Hi, I've just joined this site a few days ago and have been enjoying reading some of the scripts on here. Used to write a few scripts a while ago, just childish stuff really but looking to get into it again in a more serious way. Was just wondering if anyone had some advice for me? I'm thinking out ideas and writing some random character bio's out, but I'm really wanting to start off actually writing a script that is a good, original idea, even though I would have to do many, many drafts as I learn the actual skill of screenwriting. Does anybody have any tips for developing ideas? I'm taking the advice of reading as much as I can aswell.
Thanks for any help.

I'd say to start out with some shorts in order to get back into the swing of things.  Get a better feel for your style, strengths, and weaknesses before tackling a feature.

Quoted Text I'm really wanting to start off actually writing a script that is a good, original idea

If you figure out how to do that, please let me know.  :)

The best way I've found of coming up with ideas is just to write stuff and see what works. Take a script as far as you can, then see what works and junk the rest. I've written scripts that were complete and utter cr*p, but had one decent idea / character / scene which provided the basis for another, better script.

There are no easy answers. Just a slow, laborious, potentially soul-destroying process of trial and error.

At least in my experience.

I've found that the best way to get started is to think of a dramatic need (wants to move house / get the girl / stop a murder / find a cheeseburger / take over the world), then - once you've found an interesting one - build a character around it, then a story, then a plot.

(Oh, and read a lot of scripts)

Quoted from stebrown Hi, I've just joined this site a few days ago and have been enjoying reading some of the scripts on here. Used to write a few scripts a while ago, just childish stuff really but looking to get into it again in a more serious way. Was just wondering if anyone had some advice for me? I'm thinking out ideas and writing some random character bio's out, but I'm really wanting to start off actually writing a script that is a good, original idea, even though I would have to do many, many drafts as I learn the actual skill of screenwriting. Does anybody have any tips for developing ideas? I'm taking the advice of reading as much as I can aswell. Thanks for any help.

I think the best advice is to write what you want and write it for yourself.

When I started it was just basically to entertain myself and when I started worrying about what other people thought nothing ever got done.

What you need is a friend or two whom you can bounce ideas off of. Sure you can write something and have an opinion but if you have someone to ask and get advice from as you go along it may help the process a lot better.

The number one rule of writing is have fun! Welcome to the site by the way.

~Zack~

When you're starting out, you should keep it short and simple.  Wait a bit before writing that epic feature.

If you've read some scripts, here, you shouldpost comments on the threads.  It'll help you get read when your script is up.


Phil

Thanks folks, yeah I will comment on some scripts. Just didn't wanna be a critic before I could do anything myself.
I wrote a short script last night and was gonna post it on here but apparently you need it to be on a website first? How do you do that?
And James, yeah bit of an ideal world comment by me there.

You don't need it to be on a website.  Just post it through the "submit your script" link.  It sounds like you're going through the "submit your script link" link.

Damn, that's confusing.

Thanks Shelton, no I went through the right link but I misunderstood the form. I fill that in then it takes me to a place I can upload my script yeah? I just saw the url of script question and thought that was it. I'll do it when I get home from work.
Another question, sorry about this guys, in the writers resources it says I should only use courier NOT courier new. My word only has courier new. No biggy, just thought I'd ask.

Sometimes just writing Courier in the font box on the toolbar works - although I've not used MS Word for years. You could always switch to using Celtx - it's free and helps you format your scripts correctly.

You don't have to put anything in the space where it says name of hosting site. Or at least I never do...

~Zack~

Original Courier font: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BVZVLCDG

Thanks James, I've downloaded that....looks good.
Does anyone know how to validate my email address aswell? Haven't had any emails from this site, and I've submitted a script but haven't had an email to say it's gone through OK. thanks

Quoted from stebrown Thanks James, I've downloaded that....looks good. Does anyone know how to validate my email address aswell? Haven't had any emails from this site, and I've submitted a script but haven't had an email to say it's gone through OK. thanks

There is a generous amount of scripts that are submitted daily, so I don't recall, but it'll usually take between 12 to 14 days to get uploaded to the site, I think when it is, then you receive an e-mail.

One important aspect of screen writing is proper research on your project. You can never do enough research....
The process of writing 120 pages is like driving down a road that is laden with all sorts of bad shit. You have pot holes, spike strips, and cops running radar. With a good amount of research behind you, you can confidently navigate that long road. You can see the obstacles in the road from a pretty good distance, allowing you to compensate for them.

Research is a huge task in itself, but it definitely pays off in the end.  

a big thing to know when starting out is make sure you understand formatting. So many people overlook it when they get started. you'll hear it a thousand times but it's true, read read read read as many scripts and books about screenwriting as you can. once you understand it, you will become more confident that your work will naturally become more professional.
the second tip you'll hear a thousand times is to just do it and write. Don't sit down and expect to write the next breakthrough, let your story naturally evolve.