Just this afternoon I wrote that first blog and after that the excitement was just a little too toxic. My initial plan was to write one blog everyday (or at least one every week). But the idea of blogging; be it new, it is kinda addictive! So here I am at midnight the same day (technically next, it is past 12) writing my second one!
I hope the excitement and addiction becomes consistent!
So while thinking about what to write next; I couldn’t rule out the idea of writing the story of how I began writing screenplays.
And here is how it happened!
Like I mentioned in my previous blog, I began writing when the pandemic began. Up until that point I had a passion for cinema, I had cool movie ideas but for some reason I just couldn't translate those ideas into pages and pages of screenplays. Actually I knew what the reason was. It was simple. I didn't know the format. And was too lazy (or unmotivated) to google it up. Actually I did google it up and ended up watching tutorials that nearly got me to the thought: “Alright, writing isn't for me!”.
When the pandemic began I was sent back home from college (was a hosteller). Finally a miracle happened! The miracle was nothing but boredom!
I was watching this video of Baradwaj Rangan on youtube (this guy is the teacher that I never had; more like an indirect mentor). It was a discussion about the movie “Aaranya Kaandam”.
You guys should totally check out this movie. Easily a cult classic. (PS: Strangely, the other movie of this director “Super Deluxe” was something that inspired me and planted the dream of making movies).
So I had that video of my Youtube feed. Clicked on it. The first thing BR said was “the screenplay of the movie is on the website, go check it out”.
Up until that point I didn't know such a thing existed; where people upload their movie screenplays online.
Next up, I paused the video right there. Went to the website. Downloaded the pdf.
And the reading began!
I guess I finished reading it the same day! (still have that in my phone, I referred to it later on for all “format” related doubts).
The writing process and the format was no more greek and latin!
“This is easy. I could do this!” were my thoughts exactly.
Once I was done reading the script, I went ahead and watched the movie. I’ve seen the movie multiple times before, but this time it was different. The whole experience was magical. It was like you read something. Something that is just words and sentences. Mere text. And right after that you watch the same thing with audio and visuals.
It all made sense now!
The script to screen transformation!
I felt like I saw right through the “behind the scenes”!
Later on I applied the same formula/format and converted one of the ideas I had into a written screenplay.
I wouldn't call it divine. But that was a good feeling!
I mean, you give life and a physical form to something that was just an idea/thought within your head.
So to sum it up, if you wanna begin with screenwriting this is something you all should definitely try. Pick a movie you like. Download the screenplay. Read it. Watch the movie.
This time you’ll see the same movie with a very different perspective!
You’ll love it even more!
Appreciate it better!
And maybe write your first screenplay!
This is definitely the first step. There is more to screenwriting. You’ll have tons of doubts later. Doubts regarding the format, the techniques and so many more. I had them too. I’ll definitely write about them in later blogs.
It is quite natural to have doubts when you venture into something new. Everybody does. Just give it time. And keep writing.
You’ll find your answers!
And you’ll keep writing!