Posted by Bryce at ac861152.ipt.aol.com on November 17, 2001 at 00:47:03:
In Reply to: Questions for Kevin and other screenwriters... posted by Skippee on November 16, 2001 at 23:32:05:
Clearly there isn't any one way to write anything. Writers just write how they write.
Personally, I create the situation(s) and characters on paper and let them evolve in my head for spell.
I make an outline from there - which is often abandoned as I write - often from front to back - then in a hundred other directions as the story progresss/digresses/degrades. Usually come midpoint I'll just outline (or re-outline) the next few scenes in a very simplistic fashion, if only because it'll keep me hacking.
While there are standards in screenwriting - if you're writing a script for yourself (i.e. you're not on someone else's dime) it is silly to get caught up in following someone else's creative processes. Just write how you write. If you dig having that structure at your fingertips - then by all means write and rewrite an outline and treatment and so forth.
It sounds dumb - but you just have to write how you write. Don't be hindered by thinking you have to do it any particular way. Just do it the way that has you get the job done to your satisfaction (unless you are on someone else's dime, in which case go pick up a screenwriting book pronto).
Entirely unqualified to respond to any of this,
- Brian.