Writing tools

My writing partner is in Switzerland- thank goodness for Google Docs!
We are writing together, during what is morning for me,  night for her. I see her typing into the spreadsheets I've created for us to brainstorm and develop characters, sets, relationships, etc.
Occasionally one of us types, "Wheee!" or "Yes, I see it!!".  Naturally, we are excited to be working together regardless of geographic distance.

The spreadsheets will help fill out the story. What happens varies, based on the character info that we've input.  When it's ready to go into pre production we'll share these spreadsheets with the creative keys.
And to think we were both once technophobes (in the 80's).
It's amazing how far we've come as creatives, utilizing technology to get a simple story told to a wide audience!

Screenplay writing tip #2

No forced sub plots

One of the scripts I read last week forced a flimsy sub plot. I was the 2nd to read it, the person before me found the sub plot more believable than I did, so , it's up for a re read. At best, it could be made into a MOW (Movie of the Week).

What I learned from reading it:

If you have to force the sub plot, the audience/reader will feel that and come out of the story and into critiquing the writing.

Screenplay Writing Tip #1

I read 4 scripts this wk. All 4 had the same issue.

It's not a novel. Leave out words describing what we should be able to see via the art of film making.
Actions speak louder than words. Use less words & more creative action.

Characters develop

Turns out I am not that different from a male screenplay writer. I write from my genders perspective. My stories are female character driven. My female characters are not the type that build their lives around men or are overly dependent on men. The male characters in all of my scripts are currently not very well developed. They are the boyfriend who she makes out with in one scene then sends off (in one of the features) the predator who lures her in and attacks (in yet another script), the supportive friend who has 2 or 3 lines, etc. They are minor players: the boyfriend, the menace. They often don't even get a name. Just like many male screenplay writers write women. I can't tell you how many scripts I've read with a character like, "buxom woman" or "Leggy Lady". Interesting, huh?

SO,
Last night the actor who is playing one of the male characters, formerly known as the Driver, came by to rehearse.We developed his character (he has a name now) and added some dialogue.

I've learned and grown from this experience and I wish the same for other screenplay writers.


NOTE to all actors and actresses- You have an opportunity to help develop your character when you are working with the director. Go for it- with respect. Your character is not the only character, maybe not the lead, so be realistic, but, go for it. The film benefits.

In the making

I've received some good feedback on the script and I've made some very slight changes. Not everyone gets how the leads dis-ease works in her life or how she overcomes that and being a single mom struggling. So yes, some minor changes in the dialogue with the surrogate sister will help there.

As for people not understanding the ending - none of the mothers who've read it were confused. This is a mother who will do whatever she has to so she can continue to be there for her daughter and so her daughter will not know that they are struggling as much as they are. It's one (very challenging) day in the life of this mom and daughter. And that is as much as I can say here, without giving it all away.