Question:
Is craft important?
Write
One doesn't just write a masterpiece on the first draft. Writing (a lot) is how writers truly develop their craft. Each day, write like it is the only worthwhile pursuit in your life. (Try not to do this for the whole day, though. Eating and loving others are important, too.) Write and your craft will come.
Find Your Craft
Can the writer's craft be taught? Not exactly. It is learned, developed, evolved. Screenwriting craft comes from reading screenplays, watching films, and writing. When you get done writing, write some more.
Stand Out (because You Are Good)
Many thousands aspire to write movies for money. It is an enchanting dream to chase. Refine your craft to set yourself apart from the masses. Flashiness, gimmicks, and even average competency mean little to the busy decision makers in film. Their attention is caught by mastery, so master your craft.
Develop Your Voice
As much as Hollywood likes to stick with what it knows, any success you might have probably won't come from writing by the numbers. Learn the fundamentals, from reading and writing, and then keep writing to find your own voice. (Keep reading screenplays, too.)
New Voices—Not Novices
New does not mean novice. Only experts are interesting to movie industry decision makers. Learn everything you can about screenwriting, use it to develop your craft, and then approach Hollywood.
Read
Between obtainable screenplays and books on screenwriting, one could never run out of reading material for learning the screenwriter's craft. Absorb as much as you can. As you internalize the information, your screenwriting ability will develop.
Screen Writing Frequently Asked Questions
How do I follow screenplay format?
How do I dream up a movie idea?
How do I obtain representation?
Do I have to move to Hollywood?
How do I make a story believable?
How do I add direction to dialog?
How do I get input on my writing?
How do I stay focused on my writing?
What is important to remember regarding creativity?
How do I get into screenwriting?
Do I need to rewrite after my first draft?
What is the upside of the writer´s life?
How do I keep the audience´s attention?
What will I write for Hollywood?
What shows may educate me about screenwriting?
How do I write shots and camera angles into my scripts?
What is my role as a screenwriter?
What would I offer Hollywood as a screenwriter?
How do I use writing to get into acting?
How do I keep the reader reading?
How do I indicate voiceover, or off screen dialog?
Where can I see movies or shows made from good scripts?
How do I give copyright notice?
How do I keep readers interested?
What festivals should I attend?
Where else can I learn more about screenwriting?
Where can I find exposure for my writing?
An agent has asked me to write a "Blurp/Logline" about my screenplay. What is a Blurp/Logline?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Kristle Jones |
