A new practice I do is writing a movie outline. If you are not a screenwriter it probably won't tell you a damn thing. The insiders share the method by the book: story idea > notes > script outline > script. Well, this was a first for me. My way of screenwriting is different, but I wanted to learn something new.
The practice is to choose a movie to outline, preferably one in the same genre in which you like to write. The lesson said to pick movies after 1990 because it is easier to break those down into acts, sequences, etc. I did the outline for 'The Birds' (1963) yesterday. Found it reasonably simple. Not that Mr.Hitchcock was a straightforward fellow. It was interesting enough.
You have to write a brief summary of what you see in each scene, beginning with the location, daytime or night, and only the major parts of the scenes.
I heard a fine line which I must share with you all:
If your story doesn't interest people in prose form, it's unlikely to in a screenplay.
What's your opinion on this?
My method is not a secret: I dive right into writing the script with only bare bones or not even that. I enjoy playing with the unknown. I have an idea, and I'm rolling with it just getting it out. My imagination and experiences dictate the story as it goes.
Writing an outline while watching a movie is fun. I'm getting the hang of it. It shows you what a scene needs to include. Questions come up to my mind:
What is the setting?
How many characters are there, and who are they?
What are the consequences of the scene that will lead to another scene?
I recommend for every screenwriter: practice outlining!
your soul writer,
Kata The Nomad
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