Cinephile

The Miseducation of Ali

thewritingwaif — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:18:19 +0000

I’ve read my fair share of how-to articles, tips, and overly formuleic guides to writing the next big blockbuster, but there’s a problem. I don’t want to write the next big blockbuster. Or predictable romantic comedy. I want to write outside the lines, or atleast learn the basic rules to story so I can bend them. So I picked up the one book most recommended by accomplished writers and teachers alike: Screenplay by Syd Field. In the first chapter he covers the basics of what a screenplay is. One minute equals one page, thus the average 2 hour movie is 120 pages long. There are three acts. The basic set up is illustrated in a table, like this:

In the beginning…

thewritingwaif — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:21:31 +0000

Who’s reading this? I don’t know, and frankly it’s not important. This is a mission of creative self discovery, the documentation serves only to structure that which cannot be structured, to discipline the untameable inspiration of one eager notebook filler. In other words, this internet diary is a mirror I plan to hold up to myself periodically as I attempt to write my first full length screenplay. I will read many books, take many notes, and watch many more movies than usual in hopes of going from amateur to maverick in one short summer. And all will be filed for this faceless audience’s enjoyment. God bless the internet.

Yours Truly,

Ali