Advice for new writers

[alextheman]

Hey as someone who’s been writing for LRF for years now I figured I’d share some advice for some of the newbies.


Write less- It’s tempting to write a lot very quickly but you tend to create a lot of terrible work. Focus on the stories you feel passionate about.

Your ideas from middle school are your worst ideas- Graduation Trip and Lovestruck were both movies I wanted to make IRL since middle school. You have changed and grown since then. This doesn’t apply to you if you are in middle school.


Make friends with fellow writers- John Malone and I have a very fruitful collaboration. He has pushed me and helped develop me into a writer that actually produces quality movies. My inbox is always open for new writers wanting help.


Work on true stories or adaptations- Sometimes working on stuff you’ve conceived of can get stale. Working on Chicago Seven and The Hippie Preacher has helped me become a better writer on stuff that I’ve come up with. Plus Hippie Preacher I consider to be my best piece of writing.

[DK Moon]

Hey hi my name is DK Moon (R.N. - David Knight) I'm fairly new to this place and was wondering if anyone had any advice for me before I started writing anything?

[Jimmy Ellis]

- Plan out your films before writing them
- don’t be afraid to ask someone for feedback, everyone I’ve had dealings with has been more than happy to take a look. As have I myself.
- write what interests you, but also don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone.
- re-read your work many times, making edits. However remember that you wrote it that first time for a reason
- Figure out on each project whether you want to cast first or cast at the end of writing. Sometimes casting first can hinder where you want to take the character, other times you can play to the actors strengths.
- finally, read some of the older movies pitched here, especially some of the best picture winners