When writing a script, how much outlining do you do. Do you just do simple bullet points, whole paragraphs? I'm planning on outlining a script, and just wondered which was the best way to go about it.
Thanks
Outlining
I get the main plot roughly penned down and then a rough idea of sub plot so I can see how they will interact. I have a big flip chart I write the episode ideas then refine it down into a paragraph. It's whwat ever you find easiest to remember details on the plot if you have to come bck to it after a few weeks.
It's important to know where you're going. It relaxes the mind and gets the comedy flowing. I usually:
'Beat Sheet' - 6-9 plot points for main story, 2-5 for minor
First Outline
Second Outline
First Draft
Second draft
... Works for me anyway.
Three line synopsis
extended to
Ten line synopsis (ten scenes -- see what I did there?)
extended to
Paragraph on each scene
extended to
Every little thing that happens in the scene to minute detail with no dialogue
extended to
Dialogue (which is the first draft).
So at a point, my outline is about 15 pages long with every little thing that happens in it.
Dan
I basically do what Sweytd does, it's a smart way of developing your story as I basically did the first 2 then jumped into the draft (I was young and wanted to write).
Quote: paul watson @ May 25, 2007, 1:08 PMI basically do what Sweytd does, it's a smart way of developing your story as I basically did the first 2 then jumped into the draft (I was young and wanted to write).
Same reason for me. You live and learn, eh Paul? 
Dan
Or you can think of a great scene, write it out word for word and then try and build a six episode series around it. Anyone? Oh... ok.
Thanks for the replies
Ten line synopsis (ten scenes -- see what I did there?)
So, a line for every scene?
Quote: oddjob @ May 26, 2007, 8:20 AMSo, a line for every scene?
I don't think there's a set way to do it, you just do it how you feel.
If you have an idea for a plot - write a key scene between characters, does it work, is it funny?
You don't have to outline the plot in minute detail before you even write a joke because it can be difficult - do a bit of writing as you go along to see how it works. That's what I do.
I found having a blank page with columns for each character then just going across the columns and writing a bit for any character in a scene (leaving gaps for ones not in a scene) then putting a line under it and then doing the next scene. You can see who's in what bit, and if one character is in the episode too much or not enough. I found that very useful.
Basically I like to plan and write a bit at the time because it's more enjoyable and the more enjoyable it is, the funnier you can make it. As said it's good to know what the key aim for the scene is and where it's going.
It's amazing how planning does help, but don't feel that if you don't plan it down to the last detail you're not a proper writer or anything.
(What a useful first post . . . Oh, HELLO!)
I write a short paragraph for every scene, outlining everything that needs to happen in the scene to develop the plot. Then I expand on them. And then when I write it, all I have to do is the dialogue.
Hey Seefacts, Welcome.
Hello!
I was going to start an intro thread saying this: Hello!
But decided against it.
Their overrated anyway.
Outlines and beat sheets seem to differ a bit. I've been told that writing an outline and then a beat sheet can really help; should I do both and, if so, in what order?
Thanks.
A THREE YEAR OLD THREAD!
Wow.