The (London) Times feature on film writing that I mentioned yesterday also featured Peter Morgan (writer of The Queen) talking about his method. Here are the highlights:
"It takes two or three months to find the kernel of the story. Then I map out the story over fifteen pages. It's too depressing and frightening not knowing where the story is going...
"After fifteen pages, I'm unable to contain myself and have to start the screenplay. Then I 'word it in,' as the writer Hugh Whitmore termed it--put colour in. The first draft of a script takes about a month.
"The greatest danger is writing too many drafts when a director isn't yet attached to the film, so when one does come on board you are too overcommitted to your version to be of any use. Just do two drafts.
"I just practised. You will probably write a good screenplay on your eighth attempt...I'm 44 and have been doing this for 20 years. I've been successful only in the past five. Be patient, tenacious."
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