Methodology and Timelines 6. 152 0 obj<>stream There you have it: idea, passion, compelling story, story arc, emotional center, character development and tone/treatment. I recommend this program to all scribes – from novice to pro. 0000002897 00000 n And, with that comes the writing of a concept paper. Coming up in a future issue: Part 2, where we look at Funding, Financing and Budgeting, followed by Shooting and Editing. The second step would be to summarize the project by stating the problem to be discussed/solved, the goal of the project, the objectives, the anticipated outcomes, procedures for determining whether the goals and objectives have been achieved, the population served and the theoretical model upon which the project is based. Actually, they are the story. If you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this program can aid greatly in your creative process. Include the processes the project has to take every month. How to Write a Concept Paper - Sample The five elements needed in a concept paper Funders often ask for a one- or two-page concept paper prior to submission of a full proposal. Similar to story arc and with obvious parallels is character development. This practice eliminates the extra time added to the process by completely starting a new concept paper from the beginning each time. Leave your contact number and email address on the title page. For example, if your story was Midnight In Paris, you might write, “As a child I wished I had been born in another time, where life wasn’t so tough. You will need true passion for your subject matter to get you through the long days and nights, the doubt, the hardship, the financial difficulties, the equipment problems, etc. While writing a concept paper, there are some steps that must be followed. This advice to be more indirect is counter to what you usually hear, which is usually: Just say your pitch straightaway. Is this a compelling story? What are the needs and wants of the subject? Briefly explain how your idea will be effective in addressing the problem if they give the funds you need. Suggested Format for a Concept Paper 1. She is the author of six books that help the writer learn her trademarked writing system, including editions for college, high school, and middle school. The point is to take all of the ideas in your head and put them down on paper as concisely as possible. Mention surveys or other types of feedback that you might use to assess goals. Grantors are very specific about what types of organizations and projects they do and do not fund so, it is important to understand that thoroughly in advance to avoid wasting time. 0000002386 00000 n Finally, another student approached me in the hall and said she had restructured the concept of her script, spoken to her manager who was very excited, and told her she was now ready to pitch. I once browsed the internet to look for information on how to write a concept paper. I was torn between entering a traditional marriage or opting out to finish my novel: What would have happened to me if I had known the great writers of the 20s and 30s, or been mentored by someone like Gertrude Stein?”, Step 2. A documentary on Speed Heavy Metal will most likely not be slow and mellow. Break down the strategies that you have to make that will make the project likely to succeed. 0000136773 00000 n Including anticipated budgets, estimated costs of operation and upstart, equipment, supplies and training will demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in all aspects of the potential project and its implementation. You can add a more descriptive title to grab more attention. Get watching! The subject matter should be related to the course that the student writer is in. Ironically, by articulating this seemingly elusive element you should find an original, yet commercial “hook” that will help you successfully pitch the screenplay. You may also see strategy paper templates. If you’re not sure about which visual style or theme you might peruse and the story itself is not dictating a style, think of a film – narrative or documentary – which you would want to emulate. Professor Horowitz has written several feature-length screenplays. There are steps to concept paper writing that are universal and can be applied in most situations in order to develop the boilerplate. Otherwise, if you shoot 90 minutes of a talking head, you really are just making radio. But do you need to be Michael Moore or Al Gore to make a non-fiction movie? 0000076664 00000 n Remember these three things: show, show and show it. The first sentence should come off with an interesting fact or an opening question, which leads to the meaty part of the paper. I recommend this program to all scribes – from novice to pro. Describe exactly your procedures for accomplishing the task. The Expo is one of the few major opportunities screenwriters have in the United States to pitch their material to Hollywood producers, managers, and agents. You’ll also need something you can’t buy or rent: passion. Sean KennellyCreative Screenwriting. Show your knowledge of the funding organization in the introduction. But what is our first step on this journey to preparing our Oscar speech for Best Documentary Feature (or Short Subject)? Sometimes, the example of thesis statement goes beyond a sentence and there’s nothing to worry about it. Provide the company information that illustrates alignment between your goals and their organizational ideals. Chairman of the UCLA Graduate Screenwriting Program. Expect deadlines to be strict whether funding is being sought or not. The beginning introduces the character(s) and establishes their goal(s). Then, another screenwriter who had also been unsuccessful pitching, took this class, and later, pitched that same script using the new concept he had developed in my class and was asked to submit the script to the production company of a well-known actress. She is also a judge for the Fulbright Scholarship Program for film and media students. Choosing a Topic Tackle a hot-button civic or social issue. Writing Concept First is a class about finding the larger, humanistic notions behind a story. Include your contact information for future negotiations. Funding organizations decide how to allocate funds, personnel and approval for projects based on the information provided in these important documents. In the cases where the concept paper is written with the intent of receiving funding, most grantors publish guidelines that instruct the writer(s) on how to write the concept paper that they will consider funding. It can be written in one to three pages, but sometimes it can go to 10 to 20, depending on the requirement. There may be a bit more flexibility in due dates for those concept papers that are designed solely for disseminating information. Your choices are many. Explain what you need from the organization and why. Unlike in narrative script development, you are not making these characteristics up. QUALIFIED CONCEPT PAPER WRITING EXPERTS FOR HIRE. 0000001237 00000 n 0000001302 00000 n You may also see research paper samples. You may also like blank paper templates. How is your audience going to identify with the main character? 0 2. Investors will have a clear idea of where their money goes. Tell the readers if answering the research question is worth it in the end. Instead this is a new and different approach – creating a universal playing field before you pitch so that you and your potential producers, agents, etc. All the latest video techniques and gear reviews, sent straight to your inbox. Nope. trailer How to Write Thesis Paper or Dissertation. There are three steps to developing material concept first. Talking heads (people explaining a situation on camera), actors, reenactments, still photos, animation? How does the character change in trying to attain these goals? 1. Give investors a timeline on when the project gets to be completed. All films, all works of art for that matter, start in the same place: with an idea. Convincing the investors on your idea is just a fraction of the whole job. In addition to providing guidance for implementation of a program, a concept paper could also discuss best practices, philosophies and other related issues that the writer believes action should be taken on in the near future. It’s also referred to as dramatic structure. Step #5 Resolution. No script writer should be without it. Step #2 Motivation. Likewise, if I want to make a documentary on nuclear submarines, I will be greatly challenged, as I don’t know anyone in the military and don’t have th… Did our protagonists overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals? For example, the film, The Godfather, explores the concept of family: What happens when a man’s loyalty to his family involves becoming a criminal? �&_�r ����f'�D w��KP�)�n2�q@���P5�H Purpose 3. And documentaries, lots of them. Will you use voiceover? Concept papers generally serve the purpose of providing in-depth discussion of a topic that the writer has a strong position on, usually with the intent of obtaining funding for that project from donors. 0000137699 00000 n Explain the various ways of answering the question, including how you plan to gather and analyze data, and how the data will answer the question. We’ll investigate this further in the next section. Will you follow a chronological timeline? It’s somewhat pretty simple to come up with one, but it needs lots of hard work and critical thinking. Learn to get ahead by writing it well. If your project is a study, include methods of research and gathering data. This step may occur much earlier in the process. <<5EBB951595456D43B3B36F88D3AEBB02>]>> Telling them how you are going to solve the problem makes up another part of the proposal. It helps the sponsor know if the project’s scope is appropriate with the money they are investing in. I thoroughly enjoy working with Movie Outline and find it easy to use, well designed, helpful and entertaining. While capturing this relationship between subject-obstacle-resolution, we may even see the cinematographer’s or director’s perspective, as their talents and choices will dictate how the audience experiences the story. One thing that you have to go along with this is explaining what makes your methodology unique from others. Will your viewers relate to your story because they somehow experience a similar situation? In the case of a purely informational concept paper, this may be committee input. Study the movie and imitate it. Giving a more in-depth explanation of reasons the project will be beneficial to the organization and will help to reinforce the positive outcomes mentioned in the introduction. ��f���/�7\�����չ����g%DC��䃘�,f6h���ZmV��S�)�����0B���v�����f��������& �-����G����zڝ72Wa���nڄ˒��,Z���>�[��u���=���0�3&�����Q��{d�B�.��IK��Q�B^ l��y�kD1�dv������I�p��. l�O3�)ȯa[�$z`�E��@3kأ�"���0 10=P���e�琳@� �JЊ�Cr���w?Z����}1C���P�W[�,�� Another purpose of a concept paper is to provide an in-depth discussion on important matters. Is your story dark, damp and unpredictable like Blade Runner (1982), directed by Ridley Scott? Once the interest starts settling in, it would get them to read the whole paper. Therefore, it is suggested that writers develop "boilerplates" or standard templates of concept papers that they can personalize and submit based on specific guidelines. How did you come up with the idea? You may also see lined paper templates. In addition, one must consider the timing and deadlines that submission of the concept paper must adhere to. For instance, write about honesty, freedom, happiness, or success. If you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this program can aid greatly in your creative process. You must verify your email address before you can create a new comment. Remember to always write in a simple language so it can be read by every kind of reader. Probably not, but maybe you could tell the story in a compelling, humorous, creative way that makes people think of their own relationship to the mold in their own toilets. While writing a concept paper, there are some steps that must be followed. I use Movie Outline all the time. When you are writing a concept paper, have it in mind that it is a document that can deny or give access to a given opportunity. And finally, watch movies. Her production credits include the feature films And Then Came Love (2007). In 2004 she received the coveted New York University Award for Teaching Excellence. The terms "concept paper" and "proposal" are often used interchangeably as they can be used for the same function. For concept papers that are used more as an instructional or educational tool, the format may be similar with the exception of the exclusion of charts, graphs or budgets that may be geared toward the solicitation of funding. For example, if your script were Midnight In Paris, the hero, Gil, might write: “What happened was that I was in Paris about to get married, and I wanted to revisit the world of Paris in the 20s that I had wanted to live in as a child, and I had to choose between my future marriage and a magical chance to do so.” I ended up not getting married, I discovered that I had talent as a novelist and met a lovely woman who may or not become my wife. Focus on scenes or prepare interview questions that will allow the audience to empathize with the main character. What is the turning point? If James Cameron wants to set his next multibillion-dollar film on the planet of Venus, he can hire an army of special-effects artists to “get him there.” This is usually not the case with documentaries. 0000077079 00000 n Link your theory to practice. We need to see growth and change in our character as they confront obstacles. 0000136505 00000 n Writing Concept First is a class about finding the larger, humanistic notions behind a story. are together on a larger common ground. Describe the problem that your project wants to address in the paper. What will the character gain or lose if they do not achieve their goals? I was there to teach two classes and help some of my private students pitch, but I also did a lot of pitch coaching to the regular attendees. This is what inspires us to write stories but we rarely focus on articulating it. Emphasize the benefits of the project. This article serves to tell how to write a concept paper for research and provides essential tips to keep in mind while writing a concept paper. Your purpose statement should be direct, clear, and detailed. How to write a treatment for your next screenplay, Production insurance for video, film and photography, How to write a script: writing screenplays during a pandemic. The thesis statement is a one-line statement on how the questions in the research will be answered. endstream endobj 137 0 obj<> endobj 138 0 obj<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]>>/Type/Page>> endobj 139 0 obj<>stream That opens the gate for your fantasy! Once the interest starts settling in, it would get them to read the whole paper. Ok, lets get down to it. If you have a great idea you’d like to share with our readers, send it to editor@videomaker.com. You may also see grid paper templates. Make sure to rewrite unclear phrases and revise paragraphs so that they are clear. Likewise, if I want to make a documentary on nuclear submarines, I will be greatly challenged, as I don’t know anyone in the military and don’t have the financing to “get to know someone there.” So, it helps if you have access to your subject matter. First-time filmmaker Barbara Sonneborn had no idea that she would have to go out and buy a fancy dress to attend the 1999 Academy Awards ceremony when she set out to make her documentary Regret to Inform (1998). Every project has a time frame. DocuCraze: This last decade found us in a documentary craze – Super Size Me (2004), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), March of the Penguins (2005), An Inconvenient Truth (2006) and Earth(2007), just to name a few. Now imagine that you are they, it’s 20 years later, the story in the film is over, and all of the events are resolved. The words that a screenwriter writes will never be read by anyone. Make sure all the steps are connected with one another. So for someone learning how to write a script, chief among the objectives should be having a novel concept. I have tried every software application imaginable in quest of the perfect way to write a movie and when I put Movie Outline on my Mac I came to the end of the rainbow. You have your idea and you are passionate about it. Videomaker is always looking for talented, qualified writers. Part Two: Funding, Financing and Budgeting. You want your audience to relate, empathize and care about someone in the work. Now I want you to ask yourself this: Will someone other than you care about this film? Find the point of conflict and resolution. 0000075823 00000 n Provide a clearer context why your idea deserves some funding. Illustrate the need for solving this problem. Everything has to look clean in the eyes of the readers and investors. But first, you should know what a concept paper is. Knowing how to write a well organized and persuasive concept paper can mean the difference between obtaining adequate funding for a project and being denied. Free Valentines Day Facebook Post Template, Free Operational Plan For Project report Template, Free World Cancer Day whatsapp image Template, Free World Cancer Day Twitter Post Template, 100,000+ Ready-Made Designs, Docs & Templates - Download Now, 46+ Cookbook Templates in PSD | AI | Vector EPS | InDesign | Publisher. Which brings us to tone and treatment. Watch how the directors used the first act to bring you in, and find where the story arc peaks and ebbs. I was really angry when my friends made fun of me. 0000001567 00000 n Knowing how to write a well organized and persuasive concept paper can mean the difference between obtaining adequate funding for a project and being denied. In act two, we learn they will compete against Team Canada in the 2004 Paralympic Games. Again, stay true to your characters and their situation. This contains the opinion of the writer on the issue at hand. Concept papers contain detailed information about how long a project may take, how much money it may cost and how its completion may benefit all parties. In this article, we’ll go over the criteria you’ll need to consider when choosing the best video editing software for your needs. Think about how you can play it out in three acts. This should take about one paragraph. ‘How to Write a Documentary Script’ Page 5 of 52 WRITING FOR FILM AND WHY DOCUMENTARIES ARE DIFFERENT Writing for film, fiction or non-fiction, is quite different from writing for print. By linking thoughts to actions to results, you illustrate to the organization that you have thought out the project from start to finish and have not overlooked any important details. No! Describe it clearly to give your investors a clear idea of what the research or project is all about. ��Q��!Nz6��KLy�$̖���ijdl�5�%8}�D00��;ʏ�����̀U��VD�UI݀�A���F ���=�h�R���kuj� Step #1 Introduction. I just got back from the LA Screenwriting Expo in Los Angeles. 0000000636 00000 n The concept should be open to interpretation. The barriers shape how our character develops before the camera. You might not know in preproduction, but you should be thinking about it, looking out for it, prepared to capture it. Good. Is it bright, campy and sarcastic, such as Ma Vie en Rose (1997) by Alain Berliner? Repeat the project’s purpose, status quo, the needs and the proposed solution in a short paragraph. I find the mold that periodically grows in my toilet interesting, but would anyone else? Concept papers are summaries of projects or issues that reflect the interests, experience and expertise of the writer or organization. This article explains the reasons why a concept paper is important before writing a full-blown research paper.

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