Quoted from Stumpzian Thanks, Glenn. Yes, I'll post mine within the next week or so. Henry.

I'll keep an eye out and try give it a read

Quoted from pale yellow IMO of course. And who am I?

Judging by your website (I had a little look. Hope you don't mind) you seem to be quite successful at what you do

Thanks for the advice  

The reason I write the 45 scenes/plotlines is because I've learned that, for me, it's the easiest way for me to "see" the entire story in one easy glance. That is hardest thing for me.

But, Dena is right, everyone has to find their own way. What works best for them. I've tried all kinds of different ways, but this seems to work best for me.  

It's wise to outline IMO.

I like to do something similar to what Pia does in terms of doing sort of a bullet point kind of outline. Very brief, just do scene by scene, note inciting incident, end of Act 1, etc. Then I'll complete a rough draft of a more detailed outline, include any dialogue that I had in mind, etc. Meanwhile, further fleshing out characters.

After the rough draft of the detailed outline (if I'm satisfied with it), I'll begin the actual script. As I write the rough draft of the script, I often find myself going back and redrafting both outlines, depending on where the characters take the story or if I think of something better than the scene I had outlined.

I used to wing it, but even after winging it, I would go back and change a lot in future drafts. But that also took up a whole lot more time than if I had planned better before starting the script. Everyone has their own methods, though, it's whatever works best for you.

-- Michael

Everyone's different. I think your best bet is to get through your first feature, whatever way you want, and learn from it. See what works for you and what doesn't.

I've written two features. The first was just after reading Save The Cat. So I copied the beat sheet, filled it out and started writing.  It didn't work. I got about thirty pages in before ripping it up and just following my gut. That didn't work either. I did eventually finish it, but it took me almost a year and the end result was far from good.

With the second, I took the time to write a proper outline. I didn't know what every scene would be, but I knew all the main plot points and where they needed to happen. And also jotted down a few key scenes and bits of dialogue. I found this a lot easier and much quicker. The script turned out completely different from the outline but it did help to know roughly where I was going.

Your first feature will always be the hardest to finish. Most people get stuck into it and bail when it gets tough. Either give up altogether or get a 'better idea' and start on that. My advice is stick at it, it's an achievement in itself just finishing a feature, even if it's not necessarily brilliant.  

Good luck.

@ Glenn - sorry late reply to your question... yes I'll be posting it, but not until after 2nd draft at least...