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While I do mention STC and Campbell for structure, I only recommend that for when you're outlining a project.

Posted by: skamanfu on Jan 11, 14:57 in response to numbersix_99's post I also work in development (skamanfu, would love to know...

They should be taken as advice, but no need to follow it 100%. I hate nothing more than reading a 110 page script and finding that EVERY beat happens on the exact page recommended. It leads to cliched and predictable storytelling.

I was in the STC LA writing group for a bit, but dropped out when I got more than one note of "your catalyst doesn't happen on page 12." WTF, it is a guidline and not a rule. The only rule to follow 100% is formatting and all the rest of the rules are made to be broken, but you gotta know the rules to know how to break them.

Also, as Number stated, things are different in different markets, but story is still story. It is all about the character and their journey. What makes them interesting and their arc is all about how you decide to tell the story. Every story could be told several different ways.

Heck, look at White House Down and Olympus Has Fallen. Two similar concepts, but completely different ways of handling the "Die Hard in the White House" concept.

So dig in. Have fun. And once you have a solid draft (which won't be the 1st), get some feedback from people that know screenwriting. Make sure it isn't family and friends that will only give you the positive, as you won't learn that way. Find those readers that will tear it apart and point out what doesn't work, otherwise you'll never grow as a writer and a story teller.

Guys, I have a question... accountant_4_Jesus Jan 10, 16:30

I have an answer... skamanfu Jan 10, 18:45

Very nice overview. You ARE a writer! :-) {nm} elchan Jan 10, 19:01

Wave Goodbye slappydavid Jan 10, 19:14

To "share", not to "post". You can post anytime you want... :) {nm} slappydavid Jan 10, 19:16

thanks for that write-up...i like "behind the curtain" stuff like this {nm} tealfan Jan 10, 19:17

Thank you very much, all of you. accountant_4_Jesus Jan 12, 18:53

And I'm sure we have some other writers/directors/producers that could possibly chime in. If I've learned anything it is... skamanfu Jan 10, 18:48

don't do it charlie Jan 10, 19:07

I like that Charlie also gives the flip side to the arguement. It is a very, very, very tough industry that is hard to break into... skamanfu Jan 11, 14:48

i was an attorney. i gave it all up to move out here myself. i'm just saying be brutally honest, not only about your intent and dedication charlie Jan 11, 15:45

I also work in development (skamanfu, would love to know who you work for!) and my advce is simple... numbersix_99 Jan 11, 04:58