Nifty Robot Filmmaking and Screenwriting Podcast

Putting Together Your Treatment and Outline

// April 30th, 2009 // 3 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 initial “idea”
• helps you pitch a story and not just a story idea
• makes writing your script less stressful and allows creativity to focus on action and character
• allows major story changes to not set you back or require massive rework
• treatments should exist on many levels, free form brain dump, short story structure and flow, story and character short summary

Leave us your pre-writing methods in the comments section below. I always enjoy learning about other writers methods.

  [35:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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 a side story about one of your characters to find that joyful writing place again
• feel free to skip around your story, you don’t have to write from page 1 to 110
• write where in your story you are inspired to write

How to avoid writers block altogether

• be prepared, plan, plot, scheme
• KNOW YOUR STORY BEFORE YOU WRITE
• write a treatment/outline
• have confidence in yourself and ability to write a good story, wait till after to hate your work
• be a complete egotistical maniac asshole

  [37:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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 antagonist

  [43:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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 mean there is no chance in hell they could ever make it as a professional screenwriter or filmmaker? Not in the slightest.

Like any other job, you are NOT a superstar on day one. I relate it to that feeling you have the first week at a brand new job. No matter what qualifications and skills you bring with you that first week you still feel like an idiot and completely out of your element. It takes time to get the feel for something new, it takes time to learn some new shit!

Screenwriting and filmmaking aren’t any different. To become a truly efficient story teller it takes practice, usually lots of it. I’m no different from anyone else in regards to this topic. I want to have my breakthrough moment now! Right now damn it! But what I want even more than that is to be great at what I do. I know my skills as a writer and filmmaker are not at the level they need to be yet. I know if I tried “going for it” it would probably end with mass rejection and disappointment. Common sense tells me to just relax, don’t be so eager, and just learn how to write.

With this in mind this is exactly what I’m doing. I set goals for myself that I think will allow me to hone my skills as a screenwriter and filmmaker. Pushing myself to reach these self improvement goals will give me the confidence I need when it is finally time to go after the dream.

In my next post I’ll go through each of the goal oriented tasks I’ve set for myself to improve my confidence and skill as a filmmaker and screenwriter.

How many screenplays does it take to get the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?

// April 27th, 2009 // No Comments » // screenwriting

Ok so my headline is a little crazy but it doesn’t get you out of answering the question. My headline just like the classic commercial is asking the question how long is it going to take before we get to that wonderful middle section that everyone wants to get to.

How the hell does pertain to screenwriting your probably asking. Let me tell you. A lot of young screenwriters write one feature length script and decide it’s time to pursue a real film career. Wrong.

You probably are still a pretty bad writer after your first completed screenplay. Although I’ve talked about this before I think it’s important to mention that you should set goals for yourself to achieve BEFORE you try to actively pursue a real career as a writer.

What will your magic number be?

The magic number I refer to is how many feature length screenplays you are going to write before trying to go pro. My number is six. Don’t ask me why six it’s just the number that I feel I will be satisfied with my level skill as a screenwriter.

So this means we’ve got a shit ton of writing to do. But this is a good thing. Remember everything we write is just more practice for that day someone notices us. My point in all this is that I want to ensure that I have confidence in my own writing ability before I go out there and ask an agent or a producer to have that confidence. And I think I have enough common sense and self realization to know that I am not ready as a writer to pursue that.

I need practice. I’m the first to admit that. So I’ve decided that before I really start to aggressively pursue a film career I want to have written at least six full length screenplays, a dozen or so shorts, and have shot, produced, and distributed at least ten of my own creations.

Now when I say distribute of course I’m speaking about online distribution on public sites like YouTube and FunnyOrDie. Quite honestly the internet is a great distribution method for young filmmakers because it allows us to reach massive amounts of people in a short amount of time.

These short webisodes, skits, and comedic shorts aren’t going to be distributed and shared with the public in hope of making money. But they are intended to gain attention and true audience feedback. What a great way to reach a large sample audience and evaluate their reaction and feedback to your work. Paying close attention to comments made about your videos, although sometimes difficult to read because there are so many assholes out there, is wonderful feedback into how we can improve as screenwriters and filmmakers.

Experience is what we are truly after here. Experience breeds confidence and confidence is what helps you get jobs.

So find that magic number for yourself. Be honest with yourself, don’t cheat yourself out of experience you deep down know you should be getting. Remember that this is merely a guideline for you to shoot for. If you submit your screenplay in a contest and it wins and a producer wants to buy it that’s great! Should you stop writing because you think you’ve made it? No way! Keep writing, get better, and create great stories. Do this and I guarantee it won’t be the last time you see interest in your work.

Post your magic number in the comments section below and tell us how close you are to reaching that number.