Script Development and Research

In the first few weeks back in Farnham I have begun writing and researching the script for our film. To start with I read a few books on screenwriting to aid me with the structure and how to build a stronger film. Although most of the books I have are made for feature film writing, I also have read a book on short film writing to bring it all into the context I need it in.

The books I have read are:

Syd Field's Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
Linda Cowgill's Writing Short Films: Structure and Content for Screenwriters
Blake Snyder's Save The Cat!
Mark Axelrod's Constructing Dialogue: Screenwriting from Citizen Kane to Midnight in Paris

I all found these very helpful in trying to build a structure for the film, and also for just general screenwriting tips and advice.

The next step was to screen films which relate to the subject matter we are trying to address and review their structure, and why the do or don't work. I analysed their structures to see where the main plot points were and then made a note of one line or two to about what I thought of them. I won't give all the details, but here is generally what I said:

Feature Films

Altered States (1980)- Not enough of a likeable main character, I'm not rooting for him as I feel sorry for his wife.
Trainspotting (1996)-Very funny, likeable main character even though he's a bit 'damaged goods'. Clear story, clear plot points.
127 Hours (2010)- Interesting exploration of hallucination, killer sound design,

Short Films

The Going Away Party (2015)- A bit all over the place, no real character development.

                  
                  The Going Away Party from Connor Hurley on Vimeo.

Good Grief (2015)- Funny, clear story. Some character development but I don't root for the main character.


                  
                  Good Grief from Jim Owen on Vimeo.

Fallin' Floyd (2013)- Funny, uplifting, good character development. However the demon is too cute, I feel sad when it leaves.


                 
                  Fallin' Floyd from il Luster on Vimeo.

I have yet to look at a few more films, but I now feel comfortable doing the structure of the film.