The ScreenWriters Workbook

Hey guys! I know that it has been a while since I have given you a screenplay update. Last time we talked I gave you an outline from the beginning chapter of The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field. I have completed this read and I must say that there is a lot of information in that book. I truly suggest that you purchase it. Don't forget to learn about Plot Point 1, Plot Point II, and Act 1. In the Foundation of Screenwriting by Syd Field, it explains a lot about knowing your character and action. Your character must have a full biography from D.O.B (date of birth) up until adulthood. When writing a screenwriting you MUST know what to write about. Sure, when authors write novels we can write until the characters come to us, but when it comes to screenwriting, it's a whole different ballgame. I'm an author myself and I thought with having that knowledge that I would be at an advantage....but nope!  It's the total opposite. In any screenplay there is ACT I- the beginning, Act II, the middle, and Act III, the end, the SET-UP ( which is approximately pp.1-30), Confrontation( which is pp.30-90), and the Resolution (pp. 90-120). When writing for Hollywood or writing any screenplay, your script should be 120 pages. Syd also talks about how Action is Character and Film is Behavior. I love that analogy. I know you must be thinking, " Krystol, what in the world are you talking about?"  Don't worry, I felt this way too when I starting screenwriting.  I felt overwhelmed with so many books to read and the ideas that I had. I strongly suggest getting more information and insight screenwriting by reading this book.
Okay, so I read The Foundation of Screenwriting, now it's onto The ScreenWriter's Workbook, also by Syd Field! I just started reading this book and I must say, I like it better then the Foundations of Screenwriting. The workbook explains how to get started with the writing process. Sure, we have a blank page that we stare at for at least ten minutes.  This is normal, trust me! I'm going to show you my notes for the Introduction and Chapter 1 of The Screenwriting workbook! I know it may not seem like a lot but it will help and then I will disclose the FIRST step in the screenwriting process!

Before I post the notes, Syd Field talks about his 7 week workshop. By the end of the seven weeks, at least 85% of his students have completed their screenplay. Some of his students have written and had their screenplays make the BIG SCREEN. Here are the screenplays of some of his students. If you don't know how wrote them, I dare you to find out :).
Boyz in The Hood
The Mask
Mrs. Doubtfire
Poetic Justice
Million Dollar Baby
And More....
Syd Field must doing something write, if he had these talented screenwriters as students!!!
Notes on: The ScreenWriter's Workbook by Syd Field

Introduction: 

 In the first class we talk about the screenplay. The character and the action of it. Syd Field has a seven week workshop. The first three weeks gets the screen play together and the first four weeks are writing the screenplay. The action and character talks about WHAT happens and WHo it happens to. 

The first assignment is to STRUCTURE THE IDEA 

Then write a 4 page treatment on the ending, the beginning, Plot Point 1 and Plot Point 2

The second week talks about character and how to give the main character history by writing a character  biography, the character's life fro birth up until the time the story begins. 

They also outline the characters personal, professional and private life. 

The third week we structure the story line of Act 1 on 3x5 index cards, and write up a back story about what happens either a day, week or hour before it begins. 

The fourth week is to write the first ten pages of the screenplay and the rest of the workshop is devoted to writing ten pages a week. 

First ACT of screenplay is from 20-30 pages. 

By the end of the third session, just about 80 percent of the students have finished writing their screenplays. 

The purpose of the Screenwriting handbook is to clarify,expand,and enlarge your knowledge,comprehension, and technique of the screenplay and the art and crafting of screenwriting. The workbook enables you to teach yourself the skills and craft required to write a professional screenplay. 

Don't look for perfection. Perfection exists only in the mind, not in reality. Just tell your story. 

Chapter 1

Summery:

Chapter 1 explained how every script consists of 120 pages. We must know our subjects. Knowing who and what the write about is important. We often get fearful or overwhelmed about the " Blank Page" knowing that there are 120 other pages to fill. Being able to screenwrite you should know the ending before the beginning. 

The Exercise: FIRST STEP IN THE SCREENWRITING PROCESS!!!!

Take your idea and begin to isolate the elements of action and character of your proposed storyline. Just throw down thoughts and ideas on paper. Don't be afraid to write three or more pages in order to gain more clarity on the story you want to tell. Once you're done that, reduce it into three paragraphs, beginning, middle and end. (Sound familiar?) :-)  Start honing each paragraph each paragraph by summarizing the beginning into a FEW sentences; specify the character and what happens to him or her durning the course of the screenplay. ( I suggest you make a character sheet with the biography of the main character on it).  

Reduce each paragraph to a SENTENCE or two according to what happens in the action and then how it affects the character. (This portion of the process is called " Loglines") I recently had to do this for a class that I was taking. If you want, start looking of TV Guide to get an idea of what a subject looks like. (The logline is what you want to get!) 

It's okay if it takes you 3 to 4 pages of horrible writing to figure out the story you want to tell. If you have trouble try HIGHLIGHTING things that help the action or character. PLEASE take your time with this. Read over what you've written until you are clear about your subject and can express it concisely in three to four sentences. 

Okay guys now that you have the basics on how to start your script, get those loglines down!!   In my next blog I will give notes on guiding you with Script Format and Style!!! Don't get overwhelmed, I won't put it up that soon, but I urge you to write, write write!  The only person that is stopping you from your dream and writing awesome scripts, is YOU! 

Books that I suggest: 

The Foundations of ScreenWriting by Syd Field

The ScreenWriters Workbook by Syd Field

The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley

Crafty Tv Writing, Thinking Inside The Box, by Alex Epstein 

Plot&Structure by James Scott Bell