When it comes to scriptwriting, everyone knows you need an outline, especially for longer pieces. You need to know the 5 w’s of every scene before you can write that scene, otherwise you find yourself lost in the dark, wandering around with no real direction. Some people may think outlines stifle creativity, but I beg to differ. Even with predetermined goals and outcomes, the events in scenes can really go anywhere. Characters can really take the scene places with their dialogue. As long as you reach your goal it doesn’t really matter how your characters get you there. Just try not to let them ramble on. There are still time constraints.

Outlining my short that I’m pitching for my final project helped me see the structure. It made it easier for me to pick out the weaker points so I could strengthen them.

I have yet to see Cloverfield, but I don’t think I will see it in the theaters. I’ll wait to maybe it’s out on rental. A number of people have argued though on the movie’s character development. Some people say there wasn’t enough while others say “It’s a monster movie! There’s no time for characters to have a heart to heart.” I really think that characters reveal themselves in such stressful situations in how they handle it. Maybe it’s the Japanese filmmaking influence on me, but a lot more can be spoken without words. Maybe it’s time we give actors more power over their characters? Or maybe the directors should be given them better direction? It’s an art, not a job.

Yes, I went and searched for images of the monster. I hate not knowing. Surprises often let you down.