplays the writing is focused entirely on the story and the rest just happens in the background. But returning to the original question, once the writer's mind is in screenplay mode I don't think there's a distinction between writing a movie vs. writing a story - the whole point of a script is that performs both those functions.

[odocoileus]

There's a tendency for people to confuse shooting scripts with continuity scripts.

A true shooting script is one where the numbered scenes have been locked to a shooting schedule by the first AD along with the unit production manager, in consultation with the director. This shooting script may may or may not have numerous shots and camera angles. It will depend on the working style of the people involved.

In a continuity script, by contrast, every scene will have shots and camera angles. The continuity script is put together after the film is edited, and the script is conformed to what is actually onscreen, aided by the script supervisor's notes. The continuity script serves as a written, legal record of the film.

So for example, these PDF's of Rashomon and 8 1/2 aren't shooting scripts. They're continuity scripts.

Some scripts published in book form, especially those published before the advent of the web, are actually continuity scripts. For example, the RKO Classic Screenplays series. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...9L._SS500_.jpg

[jonpiper]

Originally Posted by DavidK

But returning to the original question, once the writer's mind is in screenplay mode I don't think there's a distinction between writing a movie vs. writing a story - the whole point of a script is that performs both those functions.

David, I think the distinction is between writing a story for a movie and writing a story for a novel.

There's a distiction between a story intended to be fully realized as a movie vs. a story intended only for our reading pleasure.

There are many differences. One distinction: the descriptions in a novel are much richer than those in a screenplay.

Another distinction: the plot in a novel can be more intricate than the plot in a screenplay.

[JeffLowell]

Originally Posted by SuperScribe

I doubt TwoBrad is asking these questions for his own edification. (After all, he's been on the board almost as long as I have. If he's been writing screenplays the whole time, he should know the answers to every one of his questions.)

I think he's asking them to spark discussions. In fact, if memory serves, he's said as much in the past.

I don't think that asking variations of the same basic factual questions over and over again in thread after thread is meant to spark discussion. I think it's meant to quell it.

[mariot]

Isn't he trying to win the contest?

[DavidK]

Originally Posted by jonpiper

David, I think the distinction is between writing a story for a movie and writing a story for a novel.

There's a distiction between a story intended to be fully realized as a movie vs. a story intended only for our reading pleasure.

Agreed. Perhaps I misunderstood the question - I thought it just meant the writing style for a spec script. But yes, there's a major difference between literary prose and screenplay narrative.

[jonpiper]

Originally Posted by TwoBrad Bradley

Seems to me that where anyone stands on screenwriting rules and guidelines depends on if they think a spec screenplay should be
- describing the actual movie playing in their head, or
- writing a visual story that can be made into a movie.

DavidK, I'm think I misunderstood the question, too. Brad, what do you mean by a visual story?

I believe every written story, every short story, novel, or screenplay is a "visual story." They all create images in the reader's mind.

Novels and short stories are frequently made into movies.

What is the question?

[Filmfelinemeowmeow]

Originally Posted by TwoBrad Bradley

What is the difference between a Spec screenplay and a Shooting script?

the difference is what made my script laughable the very first time I ever wrote one. LOL Most people write shooting scripts, because that's what they can find online. When you take a screenwriting seminar, NYFilm academy, UCLA or Sundance, you'll learn other. That's what life is about, right? Constant improvement. It's like martial arts, if you think you're done learning, you don't know diddly shyte. ( That'll be $35 for a black belt and we'll pop it in the mail for ya! )

[Filmfelinemeowmeow]

Originally Posted by Hamboogul

In all my years of mediocre screenwriting, I have never once thought this way.

In books you tell, in films you show.

[Jan Lofton]

I forget who said this up thread, but it hit me square in a thinking spot, one I turn over in my head every time I compare these two objectives.

There are many differences. One distinction: the descriptions in a novel are much richer than those in a screenplay.

Another distinction: the plot in a novel can be more intricate than the plot in a screenplay.

One of the least known, but most significant novel writing dicta I offer my clients is this: 'Learn how to leave room for the reader to join as a participant. Invite them to fill in your blanks and they will!"

I think perhaps that thought originated in something Hemingway said. (Literarily speaking, we have a great Hemingway/Fitzgerald stylistic schism in this household and I'm the Hemingway fan.)

For me, the most joyous aspect of writing for the screen is in learning to use of the ENORMOUS resources of subtext and scenes.