WARNING: this is LONG.
We writers are somewhat self indulgent, possessive, almost to the point of being downright narcissistic about our writing, and that's fine, because if we weren't our story may have remained only an idea and never have seen the light of the day.
But who's story is it and who do you write for?
Only YOU?
First draft or two, you write for YOU.
You have fun. Just keep writing, get it out of your system so to speak.
You've got a story, albeit not perfect, but hey, who cares, main thing, it is all out on "paper." Good job, well done. Quarter of the battle is won.
Now what?
Take a step back, pull back, get the bigger picture.
You realize: Your'e not the one who matters, as a matter of fact at the end of the day, you matter least, because the business of screenwriting is so much bigger than you.
Realize that:
1. You write for the Reader.
The Reader is your first hurdle to jump.
As a spec writer, your script needs to read:
Easy. Clean. Lean. Lots of white spaces and be specific (not confusing by an over complicated plot and introducing too many characters at once). Keep it simple. You need to show you understand structure, format, story building (always stay ahead of the reader i.e. keep them guessing) dynamic, compelling characters and scintillating dialogue (including subtext).
In short, an intriguing hook, a professional layout, short scene headings, short character names, and no large blocks of text on the page all instantly create a positive impression.
Bottom line: Tell a story that raises the stakes and builds momentum to keep the reader want to turn the page.
2. You write for Actors:
This is a rarely considered but you have to build this element into the overall reception of your script. Of course, it doesn't mean writing for specific name actors i.e. Keanu Reeves, Denzal Washington or Viola Davis (of course you could, why not?) but to give actors the freedom to imagine and act out when reading your script. Meaning, don't write each and every action, nor feelings, just give them the bare basics and let actors show their acting chops which have helped them to win Academy Awards. Actors are always on the look out for juicy, challenging parts. It boils down to you create and write compelling jump -off-the page- CHARACTERS that actors will fight over (i.e. multilayered, complex characters including brilliant dialogue, subtext plus strong supporting characters that will add depth to your story).
3. You write for the Audience:
Your end game should be writing to win over your audience. Have them emotionally invested in your hero's journey. From the opening scene. Let them vouch for your hero and their quest. Keep them invested. What they expect to happen and then it doesn't happen (Surprise twist!) You need to emotionally INVEST your audience with great story and RELATABLE characters that will keep them talking long after the final scene.
4. You write to Entertain:
At the end of the day, you write to ENTERTAIN.
Your screenplay needs to ENTERTAIN an entire Industry.
As far as the industry is concerned, it's all about being ENTERTAINED on a captivating story starring memorable characters. Give them all those moments that MATTER.
Let every MOMENT/SCENE count.
MOMENTS that will stay forever.
You get this right, you may just have discovered the secret to a Producer/Filmmaker's heart.
PS: As a script reader and competition judge, you are welcome to send me your LOGLINE and a brief SYNOPSIS of your premise for assessment before entering your script into another competition. I have time and space for only FOUR (4) first 5 page analysis and feedback.
Contact me: starlightscripts@gmail.com
2 people like this
Excellent post, Catalina Lowe! I think as writers, we write for ourselves sometimes and we forget that we aren't the only people we're writing for. That's one reason our scripts don't make sense to other people (readers, actors, and audience). The scripts make sense to us because we see the scripts as a certain way in our heads. But we have to remember that in order to get a script produced or sold, we have to convey our stories to an audience in a clear way. And as you said, we write to entertain. I think that's the most important thing. Making sure our scripts are entertaining.
2 people like this
Catalina:
Thanks for sharing.
I never write to merely entertain myself. I always write with an audience in mind and include myself in that group. In other words, I write stories I would like to see. Even when I write the first draft, I have a rigorous process of analyzing the value of every scene and removing any scene that isn't essential to moving the plot forward. I just finished the first draft of a novel adaptation, and I've already trimmed 5 well-written scenes to achieve a more desirable page count. Though I performed grammar checks after every few scenes, I'm now doing an entire review of the grammar to better ensure better sentence structure, correct punctuation, and omitted words. Finally, I will do two read-throughs, one using the voice machine to evaluate narrative and dialogue flow. During those read-throughs, I analyze whether all the plot points connect up together and they're all logical. When I'm happy with the script, I'll send it over to the producer for his input. However, I had him approve my story synopsis before writing the screenplay. And though much of that synopsis has been altered. The client had a good idea of where I was going with the story, and I incorporated several story ideas he suggested. Experience has taught me If I can't agree with a client on a direction early on, I won't proceed.
Congrats on finishing the first draft, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique!
2 people like this
Great post, Catalina Lowe! I agree with what you've mentioned. Writers can be self-indulgent. And I think that's essential to get the creative juices flowing at first. But when the dust settles, it is crucial to remember that we are not writing just for ourselves (if we want the script to be produced, of course) and adjust what is needed to invite the reader inside.
4 people like this
Catalina - nicely said. I write/rewrite for all those critters but in the end - it's the audience that has the final say. It's nice to see that's how it's done in Spain too.
2 people like this
I really enjoyed your post it seems like you really care, very refreshing.
2 people like this
I feel I do it this way...by writing specs as a hobby for this time being I do not necessarily count on any of above...I just have a interesting story I need to lay off in the best format that suites me - which happens to be writing for a movie...then, I show this here and there and maybe someone doing movies for living finds this interesting and buys it off...then he engages a professional writer, writing every day 9-5 (sometimes overtime) also for a living and he then turns my spec into a studio screenplay with all of above in mind...and then u have a movie to see...
1 person likes this
Catalina Lowe very well said. A lot of good information in this post. I do try to keep this in mind when writing my own scripts. I found when working on projects that everyone can relate to these points (combined with my understanding of the importance of these points) comes naturally. May be just me though.
I especially like points 3 and 4. I'd even say your reader is your initial audience to gain interest in your script. I feel they are the audience for the words so to speak haha.
1 person likes this
I liked your story, Catalina. Indeed, a professional writer must clearly understand his target audience and take into account the interests of readers. And when I write again extra essay reviews I understand that this will help many schoolchildren and students in the learning process. It seems to me that this is very important. After all, not every young person has enough knowledge and experience to generate such complex academic content. Therefore, I'm glad I can help. And it inspires me.