Screenplay Writing: Saving Your Plot

After months of hard work, you have finally completed your first script. Before attempting to sell the script, do a careful review of you plot. When doing the review, ask yourself the following questions.

Is the plot original enough?
When rereading the screenplay, mark anything that you have read in a book, seen in a movie, or read in another script. Next list them on a separate sheet of paper, and for each one write how to make them different. For example, in your script your character travels back in time in a sports car with an eccentric professor, as in the movie "Back To The Future." Instead let the character go back in time by walking through an old grandfather clock. Making such notes from your script and changing them can train your mind to think more creatively.

Do readers know what's going to happen next?
In your plot, as you tell your story, are you revealing too much, or is your plot overused- cliched? Is it a subject that is typically used in other movies? Telling the reader too much can bore him or her. It does not allow the reader to utilize his imagination and feel a sense of mystery and suspense.

Using an overused plot in your story can discourage a reader from reading the full script. When reviewing your plot make notes in areas where you have given too much detail. Make changes in a way to hook the reader and tease his or her mind. Make the reader think the story will go one way. Then suddenly an unexpected twist occurs.

If your story is typical and cliched, try to think how you can change it to make it more original. Change the plot in a way so that it is something completely new and interesting.

Is the plot boring?
Even though your plot may be unique, it may be boring. Boring plots typically have long, scenes, rambling dialog, overly detail description narratives, and little action. Correct this by shortening the dialog and focusing it on the plot. The mood of the conversation should fit the mood of the scene. For instance, if the scene is comical, the dialog should be comical. If the scene is serious, the dialog should be serious. Keep in mind the dialog should always be supportive to the plot. Liven up the story with unique situations and events that can add more excitement.

However, do not over do it when livening up the story. Give the reader some downtime between exciting, action scenes. Do this by incorporating scenes to appeal to the different emotions of a reader. Use some comedy, some drama, some suspense, and some mystery in the plot. Audiences like to be taken on an emotional roller coaster ride when watching movies. For instance, have you noticed that in scary movies there are usually romantic feelings between the main male and female characters? Between thrilling scenes there are scenes with the male and female characters developing an emotional bond.

Is the plot too complex?
Making the plot complex (too many subplots, too many flashbacks, or too many dream sequences) can confuse the reader. A complex plot can loose focus of the main point of the story. It can make developing a resolution hard. Some writers who are experienced can create complex plots. However, for new screenplay writers, it is best to keep the story simple.

Is the plot too shallow?
Sometimes new writers are to caught up in making their story exciting and interesting. They get caught up in the action, symbolism, witty dialog, and slick descriptions. They loose the focus, the meaning, and the purpose of the story, like in the movie "Twister". It had great action and special effects, but after watching it I, among others, asked myself, "What was the movie about?"

So when reviewing your script ask yourself, "What is the meaning of the story? What is the purpose? What is the story about?" If you cannot see the meaning and purpose in your plot, the plot is shallow. Begin to think of ways to focus the plot on its purpose.

Is the plot believable?
Readers need to buy into the reality of your story even though it is fiction. Check to see does the plot sound far-fetched. If it sounds far-fetched and too unrealistic the reader will have a hard time connecting with the story, unless the reader likes far-fetched stories. If the plot is two out of the ordinary, just simplify it.

Is the sequence illogical?
This relates to the order of scenes and event in the script. If you feel the current order of the scenes and events is not right, you may want to rearrange them, change the scenes, or delete them.

Is the conclusion satisfying?
If you feel unsatisfied with your conclusion, that is your gut feeling telling you it is lacking something. Whatever that something is put more of it in the conclusion.

After thoroughly evaluating your plot, then begin the revision on the script. Afterwards consider having it reviewed by an editor.