Writing is an art that does not see too much curiosity among the cinema-going audience. Unless the story blows your mind, you hardly pay attention to the writer behind the scene. Yet screens writing is one of the most critical limbs of filmmaking.
Merely owning a free screenwriting software will not help you make a career in film writing; if you do not have the right inspiration, commitment, and patience.
Here are a few quotes from the leaders of the art. They should act as a catalyst for better visions.
‘I’m a writer and, therefore, automatically a suspicious character. – Alfred Hitchcock
We cannot talk about cinema and forget this man. Hitchcock has given the world some of the most unique and iconic films, a legend of his domain. His movies are, until today, a case study to every film-lover.
He once famously said that the only things you need to make a film work are the script, script, and script. He was genuinely trying to reinforce the need for screenwriting. Although a wholesome filmmaker, his work in writing was ahead of his time.
He once stated that he is more curious as a writer and suspicious about the things around him. He says it’s about taking this curiosity and then making them into valuable character. That is what he called a film.
He says that scripts are born from observations. The nature of humans, their traits, their body language, and their speech — are all the basis of his writing.
“Audiences are harder to please if you’re just giving them effects, but they’re easy to please if it’s a good story.” – Steven Spielberg.
Significant effects and mind-blowing CGI cannot compensate for the lack of a good story. This is what the legend Steven Spielberg means here. As a filmmaker and a screenwriter, he understands the nuances of all parts of film making.
His movies –Jaws, ET, and Jurassic Park are all driven by animations and graphic design. But this does not come in the way of a good story. If the story of Jurassic Park were a sub-standard, it would be no incentive for people to enjoy the mind-blowing CGI.
The importance of the story is very evident in all his movie. Considering the IMDB top film, Schindler’s List is driven by its impeccable narration and characters.
The crux of filmmaking is storytelling, and without a good story, no amount of special effects, production, and marketing will save the film. Special effects are a tool to enhance the already existing narrative.
“Everything I’ve written is personal- it’s the only way I know how to write.” – Charlie Kaufman.
Charles Stuart Kaufman is a fabulous screen write with many movies to his credit. Films like Being John Malkovich and Adaptations have given him the title of a master screenwriter. His moves have brought some very unique perspectives to filmmaking.
He once said that he writes everything personally. And this is one of the traits of Hickock that many young writers have picked up. He was actually scared to place himself into his work but then found it to be a great way to express.
His movie ‘Adaptations’ was where this quality came to light. He put himself as the inspiration behind the screenwriter character. He drew influences from various places and then executed his own story into the movie.
“Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.” – Robert McKee.
Many of us might know Robert McKeem, but he is a master story-teller. If you want to excel, write this quote on stone; and hang at your work desk.
Storytelling cannot happen overnight. For those who get their ideas in one night have been subconsciously working on them for ages.
Writing a screenplay is definitely a marathon. Its a long and slow process, and you need a lot of training to master it. If you are looking to open your screenplay template and hammer out a story, it will not stand the test of time.
A good story needs the steadiness to create. You need to be able to accept the flaws in the plot and correct them before the movie hits the screens. Please seek advice from a few, run them by your director, and revisit the story from another character’s perspective.
There are so many layers to a story that goes unchecked, and being in a hurry to finish them will only lead to more waste of time. Robert McKee’s Book “Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen,” will help you understand the subtle nuances of the art.
“Screenwriting is the most prized of all the cinematic arts. Actually, it isn’t, but it should be.” – Hugh Laurie.
The world-famous English Actor has some candid opinions about screenwriting you must know at the start of your journey. If you are looking to be appreciated as much as the director or the actor, it might not happen.
The actor is known for his roles as Dr. House, and his hilarious series of sketches has been a prominent advocate of exemplary screenwriting. He always felt the script was the engine that drove the story ahead, but it never gets its validation.
Screenwriting is more behind the scenes than you like, but without screenwriting, there is no film at all. While there might not be too many people seeing movies for the writer, they are why the film exists in the first palace.
Screenwriting is about telling stories that resonate with people. Cinema that does not pay focus on the account is not a cinema at all.
Final thoughts,
The only way to make it as a film writing is to actually write stories. Having a vision and putting them on paper are two every different talent. Read as many screenplays as you can get your hand on to pick up on the subtleties of the art.
Originality is the only key to successful writing. The fresher your ideas, the better your odds of making a name in the world of cinema.
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