Posted by Papa Cap at pcp464999pcs.shrpsr01.tn.comcast.net on February 10, 2003 at 12:33:27:
In Reply to: Question for Vincent (maybe two) or anyone, really posted by 37th Apostle on February 09, 2003 at 17:51:20:
: First Question: What do you think of Peter Jackson.
I thought the technical aspects of the LOTR1 was a little off. I thought the editing, the pace, and some of the overall camera shots were very "b-flick" worthy. LOTR1 coulda been shaved down by 30 minutes and been the exact same movie. That's called Spielbergitis. When I was watching LOTR2, I was like, "Damn. This movie flows so much better." All the things that bothered me in the first weren't there. Then I found out they used a different editor on the 2nd. That 'splains it. Overall, LOTR2 was pretty dang good and LOTR1 was above average. JMHO...except for leaving me hanging when the tree-people were gonna whoop the wizzy's ass. Wassup wit dat?
: Second Question: How long does it usually take you to write a script?
Even though I've only shot 1 feature film, I've written many feature film scripts. The best approach I've found to creating a script is to outline the entire movie first before you do anything. Basically, I write 20 pages or so of the basic story that takes place. That includes a beginning, middle, and end and every general story detail in between. Minimally, you have to know how the movie starts and ends before your pen ever hits paper. You have to know who your characters are and where they have to go. From there, you can develop your outline, which is the difficult part. If you don't have an outline to follow, basically you're gonna get stuck thinking, "Hmmm...what should come next...hmmm." And eventually what comes next is usually bad in hindsight. Without structure, the story tends to linger and sometimes can change genres. One basic test to know if you can actually write structure is to remember back to either high school or college. If you consistently received bad grades on your reports, you probably don't understand structure. If you were a master of papers, you got those A's and went "Awww yeah." Also, focus on your character development. Know every detail about your main characters like you'd know yourself. This usually springs ideas for other things.
Even though I've wrote a ton of scripts, not a damn one has sold. So take my advice as you will. You can probably make it without writing a solid, structured script with bad character development. You ever see a Rob Schneider movie?
PapaCap