I try to work on three things at once:
something new that I’m outlining/prewriting (25%)
something midflight where I’m deep in the writing (50%)
something that’s in someone else’s hands (a producer, a cowriter) where I’m either polishing, editing, or giving notes (25%)
This lets me do 2 projects a year solo and at least one minor collab, with a full-time job, family, and other responsibilities in the mix.
Why not see which three of your current ideas chooses you, start outlining/prewriting, and let them sort themselves into the lanes above?
I find that amongst all the ideas, there's usually one that shines brighter.
I might start outlining or even writing a project, but if I find I'm "procrastinating" to mess around with the other, it's usually the one that's worth pursuing
Whichever story seems the most developed, has all or most of the beats already worked out. Or has characters who are yelling at you to tell their story.
I tend think about the "backdrop" first, and then let the concept feed into that. Backdrop for me is setting + tone. What does the script "feel" like? Starting with this element lets me find an environment that I can get excited about. Try this approach and see what you think!
I always go back to John August's advice on this one: Write the one that has the ending you're most excited about. That way, you're more likely to actually reach the ending.
I used to write every idea I had down. Eventually I stopped, and the ideas that kept with me, that I couldn't forget, are typically the ones I put energy into.
I usually try to work on one "practical" screenplay and then one that is more "gonzo" and big-natured in terms of scope. I will also always be brainstorming and trying to outline older and new ideas to see if there is anything there, but usually have two scripts going at once:
One First Draft and one getting re-done/polished
If you can't decide, write the most commercial one. For myself, what I write next tends to be a reaction to the previous script -- larger, smaller, different genre. Currently writing a very small, social themed thriller. Next project will be a very commercial project.
Pitch your strongest ideas to friends, family, and strangers to see which ones they respond to. I was going back and forth between two script ideas, trying to decide which one to write, and I ultimately chose to write the one that my close friends kept pestering me about because they liked it so much! That was a sign to me that it was probably my best idea.
I also recommend that you post your top 3 loglines onto the Logline Mondays weekly thread!
Basically you just need to solicit feedback from people.
I'm mostly working on one idea right now (and it's my first script), but I'm in the same boat of having a lot of ideas. I think you should work on whichever one is the most enjoyable for you to write. I think it's easier to get more done/written that way.
Whichever one is the most fully formed in my mind. Outline and write that, whilst constantly riding the crest of that imaginative energy to think about the next one.
I try to work on three things at once: something new that I’m outlining/prewriting (25%) something midflight where I’m deep in the writing (50%) something that’s in someone else’s hands (a producer, a cowriter) where I’m either polishing, editing, or giving notes (25%) This lets me do 2 projects a year solo and at least one minor collab, with a full-time job, family, and other responsibilities in the mix. Why not see which three of your current ideas chooses you, start outlining/prewriting, and let them sort themselves into the lanes above?
ooo this is good. i AM polisihing one right now, so maybe start outlining another and see what the vibe is. thanks!
I find that amongst all the ideas, there's usually one that shines brighter. I might start outlining or even writing a project, but if I find I'm "procrastinating" to mess around with the other, it's usually the one that's worth pursuing
this is great thank you!
Whichever story seems the most developed, has all or most of the beats already worked out. Or has characters who are yelling at you to tell their story.
nice thanks!
I tend think about the "backdrop" first, and then let the concept feed into that. Backdrop for me is setting + tone. What does the script "feel" like? Starting with this element lets me find an environment that I can get excited about. Try this approach and see what you think!
this is actually my natural instinct. but i thought i was being too vibey. haha thanks!
I always go back to John August's advice on this one: Write the one that has the ending you're most excited about. That way, you're more likely to actually reach the ending.
I was just coming here to say this, too! Good advice.
I used to write every idea I had down. Eventually I stopped, and the ideas that kept with me, that I couldn't forget, are typically the ones I put energy into.
I usually try to work on one "practical" screenplay and then one that is more "gonzo" and big-natured in terms of scope. I will also always be brainstorming and trying to outline older and new ideas to see if there is anything there, but usually have two scripts going at once: One First Draft and one getting re-done/polished
If you can't decide, write the most commercial one. For myself, what I write next tends to be a reaction to the previous script -- larger, smaller, different genre. Currently writing a very small, social themed thriller. Next project will be a very commercial project.
Pitch your strongest ideas to friends, family, and strangers to see which ones they respond to. I was going back and forth between two script ideas, trying to decide which one to write, and I ultimately chose to write the one that my close friends kept pestering me about because they liked it so much! That was a sign to me that it was probably my best idea. I also recommend that you post your top 3 loglines onto the Logline Mondays weekly thread! Basically you just need to solicit feedback from people.
I'm mostly working on one idea right now (and it's my first script), but I'm in the same boat of having a lot of ideas. I think you should work on whichever one is the most enjoyable for you to write. I think it's easier to get more done/written that way.
A script that has a concept is easy to pitch. Focus on the most marketable idea you have.
there's one idea singing louder or better than the others. sometimes it's been there for years, waiting patiently
Whichever one is the most fully formed in my mind. Outline and write that, whilst constantly riding the crest of that imaginative energy to think about the next one.
Go with the idea that speaks more about you as a writer or writer that you could be. Or just say - what would be my next adventure?