hello - Print Topic

Posted by: sammy76, April 20th, 2012, 5:44pm

Hi everyone, I'm Sam. I'm from Oregon, USA. I'm 36 and have 3 kids. I've always enjoyed writing, mostly long winded love letters and unpretentious peotry lol. However I have written a few stories, and a couple scathing customer comments. I have zero experience with screenplays however which is what brought me here. So far I've read a few scripts and started outlining my own. So in closing this rambling introduction I look forward to reading more and possibly posting one of my own to be dissected, critiqued, and possibly even enjoyed by a few.

Posted by: leitskev, April 20th, 2012, 6:23pm; Reply: 1

Hey Sammy. Nice to meet you. Been doing this myself about a year and a half. Before that, knew nothing at all about it.

I recommend Save the Cat, by Blake Snyder; but don't treat it like a bible.
Also Story by McKee.

I also strongly recommend reading recently optioned scripts. Learn from the pros. Best way I can suggest to get those: visit Scriptshadow's blog. Join his email list. Can't really say more on that, but you'll find your way to 4 to 7 pro spec scripts a week. It really helps.

Good luck!

Posted by: Nomad, April 20th, 2012, 11:30pm; Reply: 2

Hi Sam,

Welcome aboard the S.S. S.S.

There are a lot of good people on here to help you hone your craft.

My best piece of advice is to get some screenwriting software. Celtix is free and will save you a lot of negative comments on improper format. Format isn't carved in stone, but there is a basic standard to abide by.

Read some scripts on here, comment, and you will see others return the favor when you post something.

Have fun writing.

Jordan

Posted by: Pale Yellow, April 21st, 2012, 6:33am; Reply: 3

Best of luck Sammy....And I look forward to reading some of your work.

Dena

Posted by: CoopBazinga, April 21st, 2012, 12:51pm; Reply: 4

Hey Sammy,

Welcome to SS! It’s a fantastic place to learn and hone your craft of screenwriting. All the best and look forward to reading some of your work.

Steve :)

Posted by: irish eyes, April 21st, 2012, 6:32pm; Reply: 5

Welcome Sammy... Hope you enjoy all the aggravation and frustrating that comes along with screenwriting :)... actually that's just me.

Mark

Posted by: Reef Dreamer, April 22nd, 2012, 12:34pm; Reply: 6

Hello Sammy,

Welcome to SS, as the others have said its a great place to learn.

One good tip given to me was use the Portal button - its shows what is active.

All the best.

Posted by: sammy76, April 23rd, 2012, 9:23pm; Reply: 7

Thank you all for the warm welcome. Spending a lot of time reading other people's scripts, and threads relating to proper structure and format. As for my own script I'm far from posting anything yet.