I hate and love prep writing. I try to have PAGES of prep before even thinking of doing a little test writing.

Usually I want about half a page, detailing personal information about each character as well as the seven major plot points that Syd Field talks about. From there, I go on to writing down EVERY point of action from beginning to end of my script so that I can immediately throw it out.

I don't look at it as I write my scripts, at least not if I can help it. If I get really stuck, then I'll stop and look at where I am in my notes and what is next before proceeding.

It's maddening and lovely. I can't stand and adore it. If you don't do this kind of work already, definitely take the course.

Sigurd: There's no getting around it. Breaking a story is hard work. I suspect that's one reason why writers do the bare minimum of prep before typing FADE IN. And 9 times out of 10, that lack of prep comes back to bite the writer in the arse.

One aspect of the approach we use in the Prep class is to star with and go through the characters because we believe the following:

Plot emerges from character.

And dealing with characters, I find, is a lot more engaging for writers because you can experience them 'growing' and coming into view. Interacting with characters enlivens the prep process.

But it's easy to understand how you, myself, or any other writer can have a love-hate relationship with prep-writing. It's not easy.

But then if screenwriting was easy, everyone would be trying it. Instead of it just seeming that everyone is trying to be a screenwriter.