| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Please Help! | 11/8/2009 |
Q: I'm a high school student from Malaysia. I'm thinking about making a play based on the movie/musical ...
A: I've been dong some research for you. Getting the rights to plays can be a confusing prospect ...
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| Technicalities of play writing... | 9/30/2009 |
Q: My question is rather involved, yet brief. I have written a few plays yet never once was I ...
A: I think this is a great question. Part of the reason why you'll be hard-pressed to find a really ...
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| Movies | 8/18/2009 |
Q: What is the choir that provides dramatic movie backgrounds? The songs without words, just dramatic ...
A: This is not my exactly area of expertise, but I do know a little about it, and I did some extra ...
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| showing not telling | 8/1/2009 |
Q: I am a visual writer and I have a prob lem with telling and not showing. My character is asian and ...
A: The first step to getting better with this is already taken care of - you know about it, and want to ...
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| hi | 7/27/2009 |
Q: am going to write a screenplay for the first time , i read about ( the 10 day screenplay system ) ...
A: I had never heard of this book before, so I checked into it a little. I think the first thing to ...
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| Biographical play | 7/8/2009 |
Q: Myself and a friend are writing a play about a historical figure (17th c). Would we need to secure ...
A: This is a question you may want to confirm with a legal expert, but I do not believe you need any ...
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| Questions on finding a screenwriting software program | 7/4/2009 |
Q: I'm an aspiring screenwriter. I have a screenwriter software program called, Movie Magic ...
A: I don't know a lot about these types of programs. I have used Movie Magic before, and I liked it. ...
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| Cartoon screenplay format | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I was just wondering if there is a difference in the structure or theory of writing a screen play ...
A: I actually do know the answer to this question, as I have several friends in this line of work. ...
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| STAGING A PAY | 4/20/2009 |
Q: i am a UCT student who just recently read the musical "poison" and was very intrigued by the play. i ...
A: I pulled this info for you. Hope it helps! Beth ----- The rights for most plays and musicals are ...
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| Adaptation | 3/16/2009 |
Q: I will soon be completing an Adaptation Agreement in order to adapt someone's book for the stage. ...
A: Hey Rachel! This is great! Congratulations. You'll want to go over that stuff with your agent ...
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| 3-Act Play | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I've done my outline and are about to write the play. Approximately how long do most 3-Act plays ...
A: The length of a play is always up to the discretion of the playwright, but on average, a full-length ...
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| playwriting | 1/14/2009 |
Q: Thanking you
A: Hey Patricia! Here's an easy answer - a play should be as long as it needs to be. Becket's Breath ...
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| rare scripts | 12/25/2008 |
Q: there is some screenplays scripts I tried to found but in vain I had checked ; ...
A: I didn't have much more luck than you did. When I can't find scripts online, I usually buy one from ...
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| phenomena | 12/11/2008 |
Q: there is some phenomena I practice want to take your opinion on ? when I m writing a scene or ...
A: I am glad that you are writing, and whatever works for you is the right way to do it. Aristotle ...
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| Legend: The Story Of Bob Marley And His Wailers: A Biographical Musical. | 11/5/2008 |
Q: My Name is Spencer and I am a screenwriter, who also loves plays and after seeing a few wanted to ...
A: Hey Spencer, There are a lot of questions here, but I'll do the best I can to give you the guidance ...
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| Playwriting format | 9/24/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of transferring into typed format/layout several handwritten plays and scenes, ...
A: Hey Thomas! I think that it depends how long your stage direction is. It could easily go either ...
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| Playwriting format | 9/23/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of transferring into typed format/layout several handwritten plays and scenes, ...
A: Hey Thomas! Yes, you're right. Formats still vary pretty wildly, but I think more modern plays are ...
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| what kind of college | 9/17/2008 |
Q: What kind of college would i take or what is the best college that i chould go to to get a BFA in ...
A: The college of your choice is going to depend on where you want to live and work. There are many ...
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| need help | 9/16/2008 |
Q: In 9th grade we had to do report on playwring and i wrote one and my teacher liked and said it was ...
A: The best thing you can do when you are in high school is read and see as many plays as you can, and ...
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| resumee/portfolio? | 9/14/2008 |
Q: I am a freshman in high school and am interested in screenwriting and storyboard writing. I was just ...
A: This is a great question. I am glad you are already starting to think about this stuff now. I was ...
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| need opinion | 9/8/2008 |
Q: I had written 2 separated scenes as a sample to proving my abilities as new screenplay writer , I ...
A: A full length screenplay usually runs between 90 - 125 pages. That goes on the assumption that each ...
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| need opinion | 9/7/2008 |
Q: I had written 2 separated scenes as a sample to proving my abilities as new screenplay writer , I ...
A: I have a rule where I don't generally read work or give feedback. That is a job better suited for a ...
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| Arthur Miller’s Crucible | 8/28/2008 |
Q: I want to know if the extra narrative in Arthur Miller’s Crucible is actually used in real life play ...
A: It's been a while since I read the Crucible, so I am not sure which extra narrative you are ...
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| Stage Play format | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I've written several screenplays, one of which is currently under option. But now I want to write a ...
A: Congratulations on your screenplay! That's great. As for stage play format, that is a funny beast. ...
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| questions | 7/4/2008 |
Q: whats your opinion about someone analyze all things around him , usually searching for trunth , ...
A: There are no qualifications for being a writer other than a being a person who feels the need to ...
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| play program | 6/21/2008 |
Q: Where could I get a free or cheap program to format screenplays? I'd appreciate any help.
A: The only free scriptwriting programs you can find are these: ...
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| can screenwriting be a full time career? | 6/7/2008 |
Q: can screenwriting be a full time career? and also i have a 50 page screen play. would that be enough ...
A: Yes, if that is what your passion is. Chances are that you will learn other skills while getting ...
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| can screenwriting be a full time career? | 6/7/2008 |
Q: can screenwriting be a full time career? and also i have a 50 page screen play. would that be enough ...
A: The short answer to your question is yes, it can be a full-time career if you are talented, ...
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| Rights | 6/4/2008 |
Q: I am a film maker from India and I want to obtain the rights of some of the works of the following ...
A: Rights clearance is not my specialty, but I get aked this quetsion a lot, and so I have done some ...
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| inquiry: How to sell articles to magazines | 5/29/2008 |
Q: Good day! I need information on the following questions. 1) What is the correct format in writing ...
A: I have written for magazines before, but it's been a while. I'll give you the best information I ...
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| question please | 5/18/2008 |
Q: 1- when I screen play , how can I get a reference for my work to evaluate my work ? 2- whats the ...
A: I'll answer them in order as best I can. 1. The best way to get feedback on your work is in a ...
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| Professional Production of a Play | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I'm hoping you can help me, I'm trying to write a novel, and have some research questions I'm hoping ...
A: I am a little out of my element here because musicals are not my thing, but I do have some buddies ...
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| Payment | 3/27/2008 |
Q: I have written a script for a 1 hour comedy/drama pilot, with scripts available for 6 30 minute ...
A: Hey Simon! Congratulations on getting some action on your project! That's great news. Now, I ...
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| One-Act Plays | 2/2/2008 |
Q: I would like to write a one-act play with multiple scenes, and I was wondering if I could make the ...
A: Generally speaking, you can do whatever you like with a play. If you have an intermission, that is ...
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| Selling a play | 1/19/2008 |
Q: I'm getting frustrated and I'm not sure where to turn. I've written two plays and am currently ...
A: First off, congratulations on finishing three plays. That's wonderful. And it is great that it is ...
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| One act plays | 1/9/2008 |
Q: I've worked on film scripts, but I'd like to try my hand at playwriting. I thought I might start ...
A: This is a good question. You are absolutely right that budget is often the deal breaker with small ...
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| First play -- in the books...now what? | 1/1/2008 |
Q: If you remember, I wrote you looking for some advice as a playwrighting newbie. Just a week ago I ...
A: I am very glad to hear that you have completed your first draft. That is farther than a lot of ...
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| what next | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I have had four of my plays produced locally, they have all been well-received and two of them have ...
A: Good question - and congratulations on doing so well with your productions to date. That's great! ...
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| One Act vs. Three Act Play | 11/12/2007 |
Q: I've written a one act play that has a decent beginning, middle and end and would stand alone as a ...
A: Okay, first question, if you send out your play as a one act, is it still yours to re-produce later ...
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| Play Markets | 8/9/2007 |
Q: Is there a good list of markets for one person plays? ie. theaters that might book such a thing.
A: http://emerging.freewebspace.com/PlaywritingCompetitions/Playwright_Ongoing_Submissions.htm has a ...
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| Newbie searching for a feedback | 8/4/2007 |
Q: I've finished writing a musical play. Where do I go next to get a feedback? I tried searching online ...
A: Hey Julya! There are several different avenues for feedback that could be good possibilities, ...
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| I have a couple of questions about writing ... | 7/27/2007 |
Q: First off, I want to say that Broadway is my passion, as well as writing. So, I would love to have a ...
A: Hey Darci! I am so glad that you are watching and reading great plays. That's the way to go. I ...
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| I have a couple of questions about writing ... | 7/14/2007 |
Q: First off, I want to say that Broadway is my passion, as well as writing. So, I would love to have a ...
A: Hey Darci! You're welcome. It is an interesting situation, but I think you are on the right track. ...
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| I have a couple of questions about writing ... | 7/14/2007 |
Q: First off, I want to say that Broadway is my passion, as well as writing. So, I would love to have a ...
A: I like your questions, and they are not at all stupid. They are the questions that every writer has ...
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| playwriting format | 7/13/2007 |
Q: What is the difference between an act and a scene? What constitutes an act and how do you know when ...
A: A play is divided into acts, and acts are divided into scenes. Scenes are usually changed based on ...
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| writing a play based on a book/movie | 5/26/2007 |
Q: I am the director/advisor for both a middle school and high school drama program. I am a big fan of ...
A: Sorry for the late reply - I've been under the weather and haven't been checking e-mail. I've ...
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| Formatting | 5/25/2007 |
Q: How would you properly format a shot that deals with a video camcorder? Futhermore, is there a tip ...
A: Hey Jeff! Well, I am convinced that as long as it is super-clear and you are using a formatting ...
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| Playwriting Newbie | 5/19/2007 |
Q: I needs some tips. I have an idea that I've started working on as a stage play but this is the first ...
A: Congratulations on moving from screenwriter to playwright. It's good stuff. Are you overthinking ...
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| using music in a play | 5/16/2007 |
Q: We are working on an original play and want to use recorded excerpts of two popular rock songs at ...
A: The short answer is yes, you are required to get permission and pay a fee to play songs in public ...
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| biographical play/musical | 5/9/2007 |
Q: First of all, thank so much for sharing your wisdom with 'us.' That's wonderful. I am writing an ...
A: Hey Rose! Not only is it not a dumb question, it had me doing a little research to give you a ...
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| theatre | 4/26/2007 |
Q: What should a professional playwright expect to pay an agent? And what percentage is standard for ...
A: With questions like these, it sounds like it's time for you to join the Dramatists Guild - ...
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| Student Written Play | 4/24/2007 |
Q: I am a media specialist in a middle school. I have a student who is sure her play should be made ...
A: Well, I think this is a great introduction to the entertainment industry, and many of my friends who ...
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| Musical | 4/11/2007 |
Q: I love theater and I have directed many shows. I decided I wanted to take a shot at writing a ...
A: This is a really good question. You said something that I think may answer a lot of your questions ...
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| Producting a Stage Play | 3/23/2007 |
Q: Beth, I had someone to approach me about producing a stage play I wrote. The play has taken off and ...
A: Sorry for the late reply. I want to make sure I understand your question. My understanding is ...
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| Copyright issues | 3/3/2007 |
Q: Do you know where I could find information about copyright info? I tried to do general internet ...
A: I am attaching some info I got from the McGraw Hill website concerning clearance issues going from ...
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| play format | 2/28/2007 |
Q: I'm looking for a basic, cheap screenplay formatting program. Or maybe a free program I can download ...
A: Hey Jim, I use Final Draft. I know some people who use Movie Magic. I used Dramatica and didn't ...
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| playwriting | 2/23/2007 |
Q: do you know any Good book for playwriting? (how to write, what to do (and not)..), I am looking to ...
A: There are plenty of good books available on playwriting - I like Stuart Spencer's book "A ...
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| Musicals | 2/14/2007 |
Q: I am writing a musical-play and would like to use popular music from the 1950's thru the 1990's in ...
A: It sounds like a fun project. Unfortunately, I do not know much about clearance for songs, but I do ...
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| Playwriting Books or courses | 2/6/2007 |
Q: What do you think of the online course at www.clickok.co.uk/index4.html) A Hero's Journey? Do you ...
A: I checked out that website you referenced. It really depends on what you're after. Just from ...
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| Playwriting Books or courses | 2/4/2007 |
Q: What do you think of the book The Art of Dramatic Writing, Lajos Egri? Or, what course or other ...
A: I have never read the particular book you mentioned. There are many books available on playwriting. ...
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| Creating something from nothing | 1/15/2007 |
Q: Ok, when you write a play or screenplay or even a book, do you begin with page 1 and make it up as ...
A: This is an interesting question. I suppose the answer depends on the work being written, and the ...
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| Writing plays and musicals | 1/11/2007 |
Q: .. Being a big fan of plays and especially musicals here in Chicago, I want to take playwriting ...
A: These are all excellent questions. And it's great that you live in such a wonderful theatre town. ...
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| Adapting a screenplay for the stage | 11/23/2006 |
Q: I'm interested in adapting a screenplay into a musical. Would you be able to assist me in the route ...
A: Hey Rob, Your first job is to research the owners of the piece you are thinking about adapting. ...
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| reaching producers. | 10/24/2006 |
Q: being a guy from a small city,i don't know to develop the writing skills,& where to find other ...
A: It's a good question. You have avenues, no matter where you live. My recommendation is find ...
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| reaching producers. | 10/24/2006 |
Q: i have contrived a mind-blowing story based on the life of a physic.i would love to see a hollywood ...
A: I wish it was as easy as having a good idea and submitting it to someone with the money, and the ...
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| write about someone who special for you.And why that person is special | 9/29/2006 |
Q: Do this web have an example of a paragraph about someone who special. and why that person is special
A: Sorry I can't help you with this one. It sounds like an assignment in which you simply need to pick ...
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| Writer's Block | 9/8/2006 |
Q: Do you have any advice and/or any exercises that can help someone get through writer's block? ...
A: I sure do. My favorite exercise when you get stuck, is grab a pen and put it in your opposite hand ...
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| playright | 7/19/2006 |
Q: .. and i took everything you said to heart... but i was reading opinions from other people about ...
A: You're writing it for the best reason - the only reason to write it. For yourself, because of ...
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| playright | 7/18/2006 |
Q: ok, i am only 16, but i am attempting to right a play/ musical. and this is sort of strange for me ...
A: First, I love that you are writing, and think only more of you, and not less that you are starting ...
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| Time length of drama. | 7/9/2006 |
Q: I am interested if there are any 'rules-of-thumb' concerning the length of time for an act. For ...
A: Hey Daniel! An audience can do forty or more pretty easily. And I've seen all different types of ...
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| Adapting anovel inot a stageplay | 7/4/2006 |
Q: I am curreently taking on the task of learning the elements of stageplay-so that I can adapat my ...
A: Congratulations on your novel, and your new project of adapting it for the stage. The difference ...
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| How to direct my own script? | 5/14/2006 |
Q: I always dreamed to be a screenwriter, but after direct two short films I also want to be a director ...
A: Sorry for the delay in answering you. I've been under the weather. Okay, let me try to get these ...
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| Premise | 4/12/2006 |
Q: First off I would like to thank you for volunteering your time and your knowledge. It is very ...
A: I am glad that you are writing a play, and that you are taking its structure and theme so seriously. ...
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| how to write a script | 3/19/2006 |
Q: I entered a contest in which I have to write a short script (max 40 pages long)and I don't know the ...
A: Frst, read the rules listed in your contest guidelines, and follow every single one of them ...
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| Writing treatment for play | 3/6/2006 |
Q: First, thanks! I have written a one-act play and now have to write a treatment. Is there any kind ...
A: You have officially stumped me. I also have written treatments for tv and film, but never stage. ...
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| I did...as you advised me to do | 2/18/2006 |
Q: it's Maria again... I searched for semi-professional theatres around my area and found some, called ...
A: I am glad that you are having some luck with your process. The WGA has a website - www.wga.org. ...
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| Help with... | 2/7/2006 |
Q: I'm a high school student at Valencia HS. I'm currently taking a class called Career Search, it's ...
A: I am happy to give you some guidance, and depending on the time commitment, and what is required, I ...
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| Selling a Script | 1/26/2006 |
Q: I am a freelance writer currently working on a script for a television show. I am almost finished ...
A: Well, this is the question that vexes everyone. First, where you live can be an issue. If you live ...
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| screenplay writing | 1/25/2006 |
Q: I write short stories but my visions are always like movies that i can just wander away in my head ...
A: I like your question. I know that in the Poetics, Aristotle talked about the playwriting process as ...
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| Outlines | 1/19/2006 |
Q: I am currently in the process of writing my first script. I am writing a script for a famous TV show ...
A: First, it is great that you are researching and using screenwriting reference books to guide you ...
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| Screenwriting | 12/19/2005 |
Q: How do i develop my story into plots and scenes? How can i get a moving dialogue for my characters.
A: I would really need more info to help guide you on this. As it stands, I think your question is, ...
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| How to begin to write a screenplay | 12/5/2005 |
Q: I have to write a screenplay from using a short storie. I am writing a screenplay based on the ...
A: I may need more info to answer your question properly. Did you mean to say that you need guidance ...
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| Who to Contact if adapting a play from a book | 11/28/2005 |
Q: I am contemplating adapting a childrens book into a play/musical. I was wondering what the process ...
A: I've never done any adaptations myself, but I have looked into it a bit. My understanding is that ...
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