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Ray Morton #Scriptchat Transcript - July 26, 2015
Tonight we chatted with professional script reader and author Ray Morton @RayMorton1 about tips to make your script standout. Enjoy! @jeannevb
IT’s #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK with pro script reader @RayMorton1. Join in! Best site to chat here: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
#scriptchat nothing that was test tweet ;)
@blueneumann Hey Chris! :) *waves* #scriptchat- @writeranthonydp Aww. Good to know! :) #scriptchat
#scriptchat Hi Chris and all.- @RayMorton1 Hello Ray and welcome! *waves* Great to have you here #scriptchat
Good evening, Ray. May we call you Ray? #scriptchat- @RayMorton1 so excited to have you here, Ray! #scriptchat
Yes you may #scriptchat
hello everyone! #scriptchat- @47young1 Hey Jen! *hugs* *waves* #scriptchat
- @tjbalfe Hey Tom! *waves* #scriptchat
- @DanOBannonBook Hey, Matt! Great to see you here. #scriptchat
- Thanks, Jeanne. Happy to be here #scriptchat
Hello all you happy people. #scriptchat- hey Chris! :) #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 :) Hey David! *waves* #scriptchat
- @tjbalfe Hey how are you? #scriptchat
- So for those who don't know @RayMorton1, he's a pro script reader & a contributor for @scriptmag forever. Well, close to it. #scriptchat
- That's about right. : ) #scriptchat
- What gripping subject do we have on #scriptchat tonight?
- So all those questions you have for script readers & how to get past them, shoot @RayMorton1's way. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 *waves back* #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I like your tweets ray.
- @sarah: most common: dramatize everything! #scriptchat
@RayMorton1 Q: what do you keep hoping to see in a script but never do? #scriptchat- Too many new writers write out exposition as in a novel #scriptchat
- @RayMorton Q: can you tell by page 10 if you're going to like a script most of the time? #scriptchat
- @chris H: Can you clarify? What do you mean by "approach"? #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Ray grumbled as he typed that response, recalling nights spent poring over needless paragraphs of description #scriptchat
- so many questions, lots of typing #scriptchat
- @Tom. Maybe not by page 10, but usually pretty early on #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 By approach, I mean, what are some of the typical ways/tips you give writers on how they can work on rewriting? #scriptchat
@RayMorton1 I've heard that 2 lines of description and then a break are now the standard. Is that true? #scriptchat- @ray I'm reading The Imitation Game and I'm enjoying its so much I nearly forgot to join scriptchat #scriptchat
- @sarah: What hooks me is some interesting or exciting event or a character doing something compelling or offbeat #scriptchat
- @sarah: Something that makes me want to know what happens next #scriptchat
- @chris H: I usually try to determine what the intent of the writer was in creating this particular story and then give him notes #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 An idea keeps coming back to write (and back and back)...I can't seem to come up with a coherent starting point?
- @chris H: that will allow him to make his points more clearly and strongly #scriptchat
Hi @RayMorton1, besides knowing someone who knows someone, or via agent, what are some ways new writers get specs to readers? #scriptchat- @chris H: By clarifying the premise, focusing the narrative and the protag's arc, etc. #scriptchat
@RayMorton1 Whose style are current writers most mimicking? Years ago they all wanted to be Tarantino. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1's articles post on @scriptmag first Friday of each month. He has a good one coming up :) http://www.scriptmag.com/author/raymorton … #scriptchat
- #scriptchat Do main characters really need an arc?
- @jon James: Don't worry too much about line to white space ratio. That's a fake script consultant notion #scriptchat
@RayMorton1 could you rate the matter of importance to you - 1st scene, 1st pg, 10thpg #scriptchat- @doc: There are still a lot of Tarantino imitators out there. These days, most writers copy gimmicks rather than writers #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Q: What advice would you give for people who haven't found a way yet to simplify/strengthen a concept? #scriptchat
- @doc: most overused gimmick today: non-linear storytelling. Such a bore #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Like, what if the concept you've written can't be easily described in a logline, w/a hook or irony in it? #scriptchat
- @Dave_Bullis thanks, Dave! #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 i know that it's a sign that the story itself needs work. I'm finding myself in that situation right now #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 are you referring to a "Kingsman" issue? #scriptchat
- @Anthony. Yes they do. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann I asked because I've begun reading "Save The Cat" and I just can't seem to find the "irony" in my concept #scriptchat
- @windar. What you listed, in that order. #scriptchat
- @blueneumann And I'm frustrated because I can't seem to understand what that means, or how to apply it to my scripts #scriptchat
- @chris H. I wouldn't worry so much about a logline, #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Non-linear storytelling only works when you are only bringing in what is absolutely relevant at that very moment. #scriptchat
- @ray for the setup & payoffs, you like seeing dialogue, action or visuals mostly? #scriptchat
@RayMorton1 One of the hardest things to master is subtext. Do you have any advice on how to write subtext? #scriptchat- @chris H but it you can't describe your concept in a few short sentences, it's because there's something off #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 What if writers threw preconceived or taught or "the now" out the door and just went for it?
- @chris H -- too many ideas, poor focus, etc. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 I've asked mainly because I started reading Save The Cat, and I can't seem to find the "irony" in my concept #scriptchat
- @chris H. Don't get too hung up on Save the Cat. Please. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat Main characters should arc but what about the ones that dont ripley, richard kimble, john mcclane
- @RayMorton1 But I definitely understand what you're saying. Would like to get the concept easy to describe #scriptchat
- @jenzy -- can you clarify -- preconceived what? #scriptchat
- @AGSfilmmaker Hey! *waves* #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 How do readers feel about flashbacks? I've heard some can't stand them even if they're central to story. #scriptchat
- @Anthony: Ripley, Kimbel, and McClane most definitely have arcs #scriptchat
- @jon: I tend to loathe flashbacks. I find most use of them to be incredibly lazy #scriptchat
- @jon a lazy way of delivering exposition or of trying to create a false sense of excitement #scriptchat
- @47young1 @RayMorton1 @filmwritr4 Tons of screenwriting opinions out there. Just write a great damn story. All else will follow. #scriptchat
- Do you feel the same about voiceover ? #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 Wow! This is the fourth time I've "watched", but this is the first time I jumped in. By preconceived I mean>
- @matt. Usually. Most use of voiceover is very lazy. Not all, of course. But most. Esp in specs #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 the typical things one strives to attain in a script-or any piece for that matter. I think I'm asking,"Why compare>
- #scriptchat Did Gerard in the fugitive have more of an arc?
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 why follow teachings, why not develop and be HAPPY and at peace with one's own style whether it follows this or>
- #scriptchat rules are made to be broken.
Q: What's the next step once you finish your screenplay? #scriptchat- @writeranthonydp There are no rules! Only standards. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 that or whatever. @filmwritr4 led me to #scriptchat.After gleaning some info,I feel my type of writing fits nowhere
- #scriptchat Exactamundo!
- @RayMorton1 can we talk about structure for a bit? Any advice on nailing it? #scriptchat
- @AGSfilmmaker the box step. It's celebration time #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 What techniques/tips would you suggest for writing subtext? Is it a matter of the purpose of the dialogue itself? #scriptchat
- @AGSfilmmaker did you actually finish one? #scriptchat
- #scriptchat Did they need voiceover in trainwreck? Discuss....
- @jenzy: I don't know if there are preconceived notions. There are genres and the concepts of #scriptchat
- Two rewrites later, @blueneumann #scriptchat
- @jenzy dramatic writing. Your work must address those things. Beyond that, it's a pretty open field. #scriptchat
- @AGSfilmmaker way to go, dude! #scriptchat
- @Jeanne: I think the best place to start with structure is to understand the classic 3 act dramatic structure #scriptchat
- @Jeanne: All film writing since the start is based on that concept #scriptchat
- @Jeanne: If you master the 3 act structure, it will help you develop proper structure in your scripts. #scriptchat
- @Jeanne. Structure that can then be varied for your own purposes. But that is where to start #scriptchat
- @IAmWindar five act structure fan? #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 what's the number 1 thing that pulls you OUT of a story when you're reading it? #scriptchat
- @blueneumann @IAmWindar No. I believe in the 3. But there are those who love to argue against it #scriptchat
- What films have you seen in the last year that you thought were strongest from a writing standpoint? #scriptchat
- Thanks, @filmwritr. #scriptchat
- Shakespeare used a five-act structure, but when it's staged today they usually just do it at two acts like many plays. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I know someone who teaches 7 act structure
- @jeannevb @RayMorton1 what's the number 1 thing that pulls you OUT of a story when you're reading it? #scriptchat
- @writeranthonydp that. seems. a. bit. much. to. me. #scriptchat
- There is no 3 act structure "argument."#scriptchat
- I've been leaning towards 3 Acts with 11 story beats, @RayMorton1 do the story beats vary by genre? #scriptchat
- That's just a lot of posing. All dramatic narratives follow the same basic format, no matter how things are apportioned. #scriptchat
- @writeranthonydp What 7 acts would that be? #scriptchat
- #scriptchat just a way to split up act 2...
- @Jeanne: Too many flashbacks too early in the script. Beginning with pretentious voice-over. #scriptchat
- @AGSfilmmaker You're welcome :) #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 wanted to make sure you saw @DanOBannonBook's question on what are strongest written films of past year... #scriptchat
- Too much pointless detail in the descriptions. Unmotived non-linear storytelling #scriptchat
I changed the sex of my lead character. Story is sooo much better/powerful. Try it. Might not work but good exercise. #writing #scriptchat- @mowriterdxb I love doing this. #scriptchat
- @mowriterdxb - I did this for a script I rewrote for a friend in school. Made a world of difference. #scriptchat
- @Dan/Jeanne: I thought Ex-Machina was very well written. #scriptchat
- Strong structure, clever character writing #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 - Agreed. An almost novelistic level of thematic complexity. Then again, Garland IS a novelist. #scriptchat
- I think that has been my favorite script of the year so far #scriptchat
- A theme in many of the questions tonight is what rules to follow and what rules not to follow #scriptchat
- There's a lot of anxiety out there about that #scriptchat
- Do you think the "universe-building" concept a la Marvel Studios hurts the writing of the individual films? #scriptchat
- I would encourage everyone to learn the basic elements of dramatic writing #scriptchat
- And study the basic structure and tropes of the genre you are writing in. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Many believe if they just follow the so called rules, they increase their chances #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 Besides the main basics, are there any "rules"? We would never read the wonderful voices of diversity.
- And then just write. #scriptchat
- You mentioned Save the Cat earlier. Any screenwriting books you'd especially recommend? #scriptchat
- @windar They won't #scriptchat
- @jenzy: This whole "rules" thing is a bit of a fiction. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Exactly. I always gets bashed for saying "Just Write a great, intriguing story" #scriptchat
- @MovieMovieBlogB great advice. Thank you #scriptchat
- @jenzy: You have to tell a good story. It has to be clearly and coherently written. It has to be cinematic. Beyond that... #scriptchat
- And there it is! RT @RayMorton1: @jenzy: This whole "rules" thing is a bit of a fiction. #scriptchat
- Is there a difference between "pretentious" and useful voice over? #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 any advice on finding your writing voice? #scriptchat
- @windar. It's not just a "great story" because that's a subjective opinion. #scriptchat
- @windar> It has to be an interesting story. It has to be cinematic. If you want a studio to make it it has to be genre. #scriptchat
- @windar. And it has to be commerical #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 What advice do you have on writing visual descriptions? I know there are a lot of scripts that are very detailed #scriptchat
- @Jeanne: For your first script, write a story that has personal meaning for you and don't censor yourself. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @RayMorton1 I think that is the problem. A lot of folks try to imitate other commercial successes #scriptchat
- #scriptchat And tell us what makes great character description...
- @Jeanne: That is the best way to find your voice. And then you can bring it to your next scripts #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @RayMorton1 - If you're already established, I think you can fudge conventions a little more. #scriptchat
- @filmwritr4 @RayMorton1 - I saw the first page of Amy Schumer's TRAINWRECK script, and she had descriptions a dozen lines long. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Instead of writing in their own commercial voice/style #scriptchat
- @chris H: Write sparely. Use descriptions that capture the essence of a set or a character, rather than detailed descriptions of #scriptchat
- @DanOBannonBook I see. I don’t try to do huge blocks of description (just the bare essentials, etc.) #scriptchat
- @chris H; furnishings or the clothes a person is wearing or how many freckles they have #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Thanks Ray. :) I was thinking about that a lot. I'd only describe something aesthetic if it's relevant to the story #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Like the color of hair, walls, furniture, etc. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 The subtleties of Ex Machina and the superb writing and dialogue will not be such a commercial success?
- #scriptchat Diablo Cody's descriptions are fantastic
- RT @RayMorton1: @Jeanne: For your first script, write a story that has personal meaning for you and don't censor yourself. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Because I usually find myself writing character descriptions w/hair, wardrobe, etc. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 any advice on building tension or finding the best endings? #scriptchat
- Check our @RayMorton1’s books on Amazon too #scriptchat http://www.amazon.com/Ray-Morton/e/B001JS3CKC/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 …
- @filmwritr4 note that the hairdresser and wardrobe designer are more qualified to figure that stuff out. #scriptchat
@RayMorton1 Is it off-putting to read scripts containing colloquialisms you're unfamiliar with? British slang, etc. #scriptchat- @Jeanne: For building tension, I think a linear build is vital -- to increase the stakes as the story goes forward #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Definitely. And that's also why I don't do camera directions. DP's/camera operators know more about that stuff #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 @filmwritr4 I compare that to the author known as Anne Rice. I picture Stevie Nicks with scarves a' flowing.
- Don't interupt the flow of the story with flashbacks and asides unless they are absolutely necessary (and most times they arent) #scriptchat
- And don't allow the audience to get ahead of the characters. We should only learn info when the characters do #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Oh this drives me CRAZY! #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Can you touch on linear/non-linear story #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 - What about something like Hitchcock's famous bomb-under-the-table-example? We know it's there; characters don't. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 @filmwritr4 Less is, in many cases, more. Chris knows me too well. I talk way too much. It's true in many cases.
- #scriptchat anyone know if john wick was linear in the script ot was that the director moving stuff around?
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 Tell Tale Heart❤️
- @matt: that would be suspense. A different thing. But you can't go wrong with Hitch #scriptchat
- @ Walter. Not ones I'm unfamilar with, but ones the writer clearly is (lots of non US writers try to write in American slang) #scriptchat
- 5 more minutes ... hope you're fingers are holding up @RayMorton1 #scriptchat
- It usually doesn't work. And vice versa (americans trying to write British idiom can be quite amusing) #scriptchat
- Any plans for future Music on Film volumes? #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 Have you read Amusing Ourselves to Death by Postman? I think much of what he says pertains to the talk tonight.
- Hah! They are. This is fast and furious #scriptchat
- I'm off to watch Ray Donovan on Showtime. Need to take a break from the computer. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 TY Sir for taking the time #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 @DanOBannonBook Since you mentioned Music on Film, I should also mention I write about film music for @FSMOnlineMag #scriptchat
- Love FSM #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions, and for contributing your great insight on screenwriting #scriptchat
@writeranthonydp I think just the beginning was an in media res teaser. The rest was still traditionally linear... that I recall #scriptchat- @RayMorton1 Me too. I've done features for them for 2 years, along with reviews. #scriptchat
- You are all very welcome. Thanks for having me. #scriptchat
- thanks @RayMorton1 for being here! #scriptchat
- We appreciate your time and insights. #scriptchat
- @RayMorton1 My interviews with Lorne Balfe (Terminator: Genisys) and Gabriel Mann (Rectify) are in this month's issue. #scriptchat
- Thanks for having me guys! Thanks @jeannevb for inviting Ray to be on! Love you guys! See you next week! #scriptchat
- #scriptchat thanks hank.You rock ray!
- If anyone has any questions I can help you with, email me at ray@raymorton.com and I'll try to help #scriptchat
@RayMorton1 Thank you so much for your time. #scriptchat- cheers Ray #scriptchat
- thanks @RayMorton1, great tips. #scriptchat
- @47young1 Thanks for being here Jen. So glad you participated and would love to see you come back each week! *HUGS* <3 you #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @RayMorton1 Thank you so much. You are a delight and down to earth person. Thanks again. Honored.
How'd everyone do on their goals this week? https://www.facebook.com/writeononline #writeon #scriptchat @GuidedGoals- My first time here. I'll definitely be back soon. #scriptchat
- Thanks, everyone. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat @jeannevb Thank you. I feel very humbled. Thank you again.
- Awesome insight tonight on #scriptchat with @RayMorton1 Missed it? Wait for the transcript https://twitter.com/jeannevb/status/625470658609332224 …
- Next week we're talking about dialogue writing. #scriptchat
