The Script
As any established filmmaker can attest, a successful film begins with a great script. Without it, you're asking for trouble from the word go. Not only will your production be tough to finance, but you'll have a hard time getting a studio, production company, investors, or anyone excited about it in general. Writing a great script is all about doing your homework, and that means researching every aspect of your characters, homing in on your plot, storyline, pace, and all elements of suspense and conflict.
Keep in mind that the same principles apply whether you're hiring a writer or team of writers to bring your vision to life or you're writing your own script. In the first instance, just as much time and energy should be invested in order to feel comfortable pitching and getting people enthusiastic about your script.
It's also important that you feel comfortable with the genre you've selected. If you're a dedicated science fiction fan, you may not get enthused about a historical romance or comedy western. Forcing yourself to write a genre that doesn't interest you will most likely produce unsatisfactory results.
So before you even consider loading your first camera, you need to learn everything there is to know about your film and its characters. Only then will you be able to continue your motion picture endeavor with complete confidence (see Chapter 2).
Airplane! Meets Predator
It's often said that in Hollywood there's no such thing as an original idea, that everything has been done on one scale or another. In some instances that may be true, given that certain genres tend to rehash the same old story. On any given day, you can find several science fiction films featuring genetic mutants gone horribly wrong or kickboxer flicks where a couple of guys spend the final hour beating the tar out of each other.
Original ideas are still possible if you take the time to research your story and characters, paying special attention to plots or quirks that you can add to give your film a different spin. Quite often, when it comes to
Why Write First?
It will be debated until the end of time, but arguably the most important element of a film (aside from funding) is the script. Logically then, it makes sense that before you do anything you need to write a screenplay, acquire a screenplay, or hire someone to write a screenplay. Without one, or at least a story synopsis or treatment, you'll have nothing to pitch to studios, production companies, or potential investors.
Writing the script first also has a host of benefits that will help your film in the long run. A finished script will enable you to better understand your story and examine its strengths and weaknesses, to ascertain financing and budgetary requirements, and, above all, to have the chance to absorb your characters. The better you know your script, the better off you will be when it comes time to sell your idea.
