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I'm working on a New Writer's Pony of the top five things you need to do when writing a screenplay. I want to cover:
1. software 2. no camera angles 3. no 'We See" 4. no "-ing" words 5. spelling, punctuation and capitalization count.
I will later throw this up to the group to see if we've covered the top five mistakes a new writer makes.
No ‘-ing’ words… I seriously tried to wrap my head around that many moons ago and, found the best solution is no ‘–ing’ verbs…? if that makes sense. Otherwise it might be confusing to quite a few ‘noobs’.
I don't care really if a writer is new (everybody is at some point), but when I've read the first few pages, I usually know if I want to continue reading. And I prefer to stop reading over giving negative feedback nowadays, because experience shows most people don't accept negative feedback and take it as personal insult instead of an effort to help, so all I'd do is waste their time and mine,
I'm working on a New Writer's Pony of the top five things you need to do when writing a screenplay. I want to cover:
1. software 2. no camera angles 3. no 'We See" 4. no "-ing" verbs 5. spelling, punctuation and capitalization count.
I will later throw this up to the group to see if we've covered the top five mistakes a new writer makes.
That's a good idea. Just as a first toe in the water.
I wuld change number 1 to "Format and Software" (e.g., assuming that the theme is that scripts should be in proper format and here is a list of software that does that)
Items 2 and 3 snd 4 should have the word "limited" in front of them, IMO
I'm more inclined to read a first time screenwriter's script to help them on their way. I expect it to be riddled with poor formatting, horrible grammar, and a myriad of spelling errors, but hey, I'm not the best speeler in the world.
I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, however, if this first time screenwriter wants to get all uppity and act like their shit don't stink, I get to practice my wit and sarcasm on them. It's a win/win.
I was once a "first time screenwriter", many moons ago, in a galaxy...well...it was actually in this galaxy, but you get the gist. I still remember those who commented on my first script and I'm grateful for their time.
I don't care really if a writer is new (everybody is at some point), but when I've read the first few pages, I usually know if I want to continue reading. And I prefer to stop reading over giving negative feedback nowadays, because experience shows most people don't accept negative feedback and take it as personal insult instead of an effort to help, so all I'd do is waste their time and mine,
Equinox, How about if instead you responded with something like, "Looks like the start of a great story. You should check out: "So You Want To Be A Screenwriter" which would have information on formatting, etc.
I'm more inclined to read a first time screenwriter's script to help them on their way. I expect it to be riddled with poor formatting, horrible grammar, and a myriad of spelling errors, but hey, I'm not the best speeler in the world.
I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, however, if this first time screenwriter wants to get all uppity and act like their shit don't stink, I get to practice my wit and sarcasm on them. It's a win/win.
I was once a "first time screenwriter", many moons ago, in a galaxy...well...it was actually in this galaxy, but you get the gist. I still remember those who commented on my first script and I'm grateful for their time.
Pay it forward.
Jordan
Jordan, I agree. And, you re going run into that person who will say, "formatting is not important, I want you to read the story." and they don't get it that it very difficult to get to the story if the formatting is way off...
Thank you everyone for your input. I've updated the Submit Your Script page to include a check box for I am new to screenwriting that would change Writer interested in feedback on this work to New writer interested in feedback on this work.
I also added under the Optional Items: This is a quality short script that I'd like to be considered for review and inclusion in Short Script Reviews.
Why not just have a section that is specific to new writers? A place on the forum where they can ask questions and get responses from people who actually want to help...and not begrudgingly.
This forum can be a little alienating to new people which is why a lot of times people 'peace out' early.
That and the expectations they have are dashed almost immediately once they post something on here.
Why not just have a section that is specific to new writers? A place on the forum where they can ask questions and get responses from people who actually want to help...and not begrudgingly.
This forum can be a little alienating to new people which is why a lot of times people 'peace out' early.
That and the expectations they have are dashed almost immediately once they post something on here.
Just my opinion.
There is a separate thread section already entitled :Screenwriting Class.
Idk. This is weird. On one hand I love this forum for what it does for writers. Gives us an open forum to discuss our work...but on the other hand it's not always constructive the way it needs to be.
It seems like everyone is in their own little clique and the 'short' section is the popular crowd. And everyone is always trying to tell everyone else who isn't in their clique how their clique should run. If that makes any sense.
It's like should someone who writes action movies exclusively really give advice to the person who writes sci-fi tv shows?
I guess what I'm saying is can we really take anyone's advice here without a grain of salt? Or is everyone on here expected to know and understand every kind of script writing there is?
I think the effort here is merely to let newbie writers let reviewers know that they are indeed new to the craft to see if that would temper criticsm to the more constructive variety. e.g. I am not going to post a link on how to format a scene heading to an experienced writer while I would with a newbie.
Poll About New Writers
Author
Would you respond differently to a new writer?
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