Go ahead, Procrastinate! 6 Websites that Can Make Procrastination Productive
Procrastination. We all do it, and we usually all feel guilty about it. I know I do. But did you know engaging in activities that might look like procrastination can actually help ‘jump start’ your creative screenwriting brain?
Unfortunately not all procrastination is created equal (diving into the fridge, or going down the Instagram rabbit hole is probably not going to spark your inspiration). So what’s a good, guilt free way to procrastinate?
Scrolling screenwriting websites. They’re a great way to take a break, get inspired, and feel productive at the same time.
In no particular order, here are 6 websites that make procrastination productive, and serve up valuable information that can help propel your script and your career:
1. Go Into The Story
Named the “Best of the Best” screenwriting website by Writer’s Digest, this website is the official blog of The Black List. Run by Scott Myers a professor of screenwriting and writer in his own right, Scott’s blog is an incredible resource for screenwriting advice, great interviews and my personal favorite - his section dedicated to navigating the business. Plus, all the information on his blog feels like it’s coming from a guy who genuinely cares about your success (he is a college professor after all, who works with up and coming screenwriters daily).
2. Internet Movie Script Database
If you’re feel stuck on your own script, sometimes the best way to get ‘unstuck’ is to read someone else’s. Enter the IMSDB - a huge database full of old and new scripts for you to study and enjoy. With new scripts added daily, this website is an embarrassment of riches for new and experienced writers. Trying to write comedy for the first time? Look up a great classic comedy script to see how to deal with comedic timing on the page. Can’t quite get your Thriller to feel suspenseful? Read a classic Hitchcock film, or a recent Thriller feature that you watched and loved. Other people’s scripts can spark new ideas, help you hone your voice, and teach you endless lessons about structure.
3. The WGA
This one has a special place in my heart because of my Showrunner Training Program. Whether you’re a working writer or aspiring to be one, it’s always a good idea to get to know the Writers Guild. This website is full of important resources and invaluable advice, like: contract and interview help, what you need to know about fair wages, healthcare, and special invites to WGA events. Also, don’t worry if you’re not a WGA member yet, they have pages (and events) specifically for up-and-coming writers, aimed at helping them improve their writing skills and highlighting opportunities to grow their community of peers and professionals.
4. Bitter Script Reader Blog
The byline for this website says it all, “The advice and rantings of a Hollywood script reader tired of seeing screenwriters make the same mistakes, saving the world from bad writing one screenplay at a time. Learn what it takes to get your script past one of these mythical Gatekeepers.” Before you can land a rep or sell a script, your script will most likely first be read by a “reader”. If that reader deems your script worthy, they’ll pass it up the chain of command to the powers that be. But (and it’s a big but) scripts usually only get passed along if they’re blazing hot. This website is, well, bitter but not snobby at all - it’s written by a guy who just wants to help writers turn out excellent scripts (for example he does an amazing job of explaining how to write a strong character arc).
5. Twitter
I know what you’re thinking, why is Twitter on this list? It’s one of the internet’s biggest time sucks. But (if used wisely) it’s also a website dedicated to the written word, and is a valuable place to network, pick up free advice, and free inspiration. It’s populated with dozens of amazing film and television writers (like Mindy Kaling, Brian Koppelman, and Donald Glover to name a few), who often post writing advice and bits of insider information. Not to mention Twitter is a constant reflection of the zeitgeist - looking for a relevant, timely story idea? Try surfing the viral threads or news articles and see what inspires you.
6. Lessons From the Screenplay
If you’d rather watch then read, this YouTube channel is for you. Each video teaches a screenwriting lesson by comparing the script with the actual finished film to examine exactly how and why these scripts are good at telling their stories, and to understand how the nuances of a story go from script to screen. One of my personal favorites is the video lesson on ‘The Power of Symbols’ using the movie Parasite.
What are your favorite screenwriting websites? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!