currently having writers block
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how do you get inspiration for a film?
- Thread starter laurenvictoria
- Start date
For me it just kinda pops in my head, and it tends to do so when I'm watching a different movie. Don't force ideas, just set down a basis in your mind of the kind of film you want to make, and eventually it will come to you.
Take a one day bus tour. Map out a route and visit an antique store, a construction site, a park, a museum - whatever. The whole point of the exercise is to observe people in various situations. While you're on the bus look at a face and make up a quick personality profile. Watch a couple in the park and make up their love story. You don't have to write them down, it's just mental gymnastics to exercise your creative muscles.
Watch a bad movie. Nothing gets me fired up like watching other people's crap! 
I agree, watching a bad movie can help lol. Do you know at least what genre you wanna write in?
It generally happens when I'm on the toilet.....Just sayin. But slightly more seriously, it happens when I'm using my brain. Like reading a story, researching something, etc.
Also, I'm really good at vegging out at just letting my mind wonder. Eventually it snags on somehing and begins to weave a web.
So I guess its probably different for everyone.
Also, I'm really good at vegging out at just letting my mind wonder. Eventually it snags on somehing and begins to weave a web.
So I guess its probably different for everyone.
what about taking a journal to a cafe and writing a little about each person you see. Maybe why they're there, personality, backstory. Would that be creepy? haha
has anyone done anything like that? if so did it help?
thanks for these tips by the way, they're very good.
has anyone done anything like that? if so did it help?
thanks for these tips by the way, they're very good.
Yea, this is fun to do anyway. So if it can be productive, why not.
I wait tables. That's when most of my ideas come to me.
I don't think there's an answer for this. You just gotta think, think, think, think, and think some more.
I don't think there's an answer for this. You just gotta think, think, think, think, and think some more.
when I get down to writing out my story, I don't start by having a set storyline. I go into the backround of my idea. start off with a "what if?" then go into the background of that What If. for example, if you wanted to do "what if the world was taken over by an extremist group?" instead of starting into the script and story, ask yourself who they are, why are they doing what they are, how did they get the power, how did they get control over everyone else, etc. granted, that's just an example, but apply that to what you want to write. get your main idea, but once you have it, get the details first. it'll make writing it so much easier.
as for getting the original idea, focus on something you're passonate about, then show why you're passonate about it in your film.
if you write about something you only kinda like, it'll show in the final product and it won't be as good as it could have been.
hope this helps.
-A.P
as for getting the original idea, focus on something you're passonate about, then show why you're passonate about it in your film.
if you write about something you only kinda like, it'll show in the final product and it won't be as good as it could have been.
hope this helps.
-A.P
First, realize that there's no such thing as writer's block. There's fear and there's stress. By calling it writer's block, you're giving it more power than it actually has and making it out like this big, mystical thing. Either you're stressed out (usually about something not related to writing) and that's causing you to have a hard time writing or you're afraid of writing (either afraid it won't be good enough, or afraid no one will take you seriously, or afraid of what comes next, after you've finished writing). Figure out whether it's fear or stress that's keeping you from writing and then do something to address that. In either case, sometimes a forced hiatus from writing for a few days can get you past it.
But the quickest way to get over "writer's block" (especially when it's really fear) is to write. Doesn't matter what it is or if it's any good. Just write. If you absolutely can't force yourself to write, then just type something. Find a screenplay for a movie you enjoyed and start re-typing it. You'll probably find that you're itching to start working on your own project.
But the quickest way to get over "writer's block" (especially when it's really fear) is to write. Doesn't matter what it is or if it's any good. Just write. If you absolutely can't force yourself to write, then just type something. Find a screenplay for a movie you enjoyed and start re-typing it. You'll probably find that you're itching to start working on your own project.
laurenvictoria,
I agree in part & possibility with many of the comments read in this thread but can't say for sure if any one is right or wrong. I have never had writer's block.
Maybe it is a matter of attitude? Curiosity? Wisdom (no it can't be that... I am not that smart)?
Maybe if I explain how I work -- it might throw some ideas of how one can avoid what is called "Writer's Block"?
I read a lot -- just finished the Stieg Larsson trilogy (awesome) in past week. I love history and not shy with research. I watch a lot of movies (good and bad) this week watched 8 movies (plus True Blood, Breaking Bad -- equally awesome). I spend quality time with wife, son and dog. I exercise constantly. Write every day, (at least four hours minimum) with NO excuses. I keep a note book at hand, write down dreams, nightmares and other illusions, the dialogue that surrounds me where ever I may find myself... a must for listening to how people talk realistically. Video tape (with DVcam) locations I may find myself, whether it be Hollywood, Boston, Deadwood or Playa del Carmen... great for location information.
For the writing; I have several scripts always waiting for a rewrite or a first draft, wanting to be born from notes. First draft comes after 3 act outline (with plot points) and character histories (with arcs). When I do a first draft -- I work till done, which takes about three to five days. The first draft is (usually very creative but a crap write) set aside for at least three months, sometimes six, rarely nine. Then re-read, analyzed on value, is there a marketable audience? If I deem that there is -- I start re-writing. Many scripts can take up to twenty re writes. I lend out those rewrites to friends that are librarians or interested friends (never family) and enjoy the reads. Get lots of honest feed back -- not thin-skinned. Sometimes I will do a read-through (with friends that are actors or film-makers) for polishing.
Then I polish.
After all this -- most of my work is still not perfect -- far from it. Some scripts shine better than others.
Yes, writing is a lot of work. You have to love it. And write, constantly. Always listen to others.
Hope this helps you, I am not rich or famous but I do love writing (and all other aspects of film making).
I agree in part & possibility with many of the comments read in this thread but can't say for sure if any one is right or wrong. I have never had writer's block.
Maybe it is a matter of attitude? Curiosity? Wisdom (no it can't be that... I am not that smart)?
Maybe if I explain how I work -- it might throw some ideas of how one can avoid what is called "Writer's Block"?
I read a lot -- just finished the Stieg Larsson trilogy (awesome) in past week. I love history and not shy with research. I watch a lot of movies (good and bad) this week watched 8 movies (plus True Blood, Breaking Bad -- equally awesome). I spend quality time with wife, son and dog. I exercise constantly. Write every day, (at least four hours minimum) with NO excuses. I keep a note book at hand, write down dreams, nightmares and other illusions, the dialogue that surrounds me where ever I may find myself... a must for listening to how people talk realistically. Video tape (with DVcam) locations I may find myself, whether it be Hollywood, Boston, Deadwood or Playa del Carmen... great for location information.
For the writing; I have several scripts always waiting for a rewrite or a first draft, wanting to be born from notes. First draft comes after 3 act outline (with plot points) and character histories (with arcs). When I do a first draft -- I work till done, which takes about three to five days. The first draft is (usually very creative but a crap write) set aside for at least three months, sometimes six, rarely nine. Then re-read, analyzed on value, is there a marketable audience? If I deem that there is -- I start re-writing. Many scripts can take up to twenty re writes. I lend out those rewrites to friends that are librarians or interested friends (never family) and enjoy the reads. Get lots of honest feed back -- not thin-skinned. Sometimes I will do a read-through (with friends that are actors or film-makers) for polishing.
Then I polish.
After all this -- most of my work is still not perfect -- far from it. Some scripts shine better than others.
Yes, writing is a lot of work. You have to love it. And write, constantly. Always listen to others.
Hope this helps you, I am not rich or famous but I do love writing (and all other aspects of film making).
I find alot of my ideas come at 2 in the morning, so I'd just pay attention to those times between wake and sleep and when something hits you, write it down and quick, don't put it off till the morning.
Don't know if you get ideas that way, but it sometimes helps to break the block
Don't know if you get ideas that way, but it sometimes helps to break the block
Watch a lot of moviess until something inspires you. If you are having writer's block, watch movies all having something to do with what you want to write about to see how it's been done before.
The world is brimming with stories, past and present. They're all around us waiting to be plucked from the vine. Read the paper, hit the library, ask yourself the big questions...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHVqxD8PNq8
Well, I guess Robert McKee seems to think so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHVqxD8PNq8
Well, I guess Robert McKee seems to think so.
Watch a bad movie. Nothing gets me fired up like watching other people's crap!
That's funny. When I was about 15 I started playing the drums because at the time I was listening to a lot of ELO and the drumming of Bev Bevan made we want to do better.
Back on topic when stuck for a musical idea I go for a drive or a walk and get lost in my own head. Always works.
What I ought to say is just like there is no such thing as monster, there is no such monster as writer's block. In my experiences writing, just like texting, T.V., Play Station, Xbox etc., is a habit. And professional writers make that habit an addiction. Have a look at professional writers, most of them care least about their dresses and looks.
But the first thing that they care about is whether they have their notebooks, pen and pencils with them. Today, in spite of many technological advancements, most of the writers still prefer traditional Notebooks or Journals. That's the beauty of writing, it's natural.
When it comes to screenwriting, apart from the rough preparations, a computer or laptop is necessary for Formatting it. Because you can't let the rules and regulations come in the way of our creative process. Hence screenwriters prefer computer. Ultimately what counts is the Story and the way it is being told. Before writing a screenplay it is necessary to understand what it is? and what it's not? (Refer some books by Syd Field). A screenplay is a story told in pictures and you must keep it in mind.
You asked about inspiration, fine. What inspires me is music! I'll be waiting for the release of new albums so that I can get some inspiration by listening to them. Good musics trigger that creative energy for most of the people. But this isn't over yet. After you produce a concept and a rough story line within your mind, it's about travelling to different places, where you haven't been for a long time. This may help you in elaborating your concept into a story line.
Now comes the part where you divide your story line into beginning middle and end. And hence followed by characters. You must write some back stories and biographies about your Characters, spend some more time on this particular stage. Because most successful stories are character driven. Decide what genre you want to write.
For events that take place in the story, refer some newspapers if you think that your mind isn't producing satisfactory ideas. You can also turn on your TV, and keep changing the channels, and be surprised when an unexpected idea pops in outta nowhere!
If you are not able to write good dialogues, you can listen to a speech. If possible try listening to a speech on the related topic. And you can pay a visit to Cafe, listen to the people, find a person who looks similar to your character and listen to whatever he speaks. This is very helpful.
DREAM is an excellent source of idea for writers, particularly screenwriters. But make sure you make note of what dream you had immediately after you wake up. Some times crazy thoughts and quotes keep popping in outta nowhere. Note them before they are erased outta your memory. Also try writing about some of your own experiences.
This is what you can do. But this is what you don't do... Don't compare your material with other's, it's too misleading. When you tell your story to someone, if they respond with a strange expression don't think that they are not excited about your idea. They are excited about your idea. And sometimes they may smile at bad ideas to make others feel better Don't try to be perfect, give your 110% and leave the rest to destiny. If you are writing for others then make sure you write what they want. If you are writing for your own movie, then feel free to express yourself. Don't burden yourself by trying to write all at once. Divide it into several sessions. Spend more time on re-writing rather than the first draft, according to my experience, first draft always stinks, it's never great. It's just like a JIGSAW puzzle. Rewriting is more like solving a puzzle. Remember great stories have great conflict, so during ACT 2 try getting into the feet of Hitler and trouble your Character, be merciless. During ACT 3 get into the feet of Jesus and give your Character a perfect, happy ending.
And make sure that you pitch your material effectively. This is by far the most important stage of screenplay marketing. Get into the feet of Bill Gates during this stage. Stay in contact with the person to whom you want to sell the Script.
All the best and happy Screenwriting
But the first thing that they care about is whether they have their notebooks, pen and pencils with them. Today, in spite of many technological advancements, most of the writers still prefer traditional Notebooks or Journals. That's the beauty of writing, it's natural.
When it comes to screenwriting, apart from the rough preparations, a computer or laptop is necessary for Formatting it. Because you can't let the rules and regulations come in the way of our creative process. Hence screenwriters prefer computer. Ultimately what counts is the Story and the way it is being told. Before writing a screenplay it is necessary to understand what it is? and what it's not? (Refer some books by Syd Field). A screenplay is a story told in pictures and you must keep it in mind.
You asked about inspiration, fine. What inspires me is music! I'll be waiting for the release of new albums so that I can get some inspiration by listening to them. Good musics trigger that creative energy for most of the people. But this isn't over yet. After you produce a concept and a rough story line within your mind, it's about travelling to different places, where you haven't been for a long time. This may help you in elaborating your concept into a story line.
Now comes the part where you divide your story line into beginning middle and end. And hence followed by characters. You must write some back stories and biographies about your Characters, spend some more time on this particular stage. Because most successful stories are character driven. Decide what genre you want to write.
For events that take place in the story, refer some newspapers if you think that your mind isn't producing satisfactory ideas. You can also turn on your TV, and keep changing the channels, and be surprised when an unexpected idea pops in outta nowhere!
If you are not able to write good dialogues, you can listen to a speech. If possible try listening to a speech on the related topic. And you can pay a visit to Cafe, listen to the people, find a person who looks similar to your character and listen to whatever he speaks. This is very helpful.
DREAM is an excellent source of idea for writers, particularly screenwriters. But make sure you make note of what dream you had immediately after you wake up. Some times crazy thoughts and quotes keep popping in outta nowhere. Note them before they are erased outta your memory. Also try writing about some of your own experiences.
This is what you can do. But this is what you don't do... Don't compare your material with other's, it's too misleading. When you tell your story to someone, if they respond with a strange expression don't think that they are not excited about your idea. They are excited about your idea. And sometimes they may smile at bad ideas to make others feel better
Don't try to be perfect, give your 110% and leave the rest to destiny. If you are writing for others then make sure you write what they want. If you are writing for your own movie, then feel free to express yourself. Don't burden yourself by trying to write all at once. Divide it into several sessions. Spend more time on re-writing rather than the first draft, according to my experience, first draft always stinks, it's never great. It's just like a JIGSAW puzzle. Rewriting is more like solving a puzzle. Remember great stories have great conflict, so during ACT 2 try getting into the feet of Hitler and trouble your Character, be merciless. During ACT 3 get into the feet of Jesus and give your Character a perfect, happy ending. And make sure that you pitch your material effectively. This is by far the most important stage of screenplay marketing. Get into the feet of Bill Gates during this stage. Stay in contact with the person to whom you want to sell the Script.
All the best and happy Screenwriting
