A Good Exercise for Scripts

I just did this with my script outline, and it was quite helpful (though humbling).

The purpose here is to see just how original your idea is, relative to the Star Wars films and other fanfilms. It's also a good way to tighten up your plot.

Granted, some people may not want to be original, as an homage to Star Wars, for example. There's nothing wrong with this, of course, but for myself, I'm tempted to go out and EXPLORE the universe GL created, rather than frequent the same places as everyone else.

Here it is...

1. Sit down with a copy of your script.
2. Reduce writing describing any visual fx sequences to simple phrases like "forest fight."
3. Do the same with all fight sequences.
4. Cross out all dialogue meant as a subtle reference to the original films (ie, "It's not my fault!")

*Fight sequences that introduce IMPORTANT plot points can become "Forest fight. Master Yoda says something important".

Now see what you're left with. Does it bore you? If no, congratulations...I'll definitely be looking forward to your fanfilm. If yes, don't despair...here's a couple things I did to beef up my inter-fight/sfx stuff.

1. Flesh out your villains...after all, they ARE people, too, rather than action figures...more Darth Vader, less Darth Maul.

2. Introduce a subplot. For me, it was as simple as tension between two characters supposedly fighting for the same side.

3. Work on your dialogue...it really helps to read it out loud to yourself. Mine tended toward either clichés or long, boring, philosophical discourses on the nature of the Force, good, and evil. Real people rarely use either.

As you see, I have no RULE against fanfilm clichés (ie, forests and double-bladed lightsabers). The problem is, it's hard for most of us to top the likes of Duality and Broken Allegiance when it comes to effects and fight sequences. Investing some time into your script is probably the cheapest way to make your film stand out, forests and all.

 

Not only the cheapest, but the best.

Although the fight in BA is easy to top, no offense to those involved.

M. Scott