Hey, I can't buckle down and write an outline to a script and I definitely need one. I either can't figure out the storyline without writing the actual script out or I simply can't. I try, but to no avail. Does anyone have any examples or tips?

What I'm having to do is start by writing out a list of "things that simply must happen." It's the first time I've actually had to do this, but the storyline I have is so daunting that I have to sort out what actually needs to happen before I can even get to writing a treatment or synopsis or anything for it.

Yeah, George is right.  If nothing else, write down (in outline form) what you know will be happening first.  Fill in any blank space blow these events that you are aware of, with some details.  Sleep on it, think it over, and see if you can't fill in more blanks with events that "should" happen, based on what you've already written.

Just keep going from here until you have a semi-complete outline.  As you write, other events and things will come  to you, so just go back and add them into your outline.  Sometimes, the story will actualy write itself, once you get going.

Hope that helps.

I don't do outlines.

Really? Take a poll: who prefers some form of written-out pre-planning, who just writes with some ideas in their head?

It all depends on the piece, but generally, no.  I am writing a 'breakdown' of the script I'm working on now, because it is important to me that this one be special. . .

One good way is to start with either the ending or the climax, then go from there.

The climax is where the theme and the central conflict is most obvious. So whatever the film is about this is the scene where it all happens.

Once you have that down, you should be able to work backwards, figuring out the natural stages that need to happen to bring the story and the characters to that point.

Quoted from theMADhatter Really? Take a poll: who prefers some form of written-out pre-planning, who just writes with some ideas in their head?

Don't ask for that kind of grief.  Everyone is going to be a genius who has scripts delivered from on high by the same angels who serviced Michelangelo.

Me?  I don't outline in a traditional sense.  But I do know my characters (what they think about and feel) and my page 60 turning point before I start typing.

If it's the cold linear 1-2-3 thing that gives you problems there are lots of things you can do.  Do you like art or do you draw?  Sketch scenes and get yourself started.  Like music?  Think of your script in terms of a song.

A friend uses a cobweb like method in which he sits with two sheets of tracing paper and starts with his central character in the center of the web.  On one he does the webbing that connects the characters and on another the story.  Then he overlays the two.

Just find a method you enjoy because forcing yourself to do it will just provide a lousy, strained story.

Thanks all. I like the idea of drawing it out with visuals. I DO have a problem with linear lists. I'll try that method out.

I like the index cards method, and not just the Celtx ones but real cards. I have started using Blake Snyders idea of using around 28 cards. Use them to have your beginning, middle, end. plot points, end of acts, set pieces etc... It works really well, you can lay them out on a table in front of you and immediately see where you are gonna have a problem.

I don't plan any script or do any outlines... that's also why it always turns into a jumbled mess.

I have tried many times though. Just doesn't work for me. I get bored with the script before I ever even start writing.

I need to know how it starts and how it ends before I start writing. I try to do scene by scene outlines before starting but a lot changes while writing.

I've just discovered that Final Draft has an index cards mode I'm gonna try it out, a card per scene.

And even though I'm a genius writer and never get writer's block, everyone can always get better.

For me, it all depends on the story and where it is in my head. There are some that I've just started writing and went clean through to the end without pause, and some that I've had to work a little harder on.

An example would be the first two of my Fempiror stories. It took me 5 years of planning, outlining, writing, rewriting, scrapping, revising, and rewriting again to get that script done before I re-rewrote it. Part 2 I wrote in two weeks from beginning to end after getting the general idea of what I wanted to do, and it hasn't changed much at all since I revised the first draft.

It's all about who you are, the story you're writing, and how well you know it.

Quoted from George Willson It's all about who you are, the story you're writing, and how well you know it.

Understood, and I'm just asking looking for inspiration, ideas and tips.