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Spotlight: ScriptWrite vs Screenplay

January 12th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting | Technology - (2 Comments)

Screenwriting apps on the iPhone. ScriptWrite vs Screenplay

My iPhone basically tripled my productivity on a daily basis.  I can write blogs, check site stats, dominate social media sites but most importantly, I can write screenplays. (Click here for more on Portable Writing)

The first screenwriting program I found on the APP Store was Screenplay by Black Mana Studios.  It’s a pretty great app. It’s easy to use and supports a lot of the features I expect in a screenwriting program.

My only complaint is how every scene is treated almost as a separate script.  The app lacks an option to review your entire script at once.  You have to keep switching screens to load up the next scene.  There’s just something strange about writing one scene at a time.  There are some advantages to the system as you don’t have to scroll FOREVER to reach a specific scene.  It’s a terrific way to navigate your script.  All I want is the option to read it all at once.   (Read my full thoughts on the app here)

Along came ScriptWrite and they understood that concept.  Your entire script on one screen.  It is also a disadvantage as scrolling through a giant script is annoying.  It would be great if they had a scene selection system like Black Mana’s app.

Anyone who has ever typed out a screenplay uses a tab system to switch between elements.  Switching is as simple as pressing ENTER or TAB.  This program allows you to  select an element from a list of icons.

It’s certainly not a bad system and it’s very similar to Black Mana’s app.  I just prefer interface in Screenplay.  ScriptWrite does get big points for being cheaper and I think it will definitely improve.  I’ll be watching for updates.

It’s great to have some competition for screenwriting supremacy on the iPhone.  Black Mana’s app is superior in my opinion except for one tiny complaint about how individual scenes are treated.  This is something they can fix.  ScriptWrite’s system may work for some writers out there but not for me.  Some people will probably like it better.  It’s a close call but for now, I’ll be sticking with Screenplay.  Especially since it was recently announced that they have partnered with Final Draft!

Read the announcement here

iPhone Apps

Screenplay by Black Mana.

If you have an iPhone and are obsessed or even moderately interested in screenwriting, I highly recommend it.

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Screenwriting: Rewriting The Climb

January 8th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in 17 West | Filmmaking | Screenwriting | The Climb - (0 Comments)

Almost 4 years ago, Eric and I sat down to talk about 17 West and the movies we wanted to make.  At that meeting, we talked about several films that are now released.  One of the stories I talked about was The Climb. It was a simple story about 2 homeless people who have lost hope and what it would take to change their situations.

That summer, I spent a lot of time at the Reference Library in Toronto.  Whenever I begin a new script, I usually map out the story in the library away from computers and distractions.  Just me and my notes.  It’s an amazing place to work and it was there that I worked out the story of Cameron and Destiny.

I finished the first draft quickly but we decided to wait a while before making it.  It eventually became the movie we would definitely make… Someday.  Finally, I decided to test out the screenplay in a competition.  The script ended up placing 4th out of over 1200 entries. While I was extremely proud, it occured to me that had the script won, we wouldn’t have been able to make it ourselves.

So The Climb was put on hold again…

2008

We were once again discussing what films we should make and ultimately decided that Playing Through would be next.  Regardless, I felt the need to update The Climb and engaged in a series of rewrites.  One of the reasons we struggled to pull the trigger was because I had always threatened to expand it into a feature script someday.  Why not wait and see what turns out?

2009

Last summer, after Playing Through finally wrapped, I decided The Climb (the short film) would be my next directorial effort.  It was time to revisit the script again.  I went with a simpler approach and eliminated several sequences entirely.  The result was a shorter and tighter version of the original story.  The idea was to make the film on a minimal budget with a skeleton crew.  However, after a year of balancing 17 West with my career in television, I decided it was best to take a break and recharge.

Note: Easily the best decision I’ve made in a while.  The break gave me time to finish all the web design work I had to complete.  It also meant time to write.  I love screenwriting. I hadn’t really written anything in nearly a year.  That will never happen again.

2010

Another pic from our first location scout last week.

It’s happening!  With our first official meeting in the books, I pulled out the script and began version 4.0…  The Shooting Draft.

There were certain changes I wanted to implement but it eventually led to a screenplay I’m extremely proud of.  Multiple scenes were merged together, dialogue was rewritten and strengthened and as a whole, the story is a lot tighter and more interesting.

I looked back at the original competition draft and compared it to the draft I finished this week.  It’s always nice to see a progression in my writing style.  While, I’m much happier with the writing today, I’m even happier knowing the story has remained untouched.  You would think with so many rewrites, there would be major differences in the plot. It’s encouraging to think that the original structure has survived through 4 years of rewrites.  I hope it results in an entertaining movie.

I’m a massive fan of rewrites because it forces you to question and scrutinize every word and it’s place in the story. Reading a scene you love and then asking yourself if it can be better is a challenge I welcome.  Rewriting a script can be a long process but it’s worth it.

Athletic Nerd Fun Fact: This is my 100th post!

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Screenwriting: New Surroundings

January 7th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

January is a month of new beginnings.  It’s a time of resolutions and ambitious goals for the year ahead.  For me, it means all of those things and more.

It’s become a yearly tradition of mine.  This mission is extremely important to my yearly routine.  It’s a vital component of my creative routine. It’s so important that I cannot possibly imagine writing a single word in the new year without first accomplishing this goal.

I change my furniture around.

When I start something new like a script or a film (or both in the case of 2010) I find it necessary to change my surroundings.  It feels like I’m starting a new job with a new office and new possibilities.  For any writer out there who finds themselves blocked at any time of year, I recommend this practice for hundreds of reasons.  Here’s a few:

  • Throwing on the iPod and organizing your surroundings is a good chance to think about your new project.
  • You’re already being creative by deciding how your new configuration of furniture will look.
  • Everyone has a closet that stresses them out.  We all have junk drawers that we will get to someday.  It’s almost liberating to finally get to those problem areas.
  • How many times a year can you honestly say that you are 100% caught up with your laundry?  Make sure to do the sheets on your bed too.  That’s key.
  • Is anybody else in a better mood when the fridge is packed with food?  Grocery shopping is a crucial part of Operation Life Restart.  While you’re out, buy yourself a cake.  Why not?  I do it all the time.  Who doesn’t love cake?
  • With everything in order around you, it’s a million times easier to concentrate without the distractions of everyday life.
  • Finally finishing your work brings an enormous sense of accomplishment and makes you feel ready to take on any project.
  • It may sound like a busy way to spend a day off but I guarantee you will not regret it.

Most importantly….

  • You’ll feel like writing.

I completed Operation Life Restart on Sunday.  I’m ready for 2010.

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Screenwriting: The Print Out

December 18th, 2009 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting - (0 Comments)

Screenwriting: The Print Out | Screenwriting Blog

One of the coolest moments a screenwriter can have is finally hitting print and watching the pages stack up in front of their printer. It’s a moment of satisfaction that we all strive to achieve.  You’ve finally finished something you poured your heart into.  It’s a screenplay you’re proud of.  The feeling is even better when it’s your final draft and you’re ready to show the world your hard work.

Write_Print_Repeat

Writers spend a lot of time dreaming about the moment when they can finally hold a completed script in their hands.  It’s a bitter sweet thought because you know how hard you have to work before reaching The Print Out.  Thankfully, the work is addicting and fun.

I’ve been working on a new feature script for a few months now but the story has been in development for two years.  You can imagine how excited I am to finish the script.  I’m extremely close to finishing my first draft and the anticipation is killing me.

So I cheated…

How could I resist?  Even though it isn’t finished yet I’m still excited about the idea of sitting outside with my script, my notebook and a pen.

When I printed it out and I was immediately reminded of the sense of pride you gain when you finish a script.  It’s an inspiring thought.

the print out

Watching the pages emerge from my printer was also a terrific reminder of why I love to write. Writing a screenplay is a long process and it takes a lot of dedication to stick with a story for such a long time.  Yet to those who love to write, the process is an addiction.  We’re all addicted to that magical moment when the pages are full, the revisions are done and The Print Out is imminent.

However, standing between me and that wonderful moment is a story that remains untold.  There are a lot of pages to cover and characters to get to know better.  There are scenes to be written and dialogue to shape.  There is action to describe and emotions to convey.  Not to mention the hundreds of revisions and changes a script must go through before being truly complete.

Each script is a welcome challenge and I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.

And now… A quote:

“Find a job you love, never work a day in your life.”

It’s a fitting quote in this situation because reaching The Print Out is a moment that isn’t nearly as satisfying if you don’t truly love what you do.

I can’t wait to finish my new script for three reasons:

  1. The Print Out
  2. I’ll be starting a new script
  3. I love to write.

screenwriting_the_print_out

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The Athletic Nerd In 2010

December 16th, 2009 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in 10 Flicks | 17 West | Design | Editing | Filmmaking | Movies | Rainy Sundays | Reviews | Technology | Television | Web - (0 Comments)

The Athletic Nerd

This week happens to be the 3 month anniversary of this website. (The 15th to be exact)  While The Athletic Nerd is still in it’s infancy, I thought I’d talk a little bit about what’s in store for 2010.  It’s been an incredibly fun journey so far sharing my thoughts on movies, television and technology but I’ve got bigger and nerdier plans for the future.

The Athletic Nerd Brand

A while back I wrote a 2 part post called Self Branding.   The branding continues with the new logo I’m unveiling here today.  I think it’s important for a site to establish it’s identity from the beginning so you’ll be seeing those blue and red letters around the site more and more.  It’s a fairly simple logo but it will certainly evolve along with the blog.  (Actually, I guarantee it.  I love revisions and redesigns.) 

If there is anything I’ve learned about blogging during these last few months, it’s the importance of setting yourself apart from similar blogs.  I’ll be dedicating a lot of time and research to continue refining the type of content I create and the audience I want to reach.

In terms of overall design, I think the site has finally found a good look and I’ll be sticking with it until a completely customized site can be designed. For now I want to focus on content and gaining more readers.

Film, TV and Technology from a personal and professional perspective.

This is the style I strive to achieve in my writing.  You’ll never see a post that just regurgitates the news of the day.  Instead, you’ll get a personal look into how the subject inspires creativity.  Over the past 3 months, I’ve introduced a variety of different features that strenghten that idea.

Rainy Sundays – Probably the most popular feature on the site right now.  Once a week, I dig into the past and pull out a movie you could easily watch on those lazy days when you just want to sit back and enjoy a classic.   Throughout 2010, I’m planning to keep adding films to the Rainy Sunday list regularily with a couple added twists here and there.  Click here for more…

What!? – Surprising news. Trailer debuts.  Shocking announcements.  It’s the closest thing you’ll find to a news article on this site but it’s reserved only for those special moments I just have to write about.  Click here for more…

Really!? – A look at the little details about the industry that annoy.  The beauty of the subjects on this site is they can both excite and frustrate.  Films can flop.  Equipment breaks.  Hear about my personal encounters here.  Click here for more…

10 Flicks – A relatively new feature that’s still evolving.  At first, I wanted to have a countdown feature on this site.  As time went on, I decided to take a different approach.  So they are no longer countdowns and instead, will be carefully selected picks that fit the hot topic of the day.  Click here for more…

Spotlight - Many blogs have reviews of popular sites, movies, blogs and technology but many do not detail how it affects their lives professionally and creatively.  Why not give a personal account in addition to the normal review structure.  Here is where I’ll be sharing what inspires me in my career.  Click here for more…

iPhone FX – This is a rare feature that won’t show up often but it’s a fun side project of mine.  Currently, I do not own a video camera and I have a deep obsession with motion graphics.  When I got my iPhone, I saw an opportunity to add some effects to the videos I take.  Once in a while when I have some time to mess around, I’ll be posting some shots with some added style and effects.  Click here for more…

All of these features will remain and a few more will be added in the coming months.  (I’m actually pretty excited about the newest features.)

17 West Productions Returns

17 West Productions

First and foremost, I’m a professional editor at a major sports network in Canada.  Beyond that, I also co-own a production company with my business partner Eric Gamache.  Since The Athletic Nerd launched, there hasn’t been much to report in terms of new projects but that will be changing in a matter of weeks.

I’ll be directing a new short film beginning in January and I’ll be updating daily on the production.  Every aspect of the film will be detailed with behind the scenes videos and stills. 

In addition to that, we have 2 more productions ready to get underway.  One is currently casting and I’m preparing to write the other in January.  Expect regular updates on those projects as well.

You’ll also be seeing better integration with 17west.ca.  The site will be getting a series of updates once these productions begin and I’ll be using The Athletic Nerd as a compliment to the stories on that site.  Head over to 17W for the news and check out this site for rest!

A Screenwriter At Work

A few weeks ago, I started posting more and more about screenwriting.  I don’t claim to be an expert but I will be posting personal accounts while I’m grinding out the pages.  It’s my number 1 passion on this planet.  I love screenwriting.

The Expansion Team

In 2010, you can expect to see contributions from other bloggers and people in the industry.  I’ll be adding posts from a variety of working professionals as well as dedicated fans of film.  Both sides of the industry in one place.

The Goal

The Athletic NerdObviously, the goal is to gain a steady stream of traffic to the site.  The Athletic Nerd is still young but there is a lot of content here already.  2010 will be about generating more and better content for the readers I have and the readers I have yet to encounter. 

This site has given me an excuse to write everyday.  I may not have time to work on my latest script or a new revision but there is always twenty minutes here and there to write about what I love and why I love it.  All the best in 2010.  Visit often.  Tell your friends.

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