Author: Todd

So, you want to write screenplays. Cool. There really are no rules to the process, but there are lots of theories. And there are certainly elements readers will be looking for and when I say readers I mean anyone who has the power to toss your script in the can — script readers, producers, executives, directors, agents, actors, etc. I’ll share a few of tidbits I’ve collected and used, but I’m no guru. This is simply what I did to get my foot in the door. If you’ve had some success, ignore this. It’ll bore you. But if you’re just getting started, if you’re considering the long road of tackling a screenplay, then maybe this will be helpful.
Syd Field has written some excellent books on the basics. You can pick them up at any local bookstore or a quick stop at Amazon.com. There are also some great workshops out there. Robert McKee teaches a great class on Story Structure. I’ve gone to a couple of two-day workshops with David Freeman. And there are others. If you’re just getting started you should check them out. I did and I wouldn’t be recommending them if I hadn’t walked away with some piece of the puzzle.
And understanding the world of the screenplay is a bit like putting a puzzle together. Everyone’s puzzle is different and you never know where you’re going to find that next piece.

When I first moved to LA I loved all movies. I mean, why wouldn’t I? I was from Kentucky. A member of the real world. Naïve I guess. I went to movies to be entertained, for the enjoyment, nothing else. My car payment depended very little on Independence Day’s weekend gross. If my rent was late, I certainly couldn’t blame Ishtar. I went to, rented and purchased movies because I enjoyed them. All of them. The good ones. The bad ones. I simply loved movies. Truth is, I think most people do. But a trip West on the I-10 changed all that.