Hey Comrades,

I just posted to let you all know what screenwriting means to me, and to see if you guys feel the same and commit the same.

I have been writing for a couple of years and commenced screenwriting some 4 to 5 months ago. During this time I have written 8 or 9 shorts, and most of them sucked at first, good ideas just bad execution (at first), though after help from a number of SS regulars, they have been rewritten and improved. I have signed away 6 of these shorts with 2 short movies completed.

I have now put my shorts in the closet, and stopped writing shorts and concentrating on a feature that I am in collaboration with another SS member and we hope to get it completed in the next few months.

Reason for this post !!!  
Screenwriting is controlling my life. I wake thinking about screenwriting, I go to sleep thinking about screenwriting, and all the time between as we'll.

When I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing, when I'm not thinking about writing I'm thinking about scenes, when I'm not thinking about scenes, I'm thinking about marketing..... Etc etc etc...
When I'm at work, I am distracted with screenwriting thoughts.

Not to mention the time on SS.

It has taken over my life and I need it's stimulus every hour of every day, It is a passion that I can't put aside. I AM HOOKED totally!!!

Unless I can make it big, I am screwed, because the rest of my life is not complete without it.

I see my feature as my big shot at success and if it doesn't get across the line,  then the downside is what do I do then ?? Get my life back and reduce my blood, sweat and tears, or have a life and reduce my input into what I love.

How do you guys feel over the time you have been writing, is it a hobby that has become more, and where do you see yourself heading with it?

Let the emotions out !!

Alex

Hey Alex, good to hear your passion for screenwriting and that your writing a feature.

I love to write but my problem is time.  When you work two jobs it's hard to write anything, especially features.  I have set myself a goal of writing a new feature by Christmas and so far 40 pages in 3 weeks so I'm on the way.

I think a lot of members want to make it as professional writers but I think only a few will.  I know I would love to write for a living but I fear that wont happen.  I guess I'm saying, don't put all your eggs in one basket.  Don't give up on your dream but don't be devastated if it doesn't happen.

I like others have spent a lot of time on their baby, sorry feature, but I still don't hold out much hope that I will ever see it on the big screen....or a dodgy backstreet production lol.

Keep writing though, Alex.  Live the dream!!!!!

Oh, what's the feature about?

I love writing screenplays.  I wrote prose for years until I just got bored with all the regular conventions (I still enjoy reading experimental writing far more than anything else).  Picked up screenwriting and it lit the spark again.  While I've written a few shorts and a feature, I had different goals for each.  The shorts I wanted to see on screen, because it's attainable.  I have a short up on the boards that's being made into a graphic novel and a short film by two different people, and that's what I wanted.

Features, though, are just so massive an effort.  Chances are slim that it'll get picked up, and so much work has gone into it.  I don't ever expect Grid-Lock to get made, that's not why I wrote it.  It was a labor of love, and a promise to myself that I could get this freaking thing on paper, a whole story from my head onto 90 pages of crispy white.

I wouldn't base my addiction off getting sold, Alex.  Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  Write because you love it (it's obvious you do), not because some guy wants to film it.

Writing, for me, is still just a hobby.

Quoted from Alex_212 Unless I can make it big, I am screwed, because the rest of my life is not complete without it.

Better pray to Jesus.  'Cuz yer gonna need a big fat miracle.  

...I can relate.


Mark 9:23

Thanks guys,

I can't let too much out about my feature, though to let you know, I have written a synopsis for the sequel and a prequel and think they all have a big wow factor. The story is absolutely amazing and the writing tech side is getting there slowly. I also have spoken to a few writers to create a novel based on the screenplay.

I have done a huge amount of research into it and there has never been anything like it done before.
It has taken around 2 and a half years of my time to date and I think it has the potential of going big.

Can't even let the name or Logline out as it would give too much away. Sorry.
All I can say is that it is a Psychological Thriller/Horror and will have quite an impact on the audience as it has also knocked the socks of my Co-writer.

Once compete and copyright are in place, the world won't be the same again. I really do mean this.

I am excited and optimistic, all my eggs are not in one basket ATM, I am a director and run my own company so success is not new to me, though I would drop it all in a flash.

If I get sold, then I can divert my life path. I hope I don't come across as arrogant, as I am far from being, just optimistic.

Alex

Quoted from Alex All I can say is that it is a Psychological Thriller/Horror and will have quite an impact on the audience as it has also knocked the socks of my Co-writer. Once compete and copyright are in place, the world won't be the same again.

That you, Balt?

:-)  Just a little bit of playing around.

I believe I saw a thread where Baltis claimed something to that same effect.  It looks like Balt is making good with his promise, though, so, who knows what you can do, Alex.  Good luck.

Screenwriting hasn't really taken a hold of my life.  There's too much going on for me right now for that, but stories in general have.  Anytime I get a free moment, I usually have a story I'm working on in my head.

Quoted from Alex_212 I see my feature as my big shot at success and if it doesn't get across the line,  then the downside is what do I do then ?? Get my life back and reduce my blood, sweat and tears, or have a life and reduce my input into what I love. Alex

It's great that you are hooked on writing and not to put a damper on your enthuasim, more 'grounded perspective', pinning all your hopes on hitting it big with your first feature is about as futile as pinning all your hopes on winning the lottery. It happens, sure, but you're playing against impossible odds.

Temper your enthuasim with logic. Accept that this is hard work. It takes a lot of features under your belt to get this pat down (I speak for myself too of course). It takes a lot of re writes to nail a script down. Let go of the expectation and just enjoy learning and writing, the rest will come with time.

Eoin

Quoted from Alex_212 Once compete and copyright are in place, the world won't be the same again. I really do mean this. Alex

Wow, bold claims, Alex.  I hope it does though.

Think big, Alex! You might not make it if you do, but you definitely won't make it if you don't!

We got your back. We're pulling for you!

Alex, like many other writers on SS you've found 'the thing.'

'The thing' for all of us is what gets you up every morning. It's what you think about when you wake up, it's what you think about when you go to sleep. There are many people out there who still haven't found it. They're living regular lives, without knowledge of where they actually want to go, what they actually want to do. And when they find it, their lives (as you say) will never be the same for them.

Screenwriting and filmmaking is my thing. It's what gets me up in the morning. It's what gets me to bed at night. It's what drives me to check my email every day. It's what drives me to come to websites like SS to meet some awesome people with the exact same ambitions. That's what screenwriting is to me.

If your feature doesn't get across that line, oh well, you had fun writing it. It's not the end of the world if that script doesn't sell. It would be worse to see a passionate writer such as yourself walk away from the art forever because he couldn't get that one screenplay sold. Don't let money drive you. Let the passion drive you. That's the different between the good writers and the great writers. The great writers don't write for anybody else, but themselves. They write stories that excite THEM, not what society wants.

Keep writing, Alex. You have an entire community backing you up.

Dan

Hey Alex - Good luck on the feature script.

I agree with you in that ever since I joined SS a couple of months ago I've been hooked. I'm currently writing my first feature length script. Hope to have it finished soon. Actually it's my first anything. Trying to learn the craft. I've had this story stuck in my head for several years now and I'm finally getting it on paper. Purely a hobby for me, enjoying the time it takes to write a script but it would be great if it became more one day. - Dirk

^ Yeah.

Remember that what you enjoy is the writing process, anyway.  That's where your enthusiasm is coming from -- what you're already doing.  "Success"...whatever.  It'd be awesome to be a successful working screenwriter, but it's also awesome just to be a screenwriter!

And even with your passion, balance is important.  Many of the great writers tell us this.  your writing will be better if you spend a bunch of time doing other stuff, too.

But, a new love is a new love...

Right on, Alex.  Love the tude.  You gotta believe first of all, and then you have to deliver.

Keep it real, my friend and keep writing.  You can do it.  If first you don't succeed, then, you...you know...you keep at it and find your niche.

Best, bro.

^^^ This is true.  My new love is consuming large, fibrous chunks of asbestos.  Friends and family keep telling me to pace myself and leave room for other things in my life, but the heart wants what the heart wants. :/

If your ability to write is equal to your obvious passion to write, it's just a matter of time.  But always, always keep one foot on the ground.  It's not a bad thing to be hopeful, just don't forget to be realistic.  There are a lot of scripts out there looking to be read and produced.  The competition is fierce.  The only way to set your work apart and better your chances is to keep writing, honing your craft, writing stories that you are passionate about telling.  

Well, that and eating asbestos.  It's a touch hard on the digestive system but the visions, man...the visions!

Good luck.

I love the positive thoughts! I mean why not? Anyone of us could 'make it' ...seriously. If we all dwell on how hard it is...and never getting an agent...and not selling a script....truth is...we won't.

Dream big. Write bigger. And if you fall in a mud puddle, dive in the stream...wash off and get back to it!

WRITE ON!

Best of luck to you, dude! I believe in ya!

FADE IN:

INT.HOSPITAL - NIGHT

MRS MCDONELL  gives birth to the future legend, STEVIE.


FADE OUT


That's my life as a short..

Quoted from alffy Wow, bold claims, Alex.  I hope it does though.

Thanks Anthony, you have probably gathered that I am confident in the story I am writing, I think it is amazing and others who have read it have been totally blown away by it. I have a sick mind and it roams !!!  

I went to sleep last night thinking about this thread and because I am 12 hours or so ahead of most of you, I woke up this morning to find you have all been busy while I slept. Thanks for all your comment, you guys are tops !!!!!

Thanks for all the posts, wont name you all individually as these responses are way too long already.

Together with all the realistic comments, positive comments and negativity, I really feel like you guys have been there before. Kicked in the guts a few times, then gotten back up again, though some may never recover and I feel for those who are disheartened at the difficulty faced in this industry.
I am the type of person who sets a goal and pushes, pushes and pushes to reach that goal, I really focus on what I want to achieve and go at it like a bull in a china shop, (A sensitive bull that is).

I really feel that 90% of any good screenplay is having a brilliant story, and even if there are a few slight errors, a great story will sell itself. I have read many amazing screenplays on SS and found some of the writers have amazing writing skills and the screenplay are an honor to read, THOUGH, many times it the stories that are a let down. I feel that a gifted screenwriter is a person who has amazing ideas and can create the film in their head before putting it to paper, the writing talent comes along later.

All you regular guys are great and one thing I have noticed on SS and have decided to change my ways, is that a person puts his heart and soul into writing a screenplay and the only people who comment are those who try to show that they have great knowledge at finding these peoples mistakes, that is great though I feel for the writers and have decided that I will tell them what they need to work on, though also give them encouragement.
These guys enjoy writing and need to be praised. Seriously, the formatting may be crap, the screenplay may be overly discriptive or too wordy, The storyline may be incomplete or lacking though what ever happened to giving a bit of praise.
I will from now on, always tell them what they need to work on, as well as praising them for making an effort and getting off their arse's to write a story and tell them if i really did enjoy any part of it.
I am fedup with the comment of posters saying I dont have much to add here, or it just didn't do it for me, why not say I read your story and it is a blast, once you fix it up it will be great !! etc etc.

I am not saying for any of you to lie, just say what you liked about it and less of the negativity. Encourage up and coming writers .

I don't want too teach you guys, how to suck eggs, though we where all in there position at one time or another (I still may be), so think how they must feel when they get ripped to shreds. Be nice and maybe you will encourage someone to move forward and make a career of screenwriting, instead of quiting because they where told their first screenplay sucked.

Don't take any of this the wrong way, I love you guys and think we could all do so much better.

Gone a bit off topic here sorry.

Alex

Hey Alex,

You've got some real passion for screenwriting and it appears to be taking over your life - sure the family are pleased!

Good on you for working hard and getting some shorts under your belt. I know this feature is important to you, I remember you telling me about it a long time ago when we first spoke and you had high hopes for it then.

I hope you and your SS co-writer (that's a mystery in it self, who is it?) all the luck with it but remember not to get to down if it doesn't go as planned. Getting shorts produced is one thing - a feature is a different kettle of fish and the chances of selling one, especially your first is slim to none.

But I do admire your enthusiasm and aspiration for this feature and look forward to taking a peek if you intend to post it on SS? The way you're talking, I doubt it? If you ever do need a read - you know where I am.

Screenwriting is just a hobby for me. I don't get nearly enough time with work and family to be fully invested in it. Maybe one day when I'm able to come up with an excellent concept which is marketable and excites people, I'll throw some weight behind it. For now, I'll just keep learning and developing my story-telling skills... I have a long way to go.

Quoted from danbotha Alex, like many other writers on SS you've found 'the thing.'

What? The John Carpenter 1982 movie which is excellent BTW - should be easy enough to find at your local Blockbuster.

Quoted from danbotha Screenwriting and filmmaking is my thing. It's what gets me up in the morning. It's what gets me to bed at night. It's what drives me to check my email every day. It's what drives me to come to websites like SS to meet some awesome people with the exact same ambitions. That's what screenwriting is to me.

You really need a girl in your life, Dan.

Quoted from CoopBazinga You've got some real passion for screenwriting and it appears to be taking over your life - sure the family are pleased!

Thanks Steve, you guessed it !!! They're supportive of what I do though, when it effects what they want to do, then it becomes an issue. It one day may be the reason for me to justify my existance, something to be remembered for. Hoping.

Quoted from CoopBazinga I hope you and your SS co-writer (that's a mystery in it self, who is it?) all the luck with it but remember not to get to down if it doesn't go as planned. Getting shorts produced is one thing - a feature is a different kettle of fish and the chances of selling one, especially your first is slim to none.

The co-writer is an amazing person (Note I used the word "Person" not gender specific) and will go places due to his/her dedication to the art. He/she has inputed some great ideas and we are progressing things.

Quoted from CoopBazinga But I do admire your enthusiasm and aspiration for this feature and look forward to taking a peek if you intend to post it on SS? The way you're talking, I doubt it? If you ever do need a read - you know where I am.

Love to though not sure if it will make it to SS, though would be keen for some selected SS members to have a read at that time. I also have a talented and produced screenwriter in Perth who has been helping me with advice and she will probably give critical feedback later in the process.

Quoted from CoopBazinga Screenwriting is just a hobby for me. I don't get nearly enough time with work and family to be fully invested in it. Maybe one day when I'm able to come up with an excellent concept which is marketable and excites people, I'll throw some weight behind it. For now, I'll just keep learning and developing my story-telling skills... I have a long way to go.

Funny you mention this, I have a few treatments that I have written that are really incredible and all totally different genres. I am also excited to get these underway once the current feature draft is completed. If I could only quit work and do it without financial pressure. Hoping.

Quoted from CoopBazinga You really need a girl in your life, Dan.

This can only be a distraction to you're goal. Hit the big time and they will flock to you.
Hee Hee

Thanks Steve, are you keen to attend the writers group meeting ???

Regards Alex

Quoted from Grandma Bear I agree and disagree with this. What we as writers think is an amazing story, may not be as amazing to filmmakers and vice versa. I have three features produced just this year. I don't consider any of them to be brilliant. However, the people producing them like them. All your script has to do is spark the imagination of the people that are looking for a film to produce...You'll soon find out that what you as a writer think isn't really that important in their eyes.

Thanks Pia,

Have to say, I always look at a screenplay from a film makers perspective.
I worked in the cinema industry on a part time basis from around the age of 17 for around 15 years. I saw many great films and more importantly many crap ones as well, I know what works in a film and what doesn't, my scenes are always set up based on the audience being constantly sucked into the screen.

Never a dull moment and like a good piss, it has to flow well. Hee Hee, had to say that, Sorry.

Alex  

Quoted from Alex_212 All you regular guys are great and one thing I have noticed on SS and have decided to change my ways, is that a person puts his heart and soul into writing a screenplay and the only people who comment are those who try to show that they have great knowledge at finding these peoples mistakes, that is great though I feel for the writers and have decided that I will tell them what they need to work on, though also give them encouragement. These guys enjoy writing and need to be praised. Seriously, the formatting may be crap, the screenplay may be overly discriptive or too wordy, The storyline may be incomplete or lacking though what ever happened to giving a bit of praise. I will from now on, always tell them what they need to work on, as well as praising them for making an effort and getting off their arse's to write a story and tell them if i really did enjoy any part of it. I am fedup with the comment of posters saying I dont have much to add here, or it just didn't do it for me, why not say I read your story and it is a blast, once you fix it up it will be great !! etc etc. I am not saying for any of you to lie, just say what you liked about it and less of the negativity. Encourage up and coming writers . I don't want too teach you guys, how to suck eggs, though we where all in there position at one time or another (I still may be), so think how they must feel when they get ripped to shreds. Be nice and maybe you will encourage someone to move forward and make a career of screenwriting, instead of quiting because they where told their first screenplay sucked. Don't take any of this the wrong way, I love you guys and think we could all do so much better. Gone a bit off topic here sorry. Alex

This is a different topic and I'm pretty sure it's been discussed many times before.

All reviewers are different and offer many types of feedback. Some will concentrate on grammar and punctuation, while some on structure, others on the technical aspects. That's actually a good thing IMO as it gives you so many opinions on different aspects of your script.

I agree with you about encouraging people but if a "supposed" great story is getting dragged down by bad formatting, overwriting, poor grammar etc and makes it a difficult read, I'm not going to continue and will offer my thoughts on what wasn't working for me. Sorry but that's just my way of thinking - others will differ like yourself.

Quoted from Alex_212 are you keen to attend the writers group meeting ???

I was going to let you be the test dummy and let me know if it's worth it!

Yeah, I might pop along if I'm allowed out on a work night.

Quoted from CoopBazinga All reviewers are different and offer many types of feedback. Some will concentrate on grammar and punctuation, while some on structure, others on the technical aspects. That's actually a good thing IMO as it gives you so many opinions on different aspects of your script. I agree with you about encouraging people but if a "supposed" great story is getting dragged down by bad formatting, overwriting, poor grammar etc and makes it a difficult read, I'm not going to continue and will offer my thoughts on what wasn't working for me. Sorry but that's just my way of thinking - others will differ like yourself.

Thanks Steve,

I agree, some are hard to read, though the writer did take the initiative to write it even though they may know very little about screenwriting. They should be encouraged more. Even when a screenplay may be a great read, very few people post and mention that simply because they can't find many faults.

I find that if a screenplay is a hard read I will read the first page, give them comments and advise to use this as a rule throught the screenplay, thereafter letting them also know what I did like about it just to put some positive reinforcement in. If a writer gets a 20 page summary of everything they did wrong, they may decide they suck at it and then quit.

Sorry though that is my opinion and I feel this way more people would be encourage to stick with SS and keep at it.

Alex

Quoted from CoopBazinga You really need a girl in your life, Dan.

You sound like my mother, Steve

And I do have a girl in my life. I just don't usually bring my private life to the threads

Quoted from danbotha You sound like my mother, Steve

Hey Dan, got a laugh from this.

Thanks for joining this thread once again, it has been busy, with a number of opinions voiced. Let's see who agrees with whom.

Alex

Quoted from danbotha You sound like my mother, Steve

Well, she must be one clever woman then.

Quoted from danbotha And I do have a girl in my life.

Barbie doesn't count!

Quoted from danbotha I just don't usually bring my private life to the threads

Why not? The threads could do the gossip.

Quoted from Alex_212 Even when a screenplay may be a great read, very few people post and mention that simply because they can't find many faults.

Not true, mate. Normally it's because the author isn't a contributing member or nobody recognises them. There is nothing worse then spending time leaving feedback for someone, whether it be many faults or just plain encouragement if that comment is falling on deaf ears. Wouldn't you agree?

Quoted from CoopBazinga Barbie doesn't count!

Damn, doesn't she?! We go way back, though... Very close Stolen from my sister, actually...

Quoted from danbotha Stolen from my sister, actually...

What happened to Ken? Did you dispose of him in your quest for love!

Quoted from CoopBazinga What happened to Ken? Did you dispose of him in your quest for love!

He... uh... Had to be disposed of in a "decent" manner...

Quoted from danbotha He... uh... Had to be disposed of in a "decent" manner...

Oh, okay. I get ya. Hush,hush and all that.

Now this what I mean by gossip.

But I better get back to work... yeah that's right, I do have a day job.