| Writing a movie requires both a deep understanding of structure and an ability to improvise creatively. Typically, screenwriters start from what's called a "logline," which is a one line statement summarizing the thrust of the movie. From there, the writer expands to a three act breakdown of the movie. Customarily, the first act of the movie should be around 30 minutes, the second act should be around 60 minutes, and the third act should be around 30 minutes. Many writers break their acts down even further into sequences, or "mini movies." Altogether, there are typically eight sequences in any given movie. Each sequence is a different movement or "emotional feel." Once writers craft these mini movements, they get down to the scene level and develop so-called "stories within stories." The movie's structure inevitably proves pivotal to its commercial success or lack thereof. Poorly outlined movies tend to meander and involve superfluous details. Critics, executives, and even writers themselves sometimes forget the importance of structure. Yet movies based on badly-wrought stories inevitably disappoint, if for no other reason than because they don't make emotional sense. Moviemakers employ all sorts of technology to isolate and refine structure. Screenwriting programs can help format and polish filmic writing. However, typically, writers must go through several drafts and get feedback from numerous individuals to perfect their stories. Writing movies is like riding a bucking bronco--if you don't hang on for dear life, you're sure to be thrown off. Complete scripts from original movies can sell for thousands of dollars, particularly if they're signed by an actor or director. A Marlon Brando signed copy of the script for The Godfather, for instance, recently sold at auction for more than $100,000. |
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