Basic Screenwriting Tips for the Beginner

A screenplay is a specific format that requires a bit of study in what constitutes a proper script. As a script reader for screenplay contests, I have noticed some beginner mistakes that are common enough for me to realize that maybe young scriptwriters could use a little help. There are a couple of issues I've run across in many, many screenplays, and frankly, as a reader and analyst, I would rather not have to read bad scripts. So do your script a favor, and please read the following tips before sending that screenplay to agents, productions companies, or contests.

1. Make sure you are writing your script in the proper format.

Last year, I opened up a script with a hand-drawn picture and dialogue boxes. If I had been reading this script for anything other than a contest that offered critiques, I would have immediately thrown this script away. Either buy scriptwriting software like Final Draft or MovieMagic, or at least get a book on the proper format for screenplays. Agencies and production companies will not read past page one if your script is not in the proper format. There are specific margins involved, as well as specialized lingo that will make your script come across as a professionally written script.

2. Your script needs to be a certain length.

Feature films are usually between 90 and 120 pages. And that means that those pages have the proper amounts of dialogue versus exposition and action. I read a script that had three full pages of sight gags, that despite being completely unreadable (remember scripts are read, so make them engaging to a reader) would have truthfully filled up maybe ten to fifteen minutes of screen time. A page is roughly equal to one minute of screen time, so if you have a 140-page script, it had better be Lord of the Rings good. Most film companies will not option or finance a film longer than 2 hours in length.

3. Tell the story in images.

So many scripts have characters giving exposition in dialogue. Figure out how to tell your story in images, rather than a character telling us "I went to her house, and she answered the door, but she didn't want to go out tonight." Show that in images. Remember film is a visual medium. There is nothing more tedious than reading a script where the characters talk constantly about what is happening rather than simply showing them doing what they are doing. Not only that but dialogue heavy scripts become dull for a reader. And the reader is the first gate to pass through in order to get your script on the silver screen, with fame and fortune to follow.

4. Don't repeat.

If a character in one scene tells us that his boss is having an affair with the secretary, don't repeat that information again in the next scene. Not only is it boring to read, it is the sign of an amateur. You must always forward your story. If you stand still in a script, you are standing still in your story, and that is the quickest way to lose your audience. Always, always, always provide new information in every scene.

5. Proofread!

Make sure that every word is correct, and that everything that needs a capital letter gets it. If you spell Rachael with an "ael" don't suddenly switch to Rachel halfway through your script. Attention to detail is always appreciated and the sign of a good writer. If you are spelling and grammar-challenged, use your spell-check and ask friends to read as sometimes spell-check doesn't pick up on words that are wrong but spelled correctly. Also, when you reread your script, you may unconsciously fill in missing words, and that is why it is always a good idea to have others read your script before you send it in to a contest or agency.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind. Every script has issues, but I have found that the aforementioned issues are common in most beginning scripts. Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase some guides to screenwriting, or take a screenwriting course.