The glitz, the glamour, the celebrity; yes, screenplay writing is a very popular industry. And no wonder, when the screenwriter makes an average of $100,000 for each screenplay. That's why every creature in the Los Angeles area with working lungs and opposable thumbs is writing a screenplay, or wants to write a screenplay. I have read dozens of movie scripts. To help set you apart from the rest, this webpage gives you resources and advice on how to write a screen play that will actually sell.
Here are some tips on writing screen plays that producers can't resist:
- Correct Form and Layout. Your screenplay must adhere to the accepted standards of screenplay form and layout to even get looked at. The best way to know exactly how a screenplay should look is to read an actual screenplay, available in print at your local bookstore or library. Go to the Cinema or Movies section.
- Originality. Do not make your movie just like all the others. Be creative. Come up with original characters, plots, and themes. Screenplays must be unique to get noticed.
- Dialogue. Please, no cheese! I guess some actors like DeNiro and Pacino can take any dialogue and make it sound good, but you can't depend on great actors to save your dialogue. Crisp, new, real, unexpected--this is how your dialogue must be.
- Plot, Ending. Make original decisions when it comes to your movie script's plot twists and ending. Do your best to mystify, surprise, delight, or somehow emotionally touch your viewer. Write and create with a target viewer in mind.
I highly recommend a few outstanding books and guides on screen plays and how to write screenplays that will sell:
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting: A Step-By-Step Guide From Concept To Finished Script. A real gem on the craft of screenwriting, this guide provides easily understood guidelines for writing a screenplay, from concept to finished product. The author pinpoints stylistic and structural elements such as characterization and plot (and why the first ten pages are crucial); tips and techniques on screenplay format; collaborations; adaptations; and what to do after your screenplay is written.
The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script. This book presents the fundamentals of screenwriting, an overview of the entire writing process, script formatting, speculative writing style, sales and marketing strategies, and a resource guide of addresses and contacts.