posted 04-01-2001 09:56 PM            

And the learning never stops. Not for a writer. So I found this article that details by page numbers a rough configuration of how a screenplay's dramatic action might be structured. Keep in mind, as many people are involved in the movie business is about how many opinions you will get on the right way to write a screenplay.

And since we are having new arrivals here at PGL and even us regular members who still want to hone our craftsmanship are still around, I'd like to kick things off with this URL on screenplay structure: http://www.netxweb.com/screenplays/pages/structure.htm

LOL, now all I need to do is get my scripts out and see how I measure up. Remember, no one person is the end-all be-all of all things writing, but it doesn't hurt to listen to and take advice from folks who are in the know.

If you've found some great resources on writing, especially articles and webpages that spell out specific details, won't you please share it here?

And thanks for keeping the positive vibe going.

posted 04-01-2001 10:57 PM            

Thanks for the info! I'm always looking for new resources.

posted 04-02-2001 12:25 AM            

But having said that, we all know it is incredibly difficult to get that first door to open for us so if we show all the big boys that we know how to play nice according to their game plan, I think that increases our chances for that first break.

Learn the rules first. Then break them. But at least learn them.

posted 04-02-2001 07:04 AM            

And thanks for posting that. Very relevant. Similar to what others say, although the page numbers tend to vary.

Think I'm in trouble! Oh, well, Uhuru is reviewing my screenplay and when she's finished, I'll see what she has to say about whether I violated structure rules too seriously to be taken that way!

posted 04-02-2001 08:48 AM            

I deviate. I guess that makes me a deviant!

A few of my absolute favorites still continue to be...

How NOT to Write a Screenplay by Denny Flinn

and
www.wordplayer.com

again, thanks for making me nervous, in a good way.
All the best,
Sombida

posted 04-02-2001 12:37 PM            

A LIST OF GOOD STUFF FROM THE WRITER'S GUILD HERE: http://www.wga.org/craft/index.html

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This is from the webpage at http://newenglandfilm.com/news/archives/98september/sevensteps.htm

The Hero's Journey in Seven Sequences: A Screenplay Structure
by M.M. Goldstein

ACT I:

1. SET-UP: Who's the Hero? Initial development. Where are we? What's the story about? THE HERO IS INTRODUCED IN HIS ORDINARY WORLD (before the adventure begins.)

2. POINT OF ATTACK: What's their Problem? The Hero finds or defines The Problem; this completes the First Act. Introduction to all the major issues and elements of the story. THE CALL TO ADVENTURE; THE HERO IS RELUCTANT AT FIRST; THE HERO IS ENCOURAGED BY A WISE OLDER ENTITY (the MENTOR.)

ACT II:

3. THE INITIAL STRUGGLE: The Hero Begins to Deal With His Problem(s). The Journey/Adventure begins. THE HERO PASSES THE FIRST THRESHOLD. Point of no return.

4. COMPLICATIONS: The Hero Faces His First Real Enemy or Challange. He wobbles, but comes through. It's "Early Act II Jeopardy," his first real test, and he passes, perhaps barely, perhaps with help. THE HERO ENCOUNTERS TESTS, ENEMIES, ALLIES.

5. VALIANT ATTEMPTS: The Hero Stumbles. Maybe the Bad Guys win one; the Final Outcome is in doubt. "Late Act II Jeopardy." A Bigger Enemy, maybe Fate, or his Fatal Flaw. Big enough to be really scary. THE HERO APPROACHES THE HEART OF THE ENEMY'S FORTRESS; THE HERO ENDURES THE SUPREME ORDEAL. He struggles, suffers, loses, touches bottom.

ACT III:

6. MAJOR CRISIS: The Hero Proves Himself Again. "Early Resolution." The Hero fights back, and starts to win again. Some things are resolved (love, family, etc.) Bonds are made or admitted to. THE HERO SEIZES THE SWORD, THE REWARD; THE HERO BEGINS ON THE ROAD BACK, often CHASED by the Bad Guys.

7. CLIMAX/CONCLUSION/RESOLUTION: Tension, Release, Wisdom. "Late Resolution." Whatever's gonna work out, works out. And what isn't, doesn't. THE HERO HAS A MOMENT OF RESURRECTION; THE HERO RETURNS WITH THE ELIXIR -- the Treasure, the Truth, Whatever. But this story is over -- and the next one is about to begin.

---------------------------------------------

Lord God Almighty, I wrote my novel BEFORE I ever cracked a book on "How-To-Write-A-Novel." Fortunately, my dramatic structure and characterization was solid because the novel was based on the screenplay BUT I THINK I'D BETTER LEARN MY SHIT FIRST FOR THE NEXT GO-ROUND.

Maybe if I could be like Linda Blair and just twist my head around until it was on backwards, things would make more sense.

Anyway, good luck to everybody. Keep hammering away at it. Keep the faith.

PEACE,
uhuru1701

posted 04-13-2001 01:59 PM            

Some of us are stupid (me) and can't find it on our own.

Ah well...