Screenwriting

Any screenwriter must first and foremost know how to write.

But what if a screenwriter has physical limitations that make it difficult to constantly travel, attend events, and have in-person meetings, while still being fully able to work online through Zoom, WhatsApp, email, and other platforms?

Besides writing great screenplays, what other skills should a screenwriter develop to connect with agents, managers, and producers who might be interested in their work?

"What would you ask?"

Can you summarize how your writing process changed from your first script to your most recent? And what motivated those changes?

I am developing FARAFINA 2500, a sci-fi series (5 seasons) rooted in real African geography—complete show bible, pilot fully written and storyboarded, and a detailed production budget. For a creator based outside the United States, without an existing network in the industry, what is currently the most realistic path to get a project at this level of development in front of an actual executive producer—an agent, a manager, or direct outreach? And is Stage 32 a relevant platform for an international profile like this?

I would ask this question: Did you ever felt like your essence of the story was compromised while turning like from script into screen?

Because I'm observing some of Talbot Mundy's Book turned movies i felt only the tittle was used, There was No Yasmini who is the primordial character in the book when I saw the movie "King of the Khyber rifles"

One of my industry Actress who is well known to be a female lead famous in my country just like Sandra Bullock of Hollywood said, "A director approached me with the script where I'm the primordial lead character but as the discussions got carried away and the script turned to screen, I was peeking then and there in the scenes like nothing more than an extra"

I'd like to know the perspectives in which the award winning screenwriters view it.

My question: When you have a concept that consistently generates interest — strong feedback, script requests, executives saying "I love this" — but zero conversion to the next step, what's actually missing? Is it the material, the packaging, or the access?

@Hannah Collins Hi Hannah, thank you so much for the welcome and kind words! I’d be more than happy to connect with you as well. Wishing you all the best with your projects too!

@Paul Rogers Hi Paul, thanks for sharing! Sounds like an interesting concept. Best of luck with your novel and finding the right producer!

@Gopal Parthasarathy Hi Gopal, thanks for dropping by! That sounds like an ambitious time-travel setup. Wishing you great success with your script!

@Salvatore Cutugno Hi Salvatore, congrats on the contest recognition! "Infernal Noble Intrigue" sounds like an exciting and rich historical script. Best of luck with it!

@Vincent Paterno Hi Vincent, great to meet you! As a fellow screenwriter, I'd be glad to connect. Best of luck with your comedy features!

I would say that's more of a trend than a rule, but it goes to show: "too many cooks, spoil the broth."

You can certainly have one more or one less character, but the questions are what are they doing? What are they contributing? 3 allows for variety without overload.

Franklin should instead concentrate on employing readers who thoroughly read scripts, are astute story-wise, give an actual damn and don't use AI. Start by fully cleaning house and paying the readers more, then amp up the org's quality control which is currently nil.

It's a major mistake for writers to change their scripts based on what this terrible, corrupt and over-hyped system reports. Flawed data points result in erroneous analysis.

E Langley I dont want to prosecute Black List's process in this thread, but isnt their model that they get industry folks to read the scripts and give assessments (and points?). He explains as much in the report. What are we missing?

The BL data is heavily skewed by the implications of assigning a certain rating. If a reader gives an overall 8 or above, that triggers a whole set of mechanics, such as mass emails going out and free reads.

There's no getting away from the fact that it's a business, too, and that business interests can be impacted by scoring.

6/10 just so happens to be slightly above average, which compliments the writer, means no extra services have to be provided, and most likely ensures another month of hosting plus an additional review.

I'm not saying it's a scam but I wouldn't take the data too seriously at all. There's a fundamental motive to put business interests first that, even if not in policy, is going to exist in the subconscious.

Welcome Salahudeen! What kind of stories do you find yourself gravitating toward when you write?

Salahudeen Cook Welcome starting with shorts before features is exactly the right approach. You learn more from finishing one short than planning ten features. What kind of stories are you drawn to writing and directing?

Congrats to all!

This is my first script to be selected for an OWA!

Thank you everyone at Stage 32.

Congratulations, everyone!

Excellent job, congratulations!

Congrats everyone! Such great work

Hi, Aleksandr Rozhnov. I can see Giant being a Drama Comedy. And "it doesn't matter what a person looks like or what limitations they may have — they can still become successful, wealthy, happy, and incredibly brilliant" is a great theme! I change the genre(s) early in the outline sometimes.

Script genre matters a lots a times

Oh yeah, I love this question!

I've always been drawn to hard sci-fi concepts, but my new script started as sci-fi and gradually evolved into something completely different. I'm so happy to be writing something new, and it feels wonderfully filled with twists and plot twists.

Hello Aleksandr Rozhnov, fantastic project, and a great reason for creating a film! I definitely experience that, especially when I do horror; it often ends up shifting into dark fantasy/folk instead.

I find it hard to write within a genre. Everything ends up mixed up, like in real life.

A great topic to discuss! When a script has a slick rhythm and flow it can make a reader really tune in to the story you are telling. The benefits in reader immersion are invaluable and can make your project a must-read.

Thank you to everyone who attended today!

I use outlines every time Meriem Bouziani. What I don't want to lose is the nuance of the moment, a word or shift in dialogue. It's like watching a movie that you're engrossed in, a big moment is coming and a roof salesman knocks on the front door.

You're welcome, Meriem Bouziani. That's great. Writers learn things from writing scripts whether they option their scripts, sell them, etc. or not.

Yes absolutely Maurice Vaughan

Hey Meriem Bouziani, pacing can definitely take some practice. One of the hardest things I'm learning is writing for low-budget stories, and I'm also hoping to create a musical in the future, though I'll admit I'm still a bit intimidated by the process.

Great approach! Dwayne Williams

I completely agree. Starting with lower-budget, more contained projects can be a smart way to build your career, get your work produced, and grow within the industry.

It's the same for me. My second script is a contained story with limited locations and a much lower budget, so I feel more hopeful about its chances of being produced than The Silent PFC War.

Animals too

Even if it's a neo-noir thriller, write in some drunk Teletubbies crossing the street in the rain. You can always take it out later when you think of something better... although I doubt many people would ever think to add Teletubbies into a scene.

This is such a great way to frame it, Chris! I love the idea of starting with the concept and making sure it has a real fighting chance before writers spend months developing the script.

I think the hands-on approach of pulling concepts apart and really pressure-testing them is going to be incredibly valuable for the group. Excited to get this underway with you this week!

Make sure to send your questionnaire into Chris before the first day!

See you soon!

Looking forward to this lab!