evadri

Hey, just wondering how all you script writers would/have tackle/d a complicated, anachronistic, character-based plot.

I've been chipping away at it, going from the huge picture and now I'm at about the medium picture. Still the littlest details to figure out (mainly who is where when x and y happen).

Anyway, I'm thinking I might write brief scene synopsis on cards and shuffle them around to get a working structure/order before I sweat out each line of dialogue.

Do you think this is a good idea, or should I just launch into the first draft and see how it works out? What's your take? Has anyone written a project like this?

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Wizard

I myself have never finished a project like that, but I have started quite a few and found that planning it out the way you described (using index cards or Microsoft Excel or post-it notes) helps enormously. It should help you stay on track. I gave up on quite a few projects because I did not plan them out effectively, got bored with my ideas, and wasn't sure where they were headed.

So, I'd say your idea of writing breif scene synopsis on cards is a great one!

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evadri

What I've done since posting this topic is:
I made a timeline. I wrote down all the events in chronological order, worked out in my head and on paper which events happen at the same time.

With all that detail worked out, and the structure I already had waiting, now I think I can reorganise the events quite easily into scenes (even without using cards).

See, the thing is, quite a few of the events will have their one scene split into a few different scenes that occur in different parts of the film. (moving back and forward all the time.) That was why I was confused. But now I know what happens in each event, I can easily work out which moment of each event should go where in the script.

So I'm no longer confused, but I'm sure you are! Haha. But yeh, I agree, it's essential to plan this sort of thing to the letter. And writing a timeline really helps!
Oh, Lord, no! Now I have to do the themes! Argh!

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mammamaia

if you're referring to a feature film script, using index cards is the most common technique... some sort of outline is necessary when writing screenplays... just writing a whole movie from the seat of your pants, so to speak, is not a good idea for a novice... even most of the pros with gold guys on their shelves wouldn't do that...

i have lots of good tips/hints/advice from the pros that i send to my screenwriting mentees, so if you want to email me, i'll be glad to forward some...

the best how-to for plot and character development is syd field's 'workbook'... and for format/style, trottier's 'bible'... they're on my 'tools of the trade' list i can also send you, if you want it...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

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evadri

Thanks mammamia. Yeh, I'm not a big 'fly by the seat of my pants' writer, I usually plan everything - even short stories sometimes!

Thanks, I'll email you.

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