Nifty Robot Filmmaking and Screenwriting Podcast

Script Consulting and Rewriting with Pilar Alessandra

// June 22nd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // podcast, screenwriting

Today we talk with with script consultant Pilar Alessandra from www.onthepage.tv all about rewriting, working with a script analyist, and the industry in general.

Don’t forget to take a look at Pilar’s website and screenwriting podcast in iTunes.

Putting Together Your Treatment and Outline

// April 30th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // podcast, screenwriting

In today’s podcast episode we’ll be talking about putting together your treatment and outline. Andy and I have similar methods when it comes to putting these things together. But it turns out we also have differences when it comes to actually executing these documents. In this episode we’ll discuss our tactics and strategies when it comes to writing a treatment and outline for your script.
Importance of note cards

allows you to visually see your story in front of you
allows you to easily rearrange, add, and delete scenes, characters, and sub plots without doing too much damage
complete freedom in regards to creative story development

What should be in your screenplay treatment or “brain dump”

producers want to know what happens next after your [...] Continue Reading…

Dealing With Writer’s Block

// April 29th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // podcast, screenwriting

Writer’s block is an issue I think eventually effects every young screenwriter. We all know there is nothing worse than sitting there staring at that blank page without an idea in your head how to finish that script.

In this episode Andy and I talk about some of the ways we try avoid writer’s block and methods we use to work through it when it does strike. Below are some show notes and topics.
How to work past writers block while continue working forward

go back to your note cards
get yourself re-inspired about your story
watch your movie in your head
write character back stories
do whatever you can to get the creative juices flowing again
take an entire week off
write in small chunks, 30 min
write [...] Continue Reading…

Establishing A Strong Protagonist

// April 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // podcast, screenwriting

Hi everyone! We made it back again with another show. This time we spend some time discussing protagonists. It’s crucial for every story to have a strong protagonist and in this podcast episode we share some of our thoughts and methods to establish a strong protagonist in your story. Below are some of my quick notes from the episode.

Character has to have understandable wants and needs
Story needs to reveal a clear and consistent goal for the protagonist
Needs to be able to realisticly overcome obstacles
Let the character show the audience who is not tell us through dialogue
Audience needs to care about the protagonist
Don’t wait too long to introduce your protagonist, they might fall for someone else
Needs to have a clear [...] Continue Reading…

Make a Commitment to Screenwriting as a Craft

// April 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // filmmaking, screenwriting

I’ve recently been thinking about what it means to commit yourself to the craft of filmmaking and screenwriting. Screenwriting and filmmaking are like any other learned skill, it takes time and practice to produce quality work. This fact alone is why so many young filmmakers and screenwriters never make the transition to professional.

They are in such a hurry to finish their first screenplay, win a screenwriting competition, get an agent, sell their script, and make their film they never stop to think if their screenplay is any good. Let’s be honest, it probably sucks! It probably sucks really bad!

Is it because they are a terrible writer? Yes.

Is it because the screenplay lacks depth, creativity, and interesting characters? Yes.

Does this [...] Continue Reading…