Posted by Karma at ppp-209-209-106-20.17.softcom.net on May 15, 2001 at 14:50:26:
In Reply to: I'm tired of hearing this stuff posted by Willatron on May 15, 2001 at 13:13:19:
: If you people want to right a script then go to the bookstore and buy a book on it, quit trying to dry jerk. Screenwriting (good screenwriting, that is) is an art form. I don't give a rat's ass how many scripts you've read online you've got to know a bit about character development, plot, timing, etc., etc. And don't give me this, "But Kevin Smith did it" swill, because you know what, Smith still went to film school for a while, and I'd bet he did some research on it and didn't just sit down one day and say, "Hmmm, I think I'll write a script now." Then he hooked up with Mosier, the main pimp behind the scenes. Don't underestimate the value of a producer. If nothing else at least buy one of those dummy books so you'll have some idea what you are talking about. "Gee, I think I'll go fly a plane today, even though I don't know how." I'm not trying to be a downer, it's just that every film buff I know has a screenplay in the works and every journalist I know has a manuscript in the works. BTW, I'd suggest Screenplay by Syd Field. It's kind of old as well as the movies he cover's, but great cinema never changes.
: I will now step off my soapbox and the various posters may now tear me a new one.
I, myself, am an aspiring screenwriter. I have joined various screenwriting communities, read up on articles, etc, and even purchased MM2000. I am amazed at how many people believe you can just 'whip something up' or get a smidgeon of advice and build a career out of it.
I, myself, am having problems with the story flow and progression as well as the timing concerning my script. It's damn hard work, and my advice to anyone who wishes to persue this career, is make sure it's what you really are impassioned about because after you begin to grasp the rules, concepts and formats, you have to start dealing with the critics.
I am in awe and admire those who who successfully live through it!
Best of luck to everyone! Hope this helps...
http://screenwriting.about.com/arts/screenwriting/