Writing my first screenplay. Any advice from experienced writers?

Question

I was a communications major in college, but didn't touch too much on screenwriting so any advice would help.

Who can i sell it too?

How can I shoot it myself or have rights over filming?

Any screenwriting grammar rules I should know about?

Answer 1

I don't have a lot to share with you on the business part - but I am starting to write scripts now for college projects (I just wrote a couple of scenes today actually).  I'm not a professional but I have started to do some studying.  Two highly recommended books that should help you with the mechanics are Story by Robert McKee and ScreenPlay (or Selling a ScreenPlay) by Syd Fields.  They've been in publication forever so you should be able to get a copy from the library so that you can preview it without spending money up front.

Write as much as you can to experiment with different styles.  I also have a microsoft word document that has all of the styles that you would need to create a professional looking screenplay.  It isn't FinalDraft (professional screenwriting software) but you can apply the styles you need to and fake it pretty well.  If you want it email me and I'll send it to you.

You can also find a lot of free scripts online:

http://www.simplyscripts.com/

http://www.imsdb.com/

http://www.script-o-rama.com/

You'll learn a lot if you follow along in the script while you are watching the movie especially if the script was not written by the director.  The reason is because if the script is written by the director, then you'll see a lot of "direction" in the script.  A script shouldn't have much direction (camera angles, what the actor should do etc.) unless it is absolutely necessary.   Plus you'll get a chance to understand what directors and cinematographers bring to the table.  Reading a good script will show you lots.

Professionals should be able to share a whole lot more.  Making movies is so much fun!  You'll have a blast.  All the best,

C