What preparation do you go through before beginning a screenplay?

C. Moss: Lots of oiling up. Actually, we develop a detailed beat sheet/outline and then we’re off and running.

G. McBride: It varies. But usually I think about it for weeks, even before beginning the notes or outlining process. Then one day, I start. A deadline always helps the start date. For specs, I try to create my own deadlines. I find the first thirty pages the most difficult to get through. There’s something about knowing you need to fill 90-100 blank pages that can be kind of intimidating. Of course, working from an outline helps. But when you’ve created full and interesting characters, they can sometimes take you on a course you didn’t originally set out for. Starting is easily the most difficult part of this job. But it’s the biggest and most necessary step. That’s for sure.