Posted by Wazzlehog at wv-ohkl-ubr-a-024-197-073-062.charterwv.net on June 05, 2002 at 18:30:54:
In Reply to: excellent, my young apprentice...very excellent NT posted by DRD #37 on June 05, 2002 at 17:51:40:
Do you think it'd be alright to ask for review on my script already at Project Greenlight or wait until I've gotten some other short films done and some other drafts done?
: : Thanks. I've already made up my goal for the summer to get as many short films written as I can. I've got a notebook full of ideas for them. And this Christmas I should be getting a digital camera with all kinds of stuff ready to edit and shoot with.
: : : I'm not really big in the business, but I have been writing scripts for the past 13 years, and I've studied the business extensively. Also, I am the writer/director of seven short films. And, even though they all suck, that gives me a bit of experience and knowledge in the art of moviemaking.
: : : Tip #1: Start off by writing screenplays to short films. (I suggest 3-10 minutes long.) Then, if they're any good, film them. This'll give you experience in screenwriting, allow you to set up a serious writing style for your screenplays, and give you experience at the actual process of in-production filmmaking.
: : : Tip #2: Go to www.projectgreenlight.com and register to post on the message board. They have a slew of fellow screenwriters who are more than willing to review your script and give you constructive criticism. Plus, they don't know you, so they're more likely to be honest.
: : : Tip #3: When you finish the second or third draft, get a copyright on your film. Actually, you should do this before you show it to anyone. That way, there's a much smaller chance that someone will take this opporunity you are giving them to steal your work.
: : : Tip #4: Don't get your hopes up. Although it's always good to have ambitions and make a plan for success, don't expect success until you've actually achieved it. It's very hard to make an independent film, break into the movie business, or even get someone to take you seriously when you tell them that your goal is to be a film writer/director.
: : : Tip #5: This isn't really a tip, just a commendation for you having ambitions at a young age and knowing what you want out of life. Very few people are willing to have dreams, and even fewer people are willing to follow them. Congratulations on achieving both.