Anyone Insterested?

Hello there! 

I am a screenwriter and editor. Writing films can be hard especially on your own. 

Some basic stuff I'd recommend off the bat...

- Use a professional screenwriting software if you aren't already. I use the Writersolo desktop app its completely free and has a ton of features. I started writing google docs many years ago and my screenplays were just awful formatting-wise. Screenplay formatting is very strict with an insane amount of rules and by using proper software it will cut out so much guesswork and help a ton

- Read screenplays. If you are new to screenwriting it is crucial to read other peoples screenplays. Go to https://www.scriptslug.com/ its a website full of famous screenplays from super successful films. Study your favorite films and their scripts it will teach you so much.

- Be cutthroat. Screenwriting is extremely lean and straightforward. Write only what the audience can see and hear. If a character is feeling something make it known via an action or line of dialogue. Your action lines should be no longer than three lines each. If its longer then break it up into smaller sections. Also keep in mind 1 page = 1 min of screentime. The way screenplays are formatted mimic the actual flow of on screen action your page count really matters. 

- Writing compelling dialogue is hard. One thing I do is act out the conversation. Say the lines out loud and in the tone you imagine the actors to deliver it. This can help with sticky lines. Also keep your lines short and include lots of back and forth. Avoid long paragraphs of text. It feels unnatural and like the characters are talking at rather than to each other. Also film is a visual medium, if you can tell the audience something without dialogue then do it. The less the characters spell out things the better. SUBTEXT make the conversations have an unspoken convo underneath this makes some really compelling dialogue and storytelling. 

This is all advice I wish I had when I first started out. I have been writing and studying screenwriting for about 6 years now and have both taught myself and taken classes in college for it. It's a long journey and hard skill to learn but it's a rewarding one. I wish you the best of luck and if you need any other advice or if you need someone to look over your drafts feel free to reach out. I am happy to help. Fair warning I am a very blunt and to the point editor I don't sugarcoat things so if that isn't something you are up for I understand, however I will always mean the best even if my delivery isn't always great. 

Good luck! You totally got this!

-RA