Movies, Screenwriting & Independent Film
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Writing About Screenwriting...  Instead Of Screenwriting

I have many passions and almost all of them involve being creative in some capacity. My favorite among them has always been screenwriting.

I’m dedicated to developing my skills as a filmmaker, editor, and blogger but screenwriting has always been my number 1 priority and for good reason. I’ve been writing screenplays for years and each page is more challenging than the one before. There’s always something new to learn.  There will always be new stories to tell.

I simply can’t get enough and it goes well beyond writing screenplays. I’m a student of the craft and I’m constantly looking for ways to get better.  I also spend a lot of time writing posts about screenwriting.  This post has a pretty in depth section on screenwriting as a matter of fact.  However…

Am I losing valuable time better spent… screenwriting?

It’s an interesting irony given the fact that I spend a lot of time writing about screenwriting instead of writing screenplays.

The one thing I’ve learned when it comes to writing about screenwriting online is that there are millions of sources that illustrate HOW to write screenplays.

I’ve purposely avoided instructional posts so I could focus on writing about WHY I write.  There are so many challenges to being an amateur screenwriter.  People have jobs, families and responsibilities.  It’s hard to balance it all out and still be proud of the pages you produce.

But it’s supposed to be challenging.

Every writer faces different challenges on the road to success.  The trick is staying committed and passionate until that wonderful day comes and you see your words on the silver screen.

Until I reach that goal, why not write about what I love as much as possible?

I dont’ see anything wrong with it.

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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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