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How I wrote a feature film in 2 weeks!

7/27/2019

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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. brainstorm

Before 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.
  1. What is the main character’s internal and external goal?
  2. Who is your target audience?
  3. What is the meaning behind this film? Why are you making this script?
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2. ​Character Exploration

  • Journal: Write as if you were your main character and ask yourself: how will you achieve your internal and external goal?
  • Interview: Interview your characters as if they were right next to you. Write in their voice. This will help you craft dialogue. Here’s a list of questions you can ask. 
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​3. Outline your entire film

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  • Think about film structure:
  1. Linear Structure
  2. Hero’s Journey – Joseph Campbell
  3. 3-Act Structure
  4. Multiple Timeline Structure 
  5. Real-Time Structure
  6. ​Hyperlink Structure

  • Use post-it notes! I like to write the term on one post-it note. For example: Plot Point 1 and then on multiple post it notes explain what will happen in Plot Point 1. Post all of the post-it notes in order on a wall. This will give you the big picture and be able to visualize your entire film. What works? What doesn’t work? You can move the post-it notes around or remove them to see what works best. Experiment! 
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My outline for Evade

4. write

Now 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. 
  1. No distractions: Shut your phone off and write in a quiet place
  2. Keep Writing: Don’t judge what you just wrote and edit while you write. Don’t go back to page 1 and read it all over. This will just waste time and this is what rewriting is for.
  3. Take breaks: Get some coffee at a local coffee shop and people watch (it may actually give you some ideas) or go on a walk in nature or whatever you find calming.
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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. 
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6. The Re-Writing Stage

Writing is really about re-writing and always improving your characters, dialogue, plot points, and whatever else you feel like needs improving.
  • Remember to save previous drafts to look back on your process
  • Get feedback from trustworthy people: other screenwriters or filmmakers try not to give it to family + friends 
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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.     
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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! 
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Comment below your own writing tips and tricks.
Dreams are never too late to make happen! 
​
​
Love, Bridget.   

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link to creating characters exercise

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creating characters exercise

7/27/2019

1 Comment

 
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/wants

1. What is one goal you want to achieve? 
2. What do you need to improve on? Emotionally? Physically?

social/family life

1. 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 life

1. 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 qualities

1. Age? 
2. Gender?
3. Body type? Are you happy with your body image?
4. What's your personal style look like?

personality

1. 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 ____________

fears

1. What's the worst thing that could happen to you? 
2. Worst fear?

dreams

1. What's the best thing that could happen to you?

struggles

1. 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. 
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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.   

    stay updated. new blog posts about how to improve your filmmaking every week! 

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    Author

    Bridget 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. 

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