Screenwriting – The Inner Movie Method
There are many books on screenwriting that give you a formula or set of rules to build (and sell) your script. Having read a number of them over the years, the one I go back to for a little inspiration from time to time is a “How to Write a Movie in 21 Days” by Viki King. It was originally written in 1988 by Ms King who is a writer, script consultant and lecturer who lives in Los Angeles. A small book in comparison to others but easy to read and packed with good information.
The Inner Movie Method that it explains is based upon the premise “Write from your heart. Re-write from your head”. Let your creative side have space to write what comes to your heart. Then let the analytic side of your head decide whether it is good or bad and which parts need tweaking. Along side this there is a lot of solid advice on planning, organisation and writing techniques that show you how to produce a script in 21 days.
The thing that stands out for me is the fact that it talks about all those little obstacles that are put in our way (or we put in our own way) and how to overcome them. The psychological traps.
I always come away thinking “Yeah. I can do that!” I find re-reading it quite motivational and good for demolishing writer’s block.
How do you write a 120 page script? Easy, break it down into chunks. Where should the characters be (psychologically, philosophically and geographically) at various points in the script? Write in short quick bursts. Picture it in your head. Actions speak louder than words. Think cinematically. Re-write with your more critical head on. Produce a final script you are proud of.
This book is a great but inexpensive resource to dip into to provide you with a slightly different perspective on how to write scripts. A must for every budding screenwriter.
Tagged with: Screenwriting • viki king
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Hello Dave,
I just came across your kind commentary on my book.
Thank you so much.
All best good fortune to you with your good website.
Viki King
I agree. This is the easiest book to read about writing a screenplay. It demonstrates that there’s nothing mysterious or special about writing a movie – if you have a story to tell, and you can write, you can write a movie.
I always thought that writing a movie was like writing a novel – a huge undertaking – but it’s not. You only need to write 120 pages to make a screenplay.
All the time I was reading this book, I just wanted to start typing – it really motivated me.