|
How to Write a Screenplay For an Independent Film
From your World Film Guide
Independent films are notorious for addressing most issues
Hollywood won't touch. Form those burning desires, that finely tuned sense of
irony, and all of those ideas that make you seem crazy to most people into a
screenplay.
Difficulty Level:
Hard
Time Required:
120 minutes a day
Here's How:
- Writing is about making choices. Decide if you want to write an original
screenplay or an adaptation of an existing novel or piece of non-fiction.
Original work is easiest to start with since you don't have to worry about
obtaining rights.
- Brainstorm. Write down all your ideas for story and characters.
- Do research. Rent successful indie films (you can find them on the About.com's
Independent film Web site) and pay attention to the rhythms of the dialogue
and the pacing of the story.
- Start writing. Remember to keep things interesting and open to interpretation.
This will make the screenplay more tempting to serious actors.
- With every twist of plot or turn in the action ask yourself, 'Would this
character really do that?' Audiences like surprises, but only if they're believable.
- If this is your first film and you're planning on directing and producing
it yourself, keep things low budget. Elaborate costumes, special effects,
and exotic locations are expensive.
- Keep in mind that the people you already know can make great actors. Write
flattering, yet challenging roles with them specifically in mind, and they
may work for free.
- 8. Include all the swear words and nudity you want, but don't make them
gratuitous. [i]The Blair With Project[/i] was conisderably weakened by its
constant use of the F_ word.
- Don't worry about length. Post-production editing will take care of that.
- Be funny, scary, romantic, angry, sentimental, smart, raw, and, most important,
honest.
- Don't include a happy ending just for the sake of a happy ending. This
isn't a studio picture you're writing..
Tips:
- You can overhear great non sequiturs and bits of dialogues in coffee shops
and diners.
- Using an old manual typewriter might seem like a great idea, but it's a
lot of work.
- Go online and download scripts. You can learn from your favorites
Related Information:
More How To's from your Guide to World Film
|
