Readers

[uncle_al]

Let's take things one at a time...

What if your considering the possibility of sequels or already have a preplanned story line that spans more than one movie? Like forshadowing for a future sequel.

Well, when you make enough money to finance your own movies, like George Lucas, you can make exactly what you want and write it any way you please.  As of now, though, as I understand it, sequels are only planned after a movie makes a s***load of money proves to be popular and successful.

I'm working on a script right now and the main character is plagued by dreams. The dreams are intended to be forshadowing but also reflect the actual scenes that won't take place till about the third film in a trilogy. Or is it best to write it as if it were a standalone piece?

My opinion?  Write the things as standalone pieces, but make sure you have hooks - maybe just a throwaway line, or a piece of seemingly irrelevant exposition - that ties in to the later action.

I don't want to sound discouraging, but sequels are not usually writer-driven.

Al B.
"The worst movie in a series is usually Number Six of a trilogy."

[rnbrewer]

What if your considering the possibility of sequels or already have a preplanned story line that spans more than one movie? Like forshadowing for a future sequel. I'm working on a script right now and the main character is plagued by dreams. The dreams are intended to be forshadowing but also reflect the actual scenes that won't take place till about the third film in a trilogy. Or is it best to write it as if it were a standalone piece?

[ScriptNurse]

In a script, try not to confuse the reader. After all, this is a guide to making a movie, so confusion is not what you want. I think what you mean is: Is it okay for some information to be missing? Unanswered questions as the story progresses? Yes, but you must resolve them all before the end.

[uncle_al]

My two drachmas worth...
And worth every brass farthing it cost you...

Tipping your hand for plot twists to the reader is, in my opinion, not a good thing.  If you've written it well enough, the story will be a "page turner", and they'll keep going just to see what goes on.

Doing it?  That's the trick...

Al B.

[padnar]

Hi
The problem you face was also faced by me
you should write like an interested observer
you should love your work as well as be a critic just like a mother
she will love her child but she punishes him if there
is a mistake . Rather a tough role

[mteverest]

I'll probably find the answer in one of these books but I don't think I'd sleep well tonight if I didn't post this question now.  You know how your story could have all sorts of twists and possibly confuse the audience for a while and resolve things towards the end.  Do the readers anticipate/expect that kind of experience, too?  Or does the screenplay have to explain certain things to them so they won't get confused?  I guess my concern is that, once they get confused, they might dismiss my script as... well... confusing and not recommend it.

Does my question make sense?  Or did I confuse you, too?

Thanks,
Ever