Wednesday 4 April 2018

Script Magazine

With details of free screenwriting resources, classes and more, here are the latest Script Magazine newsletters:



Sci-Fi Tips




Name




This week's screenwriting tip, sci-fi screenwriter Jenna Avery explores the methods of handling exposition and backstory in science fiction screenwriting.

Don't miss the big sale on sci-fi products! Get hundreds of dollars off when you order Writing the Sci-Fi Screenplay or TV Series Ultimate Collection by the end of March!




By Jenna Avery
One of the challenges with writing good science fiction is introducing not only the world itself, but any story background needed to set the stage for what's to come. In my interview with Amazon Studios-optioned Adam Pachter, he mentioned his pet peeve about screenwriters using voiceover to get away with exposition that might otherwise be delivered through story. On the other hand, Carson Reeves, Scriptshadow blogger and Scriptshadow Secrets author, recommends using some kind of introduction for sci-fi scripts to help avoid overly expository dialogue, such as title cards (like in Star Wars or Blade Runner) or voiceover. His reason for this, as he puts it, is that “science fiction is a memory hog,” and if a writer isn't careful, a large percentage of her script can end up being filled with exposition.

Like Pachter, I've never been a fan of much in the way of voiceover in general but I thought it was worth exploring the options to blasting our readers and viewers with tons of exposition. I mean, let's face it, Carson's right about sheer volume of page space taken up by story explanation. So are there efficient ways of bringing the audience up to speed that actually work? What's been done before, and what do we think about them? Are there times the standbys such as title cards, flashbacks, and voiceover work? Is there anything else?  Read More...


Name


Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.


facebook
twitter
youtube
pinterest
google plus
rss


 F+W, 10151 Carver Road, Suite 300, Blue Ash, OH, 45242 USA






Week in Review

   




Script Magazine




Our ScriptMag.com family of contributors share insights into how future technology could change screenwriting, writing a great query letter and more! Check out our full list of contributors and follow them on Twitter too.

If you’re heading to NYC this summer, check out Writer’s Digest Annual Conference to learn and connect with other screenwriters and authors!

Now get reading and get writing!
Read More...


Advertisement
http://www.finishlinescriptcomp.com/
The Finish Line Script Competition offers 6 pages of development notes so you can rewrite & resubmit new drafts FOR FREE! Our winner will meet/Skype with 32 top Film & TV mentors in Los Angeles, London, Canada & Australia.

www.finishlinescriptcomp.com




Incorporating Digital Technology into Screenplays
Since writing now happens in the digital world, we can actually create new screenwriting practices that don't focus on print. Marty Lang explores how incorporating digital technology in screenplays could dramatically change collaboration and filmmaking. Read More...




Killer Query Letter Part 2
Your query letter is out in the world. Barri Evins’ advice on how to reply like a pro, turn a pass into a positive, and recognize an open door. Read More...




Subplot Prism
Individual subplots illustrate a different aspect of the main conflict or shows a different step in the solution of the main conflict. William C. Martell examines how the subplots in The Shape of Water help shape the film's main conflict and theme. Read More...




How To Break Into Television
Comedian and television writer Devon Shepard talks about the early days of his career and how he broke in to the business. He has written for many hit television shows such as Crash, Weeds, MADtv, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Read More...




since many of the principles of playwriting apply to all forms of dramatic writing, taking Introduction to Playwriting is a great idea for screenwriters too. Not only will you come back to your screenwriting with fresh insight, but you might find that you like writing plays too. Enroll Now...

See full list of self-paced online courses here.




Our webinars include both access to the live webinar where you may interact with the presenter and the recorded, on-demand edition for your video library. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation.


See full list of upcoming live online webinars here.




Nicholas Meyer
Some writers struggle in transitioning from one type of writing to another, but Nicholas Meyer has conquered many forms. Learn Meyer’s cross-format storytelling processes and what encouraged him to write his memoir. Read More...




Guide to Critique Group Etiquette
As a writing critique group member, you walk a hair-thin line between appropriate ruthlessness and inappropriate intrusiveness. So how do you know where the boundaries are before you stumble into them? Here are nine mistakes it’s never okay to make. Read More...


Name




20 Little Things That Make Script Readers Hate Your Screenplay
Before you submit your script for coverage or critique, make sure your work is void of things that annoy script readers! Professional script reader, Brian O'Malley, shares insights into things script readers hate to see in a screenplay. Read More...




To Hell With Story Structure
I know writers love to know the “rules” and “formulas” and “principles” of writing, but truthfully, there are no great truths about writing. A great writer knows the pitfalls and takes a concept and creatively considers the most compelling way to tell that story—structure be damned. Read More...




Get a single video for $16.99 or subscribe for access to all the videos starting at only $16.33 per month! See all videos and subscribe for All Access here.

Our growing library of over 175 video tutorials covers both the creative and business sides of screenwriting, offering instruction from top industry experts!
Watch Previews of All Videos...




Creating a Great Character Arc
Sign up for Glenn Benest's Creating a Great Character Arc webinar today! If you can't make the live event on March 22nd, as long as you sign up in advance, a recording will be emailed to you! Read More...






Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
Jeanne is the Editor of Script and adapted the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Slavery by Another Name. Her screenplays were selected as Top 25 Tracking Board Launch Pad, CSExpo Finalist, Second Round Sundance Episodic Lab, and PAGE Awards TV Drama Finalist. Twitter @jeannevb.


facebook
twitter
youtube
pinterest
google plus
rss


F+W, 10151 Carver Road, Suite 300, Blue Ash, OH, 45242 USA





No comments:

Post a Comment