• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Marilyn Horowitz

Marilyn Horowitz

Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

212-600-1115
  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Scripting
    • What is Scripting?
    • Scripting Cheat Sheet
    • Free Scripting Class

How to Get Your Screenplay Started-Week 2

March 11, 2016 by Marilyn Horowitz

 

Q: What’s the first step you recommend to a new screenwriter?

 

M.H.: People always say to me, “How do I become a writer?,” and I always tell them, “Honestly, if there’s anything else you’d be happy doing, do it. Because writing is the hardest thing there is. If you really want to write, however, the first step is to put down your story on paper in some form. Don’t worry about screenplay format. You just have to write out the story. On my Web site, I offer a free article on how to write a treatment, which is sort of like the short-story version of a movie. A treatment is usually about six paragraphs and is a way of seeing if your story has enough length and body to sustain a whole movie. Once you’ve done that, show it to a couple of people you trust—probably not a significant other unless you really have a death wish. Instead try a colleague or a friend or someone you know who likes movies and ask them for a little feedback. Then, mull over the comments and, if you still like and believe in the story, get on the Internet and start reading about how other people write screenplays. I am partial to my method, of course, and truth be told, people are constantly showing up to my classes and saying, “Ugh, I wish I’d started with you!” I feel this is because too much emphasis is put on screenplay structure and not enough on the part that emphasizes your main character’s emotional journey. In any case, try to find a program or technique that works for you. Then test out your treatment, make the proper revisions, and then, because screenwriting is such a difficult, arduous process, understand that you will have to commit to the idea for the long haul.

 

Primary Sidebar

Sign Up

for our Screenwriting Newsletter and Receive Our FREE Gift How To Write a Treatment.

Testimonials

Whatever doubts or second thoughts you’re having, don’t listen to them, because Marilyn’s class is worth it. I’ve taken a… Read more “Emma D.”

Marilyn’s techniques helped me stop overthinking and start writing! She gave me exercises to take the pressure off beginning a… Read more “Lauren D.”

I’m very grateful to be able to learn from Marilyn, Her focus on the psychological and spiritual foundations necessary to… Read more ““…grateful to learn from Marilyn””

Marilyn’s techniques helped me stop overthinking and start writing! She gave me exercises to take the pressure off beginning a… Read more “The Scritping Writing Room”

You are always a light. Thank you.

Desiree
View All Testimonials

Television Writing Evaluation & Guidance

Screenwriting Evaluation & Guidance

Classes & Seminars

Footer

Connect

Contact

CLASSES

Contact the office at 212-600-1115

MEDIA & SPEAKING INQUIRIES

Contact Marilyn Horowitz at 212-600-1115

PUBLISHING & FILM INQUIRIES

Contact Koehler Books at 757-289-6006

  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Scripting
    • What is Scripting?
    • Scripting Cheat Sheet
    • Free Scripting Class
Copyright © 2022 · Marilyn Horowitz. All rights reserved.