I originally posted this in September, 2008. This ‘trick’ is so absurdly simple, I thought it was worth re-posting for those who didn’t see it the first time-around:
I heard this idea from producer Larry Gordon about how to knock out a script: Write one page per day. Think about it — at one page per day, in 4 months you’ve generated a 120 pages. So if you take this approach:
* 1 month: Research, brainstorming, character development, plotting
* 4 months: Writing (1 page per day)
* 1 month: Rewrite and final edit
Which means you can crank out 2 full-length screenplays per year — by writing just one page per day.
This has been another edition of Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work.
Interesting. I just completed a draft by writing 2 pages a day, 5 days a week, and a sixth day where I wrote more like half a dozen. It sorta, kinda replicated Gordon's method – thus far it's taken me 3 and a half months (I had few weeks where illness and other issues interfered), and I'm about to start rewriting. Unless some unforeseen probs ensue, I should be able to have a showable draft, six months after starting… So, yeah, I can testify: one or two a day gets the job done.
Hey, Billy, I'm featuring your recent "Romantic Comedy Writing Secrets" column at FilmMakerIQ.com tomorrow at 2PM EDT / 11AM PDT.
Just went to FilmMakerIQ.com. Yes, Billy's article is there — IF anyone's interested in reading it.
Props to the site too, FilmMakerIQ.com has LOTS of educational posts on other things as pertains to movie making. While there I signed up. Looking forward to reading some of their posts and learning new things about the overall process of making movies.
FilmMakerIQ.com looks a great place to expand one's knowledge base — especially if you didn't graduate from a film school.
So thanks for the conversation, mernitman and Scott!
- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA
This is actually a good way to "trick" yourself into actually writing more than one page at a sitting. By just expecting to write a single page, the pressure's off when you approach your desk. However, once you write that one page, the scene will probably carry over onto the next page. Then, your imagination will start to ask "what if" and that new fire will start to burn, enabling you to chug onto one, two, or several more pages. Before you know it, one page has turned to four or five. This is a very good writing trick.
I'm about to start research on my feature script. I'm meeting with a Columbia University genetics professor and I'm nervous about asking the right questions that will give me the most mileage? Any tips Scott?
@Eve Montana: Unless your script project is really deep and specific re genetics, remember that for a writer, the goal is to write credibly about a subject. We don't have to give the reader a dissertation, just trying to create a sense of verisimilitude.
So I would suggest you frame your discussion with the geneticist that way. You find the subject fascinating because of this or that, and that's how you came up with your story idea.
You want enough information that you can create authentic / realistic scenario in your story.
You can talk them through the basics of your story set-up so they see what it is you're aiming for re information. That should help steer them in the right direction of what they will convey to you.
And don't be afraid to admit upfront any lack of knowledge re the subject. That's why you've come to them.
Also after thanking them profusely at the end, ask if it would be okay for you to follow up with them via email or perhaps a short phone call – in case you find you need more info in the future. Always good to leave that door open.
If you need any more specific feedback from me, please email me:
scottdistillery@gmail.com
@scott: thanks so much. met with the professor today and he gave me so much good information that i'm going to use. now the trick is to pick which one i'll use and the best way to display that information to the audience