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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board    Screenwriting Discussion    Screenwriting Class  ›  12 signs of a promising script Moderators: George Willson
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  Author    12 signs of a promising script  (currently 10397 views)
ghost and_ghostie gal
Posted: February 15th, 2013, 3:06am Report to Moderator
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http://www.scriptmag.com/featu.....60&rid=232876190

Please mods, feel free to move... if it's not in the right spot.  Thought I'd post it, of course there's one that I don't totally agree with, but this guy is one of the best readers.


Ghost


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Don
Posted: February 15th, 2013, 10:52am Report to Moderator
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So, what are you writing?

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http://www.scriptmag.com/featu.....60&rid=232876190

Please mods, feel free to move... if it's not in the right spot.  Thought I'd post it, of course there's one that I don't totally agree with, but this guy is one of the best readers.


Ghost


I would consider this a must read.  However, when submitting scripts to SS for posting, please include copyright and registration info.  When submitting it for consideration, then of course, follow Ray's advice.


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Electric Dreamer
Posted: February 15th, 2013, 11:08am Report to Moderator
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Pretty boilerplate but accurate examples.

But when pitching someone over the internet.
I do include my poster concept with a one page and the script.
The quality of my partner's work I think transcends that rule for me.
But I have seen posters that do a disservice to a script out there too.

So Ghostie, what's the one you disagree with?

Regards,
E.D.


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ghost and_ghostie gal
Posted: February 15th, 2013, 3:04pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Electric Dreamer
So Ghostie, what's the one you disagree with? E.D.



#11.  I think the problem with using camera directions come from when writers clutter their spec with all that technical jargon to where it almost looks like a shooting script.... CLOSE UP... RACK FOCUS... MEDIUM SHOT, ect... bad, not good.  It definitely slows down the read and takes the reader out of the story.  

For the record, I never use camera direction, I managed to avoid them in my specs, but... JMHO...

...if a scene absolutely must be a POV shot, use a POV in the directions. If it has to be PULL BACK TO REVEAL, by God, use PULL BACK TO REVEAL.  No need trying to do lyrical back flips to avoid using camera directions because we're told they are evil and must be avoided.

Like anything else, if you overuse it or use it poorly, it's annoying. (I think here lies the main problem when writers do things like this) but the rules for this stuff is the same as the rules for everything else. If the scene needs it, use it. Don't use it if it doesn't need it.

Anything that helps you tell your story is the right thing to use. Just use it judiciously.  Just my thoughts on #11.

Ghostie



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jwent6688
Posted: February 15th, 2013, 4:21pm Report to Moderator
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All good stuff. Thanks for the link, Ghostie. I always heard not to put your WGA# on your script, I just never understood why. IT is on my only feature posted here, but would pull it if I send it out.

I think POVs are acceptable, especially if it's someone watching someone else who is unaware.

I wouldn't ever write WIDE SHOT/MEDIUM SHOT, etc... That's truly up to the director.

James


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B.C.
Posted: February 15th, 2013, 4:58pm Report to Moderator
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Shucks, I thought that coffin deal made me a shoe in....

I've done all of these mistakes in various scripts.  The learning curve is long for some of us.

Actually I've never done the coffin or the WGA thing.

If I could afford to produce Bobble-heads and other crappy merchandise I would simply use that money to produce my own work instead,,,

Mix-Tapes?  That made me LOL.
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Steex
Posted: February 16th, 2013, 1:15am Report to Moderator
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I also don't see a problem with a few POV shots.
I generally use 3-4 or so in a script.


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nawazm11
Posted: February 16th, 2013, 2:45am Report to Moderator
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I think in some rare moments, you really do have to use a camera shot. Maybe you don't want the reader/audience to see the face of a person or you actually have to show them the POV of a character.
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danbotha
Posted: February 16th, 2013, 8:18pm Report to Moderator
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I've been guilty of most of these, except maybe this...

"I once received a vampire script packaged in a miniature coffin complete with the screenplay’s title on the lid and a spring-loaded bat positioned inside that would jump out when the coffin was opened" - Seriously?? People actually do that?!

Dan


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rc1107
Posted: February 17th, 2013, 1:21am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from dan and the list
"I once received a vampire script packaged in a miniature coffin complete with the screenplay’s title on the lid and a spring-loaded bat positioned inside that would jump out when the coffin was opened" - Seriously?? People actually do that?!


I would never do that.  And it might be cheesy as hell.  But honestly, putting myself in the position of a producer or reader, I'd fast-track that script to the top of the next-to read 'vampire' list.  At least it shows creativity and heart that just might end up in the script, also.


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danbotha
Posted: February 17th, 2013, 2:08am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from rc1107


I would never do that.


Why not? The extra script packaging for 'Thistles' would look great!! I kid, I kid.

I think, if anything, it shows passion. If they have the time to get creative with the packaging then they'll probably be just as determined to get the script looking just as good. As for me, I would never try... I can't even draw a stick man that looks like a stick man...


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Gaviano
Posted: February 17th, 2013, 5:25am Report to Moderator
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Great list, thx for the link.
Personally I dont see any issues with using POVs but only if its essential to the scene. The very first script i ever attempted to write had like a thousand camera angles in it, i laughed so hard re-reading it a year or two ago lol. I wouldnt dream of doing that again, but I see no issues with using "close-up" or "pull-back to reveal" again only if it is ESSENTIAL to the scene.

The vampire coffin made me giggle!


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If you're a filmmaker feel free to contact me via email concerning my current screenplays or to request some of my other work.
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Dreamscale
Posted: February 17th, 2013, 10:11am Report to Moderator
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I can't help but laugh a bit.

When are POV's essential to a script?  They aren't...ever.

They can be effective when used correctly, but that's the other issue - they rarely are used correctly by the majority of writers.
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Dreamscale
Posted: February 17th, 2013, 10:29am Report to Moderator
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So do I.
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dogglebe
Posted: February 17th, 2013, 11:05am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from danbotha
"I once received a vampire script packaged in a miniature coffin complete with the screenplay’s title on the lid and a spring-loaded bat positioned inside that would jump out when the coffin was opened" - Seriously?? People actually do that?!


I received an invitation to a Halloween party like that, once.  Looked cool, but...

P.O.V.'s are sometimes acceptable, but only when it's absolutely necessary.  If a scene (or shot) can only be done in a specific way, then you can do it.


Phil
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