debunking screenwriting myths by geno scala

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By Geno Scala “The Script Mentor” DEBUNKING SCREENWRITING MYTHS 1-5

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Page 1: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

By Geno Scala “The Script Mentor”

DEBUNKING SCREENWRITING MYTHS

1-5

Page 2: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

The fact is, this is pure nonsense...

SCREENWRITING MYTH #1: “YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN L.A.”

Page 3: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

MYTH #1: YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN L.A.

With networking tools such as the Internet, Skype, emails and such, many companies are not only

accepting pitches via these methods, but conduct pitches by these methods exclusively.

There are countless of websites dedicated to the posting and promoting one of one’s screenplay. Despite claims that “studio executives worthy of their title do not check these sites” (just another fallacious statement), the number of screenplays

sold or optioned over through these sites, over the Internet, over Skype, or over the phone is

countless; anyone who says otherwise is simply lying, and

anyone who believes otherwise is ignorant of the world around them.

Page 4: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

Better learn how to write a great query letter!

SCREENWRITING MYTH #2: ANY QUERY WILL DO

Page 5: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

A) If you are responding to a request for a certain type of script, first thing you should do is ONLY respond if your script fits in what they are looking for. If it does, makes sure this fact is highlighted in the first sentence. B) Highlight your “hook” right away (this is why it’s called a “hook”). This “hook” is the reason why your story is different from every other story of the same genre and theme. C) When you include your logline, make sure it is the strongest logline possible.

SCREENWRITING MYTH #2: ANY QUERY WILL DO

Page 6: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

D) Write a brief synopsis of your story, to include and beginning, middle and an end. Three short paragraphs, less than a page total.

E) End the query with a brief “writers” bio. I recommend that you do this in the “third person”. Two lines that tell the reader a little about you, your writing, and a mention or two about prestigious awards, if any.

F) Make sure everything is spellchecked and grammatically correct, and DO NOT forget your contact information.

You have but one shot at making a good impression, so don’t blow it.

SCREENWRITING MYTH #2: ANY QUERY WILL DO

Page 7: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

Better learn how to write a proper logline, too…

SCREENWRITING MYTH #4:“MY 50-WORD LOGLINE DOESN’T TELL

THE WHOLE STORY, BUT…”

Page 8: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

SCREENWRITING MYTH #4:“MY 50-WORD LOGLINE DOESN’T TELL

THE WHOLE STORY, BUT…”

LOGLINE: A logline is essentially a short pitch that tells someone what your story is generally about.

The following is the L.O.G.L.I.N.E. FORMULA© developed and copyrighted by The Script Mentor program. Using the word "logline" as an acronym, it will include the following: L- Lead or a clearly defined protagonist (hero);O- An obstacle;G- A goal or quest;L- Lose, as in what the lead stands to lose; known simply as “the stakes";I - Irony (a sheriff afraid of water, but works in a coastal town, etc.)N- New, or what is the "new" concept you offer; otherwise known as your “hook”E- The enemy or the antagonist.

Page 9: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

SCREENWRITING MYTH #4:“MY 50-WORD LOGLINE DOESN’T TELL

THE WHOLE STORY, BUT…”

Additionally:

1) The logline in its entirety should make the genre clear;

2) It must be written in 25 words or less, if possible; always under 30;

3) We also strongly suggest that you start off your logline with one of the following four words:

"As", "When", "Before" and "After".

Page 10: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

Actually…no. You really have to market the script and network with those that might help you.

SCREENWRITING MYTH #5:“A GREAT STORY ALWAYS FIND ITS WAY

TO THE SCREEN”

Page 11: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

SCREENWRITING MYTH #5:“A GREAT STORY ALWAYS FIND ITS WAY

TO THE SCREEN”

STEP #1: Understand that your script is NOT ready to be marketed. Once you accept that, you’ll breathe a bit easier. However, for the process of developing the rest of the steps, we will just ASSUME the following is true: A) You’ve written this screenplay the best it can possibly be, and your family and friends love it! (your cheerleaders, or “CHEERS” for short!) B) You’ve received a number of extremely positive feedbacks from your PEERS; those other writers whom you respect and whose opinions and advice you treasure. C) You’ve received one (preferably more) “recommend” from a highly-regarded script coverage service, script doctor, consultant or mentor (your “ROCKETEERS”) D) You have entered and won, or placed well, in several screenwriting contests, including several of the most respected, highly regarded contests.

Page 12: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

SCREENWRITING MYTH #5:“A GREAT STORY ALWAYS FIND ITS WAY

TO THE SCREEN”

STEP #2: Enhance your networking opportunities.

By now, it is assumed you have hundreds of business-related connections, to include fellow screenwriters, filmmakers, script readers, executives, producers, marketers and almost anybody affiliated with the entertainment business. Work on spending at least one hour a day at these sites, cultivating relationships through discussions, and inquiries. Avoid getting political or too personal. Comment on a photo, ask what their latest project is, and learn about their likes and dislikes before jumping in and talking about yourself.

The worst thing you can do is turn a personal, comfortable relationship into an obvious means to a stepping-stone to get introduced somewhere else or TO someone else.

Page 13: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

SCREENWRITING MYTH #5:“A GREAT STORY ALWAYS FIND ITS WAY

TO THE SCREEN”

STEP #3: Post your script. Sites like Ink Tip (www.inktip.com), Moviebytes (www.moviebytes.com), and others allow you to post your script for marketing purposes.

STEP #4: Determine which movies are like yours in genre and/or subject matter, and research them.

This is a great technique that many writers fail to do correctly. If your high concept movie is similar to “Star Wars”, you’ll want to research Star Wars through IMdbPro, and find all of the key players from the movie- the screenwriter, director, producer, the talent, etc. Through IMdbPro, you can then find out what other movies they’ve worked on, and create a “talent tree”. You will find that some of the same talent usually work with each other picture after picture; this is especially true with Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, and Judd Apatow films.

Page 14: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

SCREENWRITING MYTH #5:“A GREAT STORY ALWAYS FIND ITS WAY

TO THE SCREEN”

STEP #5: Prepare you query letter. Much like your logline, it is designed to develop a “taste”, some intrigue, some interest in your project. STEP #6: Create a Facebook “like” page, Twitter account and other networking pages for your projects. This keeps the name out there, and also keeps your supporters up-to-date on any happenings involving you or the script. STEP #7: Attend any and all “pitch fests”, conventions, film festivals, producer conventions, director conventions, etc. If you are not in LA schedule a future visit and center it near these important events. Through networking, you may develop an opportunity to stay with a fellow writer for a period of time, in exchange for them piggy-backing to a producer’s lunch or meeting with you.

Page 15: Debunking Screenwriting Myths By Geno Scala

SCREENWRITING MYTH #5:“A GREAT STORY ALWAYS FIND ITS WAY

TO THE SCREEN”

STEP #8: Sign up for Skype. You may be able to schedule face-to-face meetings through Skype without having to make the trip. STEP #9: Have multiple projects prepared when the meeting is scheduled. Most producers will ask to see or hear additional projects that you might have, so be prepared to at least discuss the logline and/or a synopsis with them. They want to see if you are in this for the duration, and not just a one-trick pony. They’ll get an immediate feel as to the way you and your creative mind works.

STEP #10: Be someone everyone would want to work with. Don’t be argumentative, picayune, difficult, demanding, overly sensitive, overly shy, embarrassed, overly humble, not humble enough, outrageous, outlandish, over-the-top, unprofessional, or boring. Be perfect; just be yourself!

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www.thescriptmentor.com

GENO SCALA“THE SCRIPT MENTOR”