My Screenplay Writing 101

An important first step in the screenplay writing process for me was to choose a software program. There is a free downloadable screenplay writing software template at a site called CELTX. However, I chose to go with Move Magic Screenwriter, which is a program format accepted by Industry professionals and contains a number of specialized templates. Loading the software was pretty easy…always a relief for me since I am not the most computer literate individual.

Next, I considered a text. For purposes of this project my main reference is the excellent book “Save the Cat!” by Blake Snyder. This book utilizes pretty much the same three act structure I’m accustomed to in novel writing which Snyder has expanded upon to 15 elements he calls a “Beat Sheet”.

The “Beat Sheet” indicates roughly what should be in every script somewhere in those 40 scenes. However, nowhere in this great book is a critical piece of information. In how many scenes may I have the hero bare-chested (aka shirtless, aka I’m drooling) before it would be considered overdone? Anyway, more about this very crucial issue in another post. However, feel free to leave me a comment about how many scenes the hero should appear in sans shirt.

The first bit of information I found particularly useful in this reference was the fact that the typical motion picture screenplay is 110 pages (a page for each minute of film time) and 40 scenes. Having completed one scene out of the 40 in my screenplay, I am 2.5% on the way to my goal. I have given myself 6 weeks to complete a vomit draft. Hmmmm. May not be enough time, but we’ll see.

Snyder suggests one arrive at a fantabulous logline before beginning the writing process. A logline is basically a one sentence description or hook for your movie. Too late in my case. I’ve already started writing. Nevertheless, I’ll work on my logline now.

So far this is it: SEXY, ONE-HIT-WONDER BRITISH ACTOR INTENT ON A COMEBACK MEETS A GORGEOUSLY LEGGY LADY PI WHO WOULD RATHER BE A CHEF, AND THE SPARRING DUO ARE EMBROILED BY MISTAKEN IDENTITY IN COMIC MAYHEM AND MURDER. Sort of Tracy/Hepburn meets Sam Spade.

Okay, okay…. it needs work. Too complicated. I’m going to evaluate it along the criteria set forth in the reference and get back to you with and new and improved version.

Now. Back to the most crucial issue: SHIRTLESS RICHARD ARMITAGE…..Ahhhhhhh. Makes me happy just thinking about those scenes. Really gives a gal incentive to write.