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Back in December I wrote my first feature film called Evade. It’s a thriller and horror film with a feminist/queer plot line that’s full of twists and turns. Think Get Out but gay. I got it officially copyrighted by the U.S. copyright office. My next process is to be able to pitch it to some production companies when I go to LA for LA quarter for my school. I want to get this script optioned because right now I am not capable of making it happen with a low student budget. It requires a large cast, party scenes, and multiple locations. I wrote Evade in 2 weeks (seriously). I wanted to write this blog to show that you can too write a feature in 2 weeks. Now before you begin, this requires determination, no distractions, and at least three hours of writing per day. I know what you’re thinking I don’t have the time…I have a girlfriend…I have kids…I work a 9-5. No excuses. It’s all about balancing everything. To help, you should break the three hours into an hour and a half of writing in the morning and an hour and a half of writing in the afternoon or at night. Here are the steps I advise you to follow. 1. brainstormBefore you can even type one word, you need to come up with an idea. Grab your laptop or pen and paper (what I prefer) and ask yourself these questions.
 2. Character Exploration
 3. Outline your entire film
 My outline for Evade 4. writeNow it’s time to open up Final Draft or Celtx or whatever screenwriting software you prefer and WRITE. I’ve created some rules to follow when writing.
 5. Pat yourself on the back!Once you’ve finished your first draft treat yourself to a massage, expensive coffee, or sushi at that boujee restaurant.  6. The Re-Writing StageWriting is really about re-writing and always improving your characters, dialogue, plot points, and whatever else you feel like needs improving.
 7. title it.I like to do this last so I can see what themes were created and try to create a title based on that unless before you write you have a title you really love. You do you. To me, memorable titles are very hard to create.  8. have fun!Experiment. Have workshops with friends that are screenwriters. Explore a theme that you’ve always been interested in. If you’re not having fun while you’re writing, then your audience won’t either so choose something else to write about. I hope you found this article helpful, if you did, please share!  Comment below your own writing tips and tricks. Dreams are never too late to make happen! Love, Bridget. link to creating characters exercise
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Here's a short exercise to help develop your characters and get into their own mind. This is inspired by Scott Myer's Crafting Characters lesson on screenwritingmasterlcass.com Imagine your character is next to you and you are interviewing them. Write in their voice. Just write. Don't erase anything you write until you look back. Here is the list of questions. goals/wants1. What is one goal you want to achieve? 2. What do you need to improve on? Emotionally? Physically? social/family life1. Who is most important to you right now? 2. Do you have a close relationship with your family? Who in particular? 3. Who is your best friend and why? 4. Do you have any enemies or people you don't like? Why? work life1. What is your occupation? Why are you happy/not happy with it? 2. What is the job environment like? Hectic? Relaxed? Anyone you can't stand? physical qualities1. Age? 2. Gender? 3. Body type? Are you happy with your body image? 4. What's your personal style look like? personality1. Philosophy of life? 2. Attitude? 3. General Mood? 4. Any phrases or words you always say? 5. What do you people know you as? The person who ____________ fears1. What's the worst thing that could happen to you? 2. Worst fear? dreams1. What's the best thing that could happen to you? struggles1. What stands in the way of achieving your goal? Internal and external? 2. What must you overcome/do to achieve your goal? after you do this exercise:Read what you wrote and highlight important things you want to include in your screenplay. Cross out/delete the things you don't like or want.  Like this exercise? Check out this blog post about how I wrote a feature in 2 WEEKS! Comment below what you thought of this exercise! Dreams are never too late to make happen! Love, Bridget. |
AuthorBridget Johnson is the president and co-founder of Dare to Dream Productions. She writes and directs thought-provoking films that inspire others to follow their dreams. Archives
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