The SoCreate Weekly Museletter
How to Treat Your Treatment, BLADE RUNNER Q&A, and 4 Common Problems in Your Characters' Convos!
Hey, SoCreators!
We’re excited you’ve returned for another round of writing challenges and learning opportunities. Peruse the Museletter to find your writing inspiration this week!
Week 3: Let’s Write a Screenplay in 2024!
We’re now in the third week of our journey to write a screenplay by the end of this year, if not sooner. This week, we’re focusing on writing a treatment for our stories.
A film treatment is like a blueprint for your screenplay. It’s a document written in prose meant to summarize your story.
Some people save the treatment for the end to use as a pitching tool, but we like to use it as a planning tool first. Writing a treatment first will help you organize your thoughts, so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you start writing your script!
There’s no industry standard for a treatment, so don’t stress about the format. It should include:
A logline (we worked on a version of this in week 1, but you can refine it here)
Character descriptions (we worked on this for your protagonist and antagonist last week)
Summary
Act by act breakdown of your plot
The ending
Your treatment should end up being anywhere between three and five pages long.
Get our handy guide for writing a film treatment here.
And then, be inspired by these 5 film treatment examples!
As always, we hope you’ll share your struggles, successes, and maybe even some writing samples over in our Facebook Group. Join here.
Level up your creativity with SoCreate, the easiest way to create a blockbuster screenplay!
NEXT WEEK! Exclusive Blade Runner Q&A with Screenwriter Hampton Fancher
Join us for a thrilling live virtual Q&A with the legendary Hampton Fancher, screenwriter of Blade Runner, in collaboration with Picturehouse 441. Dive into the world of this iconic film and explore its unique blend of film noir, science fiction, and dystopian drama next week.
When: January 23, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Where: Virtual
Grab this chance to engage with the mind behind one of cinema's most influential works. Use SoCreate’s exclusive discount to access the Q&A for just $4 bucks. CODE: SC441
Learn, get inspired, and uncover the secrets behind Blade Runner's enduring legacy!
Exploring This Week’s Featured Blogs
Say What? Screenwriting Terms and Meanings
Unlock the language of screenwriting with SoCreate's comprehensive guide! This blog demystifies the jargon and terms unique to the world of screenwriting. Perfect for beginners and seasoned writers alike, it ensures you're well-versed in the language of the trade. Dive into the world of screenwriting terminology here and speak the language like a pro!
4 Common Dialogue Problems in a Script
Refine your script's dialogue with this dialogue analysis! We delve into the four most common dialogue issues that screenwriters face and offer practical solutions to elevate your characters’ conversations. Avoid common pitfalls and turn your script's dialogue into a compelling and authentic exchange. Start transforming your screenplay's dialogue today!
Acts, Scenes, and Sequences: How Long Should Each Be?
Navigate the structure of your screenplay with precision using SoCreate's expert guide! We break down the ideal lengths for acts, scenes, and sequences in an industry-standard screenplay. Learn how to balance pacing, maintain narrative flow, and keep your audience engaged from start to finish. Explore the art of screenplay structure here and craft your story with confidence!
SoCreate’s Weekly Writing Challenge
Short on time but eager to flex your creative muscles? Complete our weekly writing challenge! Each week, we provide a unique set of prompts to spark your imagination and get your writing flowing. Plus, for an effortless start, use the link below to jump directly into SoCreate Writer. No account needed – just start crafting your story instantly!*
Location: Outside (EXT) – Abandoned Theater – Late Evening
Characters: Alex (24), an aspiring playwright; Jordan (27), a jaded tour guide
Scene Description: The once-grand Esther Theatre now stands abandoned and boarded up. Alex, carrying a tattered script, and Jordan, with a camera around her neck, meet unexpectedly under the theater’s decaying marquise.
Prompt: Write a scene where Alex and Jordan begin a conversation in front of the theater and their personal stories and motivations for being there unfold.
*You can use SoCreate without an account, but you will not be able to save your work.
New Screenwriting Internships Available Now
We’ve just added several new internship opportunities to our running list. Check them out if you’re looking to break into the entertainment industry!
Highlights this week include:
The Burstein Company, a boutique talent management company with A-List actors, writers, and directors seeks two spring 2024 interns to work remotely. Candidates should feel very comfortable with reading scripts and writing clear and concise script coverage. Additional responsibilities could include administrative tasks and general office support to two talent managers.
That's it for this week's Museletter! Remember, every word you write gets you closer to your dream script. Stay creative, tackle those challenges head-on, and have fun with your writing. Here's to a week full of inspiration and awesome progress. Happy writing!
<3 Your friends at SoCreate
Level up your creativity with SoCreate, the easiest way to create a blockbuster screenplay!