Writing a screenplay can be difficult – especially if you haven´t done it yet. This article sheds some light on 10 common mistakes made by people that are inexperienced and still desperately want to give their creative vision a chance on paper.
10: Not knowing the End
This is probably the most common mistake ever. Most people have a “brilliant idea” for a story, and try to get it on paper. The thing with film is, it does not work like that. Ideas are the initial spark, the catalyst, but the rest is the story. The most crucial part of the story is the end. If you send your hero on a journey, you have to know where he´s going to stop. And what has changed in him.
9: Not knowing the Beginning
This mistake works the other way around as well: You have the idea of a perfect dialogue, an encounter of such magical energy, that everyone in the theatre will gaze at the screen in utter disbelief…as soon as the movie is made. But need to have a point your characters are coming from. What do they do, how do they feel, before everything happens to them? Know your characters before you change them.
8: Reading too much books on the topic
There´s a huge load of literature on this topic, most of it written just to make money. Books about storytelling, 3-act-structure, proper formatting, etc. Please be aware that all of these books get written for 2 major reasons:
- Commercial interest
- To keep you away from actually writing screenplays
Guess what? That stuff has been written by professionals. They know how to make money and keep their job. Focus on the things you need to get started, then move on from the learning process to actual work. If you want to get an outline how to write a screenplay for beginners , visit my page and read part 1 of the series. That´s a good start.
7: Asking yourself “what would the audience think”
This is a huge one. Whenever you´re not sure about your scene/dialogue/action, there´s this voice in your head: “What would look good?” “What would THEY think?” This is actually counterproductive. The story derives from your own experience, motivation and emotions. Inserting external influence can destroy the rhythm of the film. Just keep it in “your” style, even if it reads clumsy on paper. In the end it will work out better than living up to standards you don´t even know.
6: Trying to mimic blockbusters
Just one sentence: You don´t have the money! Keep it your story, don´t blow too much shit up. And if you do, better find a producer =).
5. Going “too deep”
When you´re stuck, don´t get tempted to insert symbolic scenes or abstract, irrelevant stuff just for the sake of “being creative”. It´s no use to confuse your audience, and no one will think you´re brilliant. Rely on your ability to tell the story in an entertaining, but challenging way, without trying to push buttons.
4. Personal is not emotional
You might have a story in your family/social circle, that everyone around you thinks of as “the funniest thing they´ve ever heard”. Some party, a trip to Vegas, whatever. You often hear “that would make a great movie”. Maybe it would, but not the way it is in your head. If you really want to adapt a real-life event into a film, take it´s quintessence, and exaggerate it. Create unique, new characters that only have certain characteristics of your friends. Make a feature film, not a documentary about your life.
3. Atmosphere is key
A film is made in post – pre- and the actual production phase. If you add an atmosphere in the editing room (through colors, rhythm etc.), it might not match the initial energy of the screenplay. When you´re writing your script, know what atmospheric direction you want to go, and keep it that way. This will carry your film from beginning to end, and leave its mark.
2. Relying heavily on dialogue
A screenplay is not only what actors say. It is also what they do, but more importantly how they do it, when and where. A screenplay should contain descriptions of the settings, the weather, the music playing in the background. It is a piece of your film and should include as many details as possible to give the people you are working with an idea of what you want to achieve.
1. Screw it, let´s do it!
Most people dream about writing their first script, without actually doing it. They are afraid of what their friends and family might think, or that they´ll never get it made into a film. Whatever. Screw it, let´s do it! Sit down and write. Stand up when you´re done. Let it me a 5 minute short-film, which will be about 5 pages. If you´re still enthusiastic about shooting it, save up 200$ and do it. Don´t dream to be a screenwriter/filmmaker without actually becoming one.
If you want to know more about the Art of filmmaking, Film School reviews, and a diary on my current project (my first full length-feature) visit my blog BeKubrick.com