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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  Short Scripts  /  A Dangerous Obsession
Posted by: Don, August 16th, 2015, 10:18am
A Dangerous Obsession by Itai Marango - Short, Drama, Thriller - A young sucessful businessman bumbs into a past that completely turns everything upside down. 21 pages - pdf, format 8)
Posted by: RichardR, August 18th, 2015, 8:48am; Reply: 1
Itai,

I have to admit I didn't get very far in this one because the writing isn't good enough.  Below, I marked up your opening paragraph.  

EXT ZAMBEZI LODGES GARDEN; LUNCHTIME                     1
a(A) very meticulously manicured green lawn. camera whip(s)
through the beautiful(,) serene gardens, all types of
beautiful flowers array their exquisite summer
beauty. (E) even though the place is full of people taking (a)
break from there (their) day work, its relaxingly quite (quiet) except for
the beautiful sounds of birds singing in the trees.

Those are just mistakes, not awkward English.

And it doesn't get any better.

I doubt you'll find many writers willing to read your work in its present state.  I recommend you find a mentor who can help with your English.  Also, read all the scripts you can, especially those from good writers.

Best
Richard
Posted by: Erica, August 18th, 2015, 1:27pm; Reply: 2
I have to agree with Richard.  This is a very difficult script to read.  I didn't get past the first page because of way too many mistakes.  Remember your writing a script, not texting your friends.  Please use capitals at the beginning of each sentence.  
Posted by: Itai, August 20th, 2015, 7:06am; Reply: 3
thank you Richard and Erica. this is my first ever attempt at scriptwriting. I have no training at all.  I your opinion do you think im wasting my time or what.
once again thank you.
itai
Posted by: Erica, August 22nd, 2015, 10:39am; Reply: 4
I would say it's never a waste of time if you enjoy writing.  If this is your first then congrats on finishing.  Finishing a first script is always the hardest part.

Look at other Produced scripts to get a sense of how the format is.

Also take a look here;
http://www.screenwriting.info/

There are many other sites too that can help with formatting.  While formatting is important it's certainly not the be all end all.  A good story is important.

Now looking at some of the dialogue.


Quoted Text
ROMEO
(excited)
yes my friend i enjoyed my meal
and that is my proof that the
meal was as usual top class.


This comes across as awkward.  Try reading your dialogue out loud to see how it sounds.  Ask yourself, is this how someone would talk?

Take the time and go through your script and check for mistakes.   If you can have someone you know look it over for mistakes before submitting it.  Your script is your business card, you wouldn't hand a client a card that has coffee stains and bubblegum dripping off it would you?

I recommend going over the script again and see what you could do with it.  Never give up on the first try.  So to answer your question, No you are not wasting your time.

Posted by: Itai, August 23rd, 2015, 2:32am; Reply: 5
thanx Erica  
I am currently improving it. The first time I was a little too excited that I overlooked a lot of stuff.
thanx and stay blessed
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