Screenwriting : Rules or no rules? by Ben Johnson Jr.

My feeling has always been that you should know the rules but don’t be a slave to them. Break them, ignore them but know why you’re doing so.

I am a beginner in screenwriting and writing in general but rules are essential in everything we do, however they are a baseline and can be deviated from as long as the content is still represented professionally

If they work, why not? The issue is that the most applicable rules are provided by the people went deep into the screenwriting business and those people are mostly silent...

Rules for writing are typically a particular pattern that is known to achieve a good result, but other patterns can achieve the same result. This is evident from the many films that don't seem to follow the rules.

The important thing is understanding why the rules or patterns deliver that result. Turning points are a good example - we just assume they are required, but why? They exist because predictable plots are boring and unsatisfying. You don't necessarily need a turning point to make a plot satisfying or unpredictable, but it's an easy way to do it.

That being said, most readers will expect the rules to be followed, so not following them will lead to coverage that tells you to read Save The Cat and follow the rules (this actually happened to me)

I will always listen to a person who does a thing as an occupation vs. hobbyists/classroom teachers/vloggers who always seem to know what to do/how to do the thing but are never employed to do the thing.

Rules are meant to be broken. Just write a good story. Don't overthink it. As long as the audience is entertained, you were successful. :)

Ben Johnson Jr. I agree with formatting rules (center align dialogue, add scene headings, etc.) because they make a script easy to read. Other than that, just be entertaining and clear.

@StephenFolker Definitely agree. And it is the experienced.

If my goal is to create a product for the industry then I’m well-advised to observe a number of widely-accepted rules and guidelines; if I’m writing a script I’ll produce myself or practicing my craft with no desire for feedback or industry acceptance, then I can make my own rules.

Understanding the rules and why they are in place is a must. It is then that a writer can break the rules with grace. Look at the TV show Fleabag and how they break the rule of the forth wall. Clearly they understand the reason for the rule yet, the show not only breaks the rule it in a way where they acknowledge it, they take to a level that makes it fun for everyone.

There are rules and there's framework. Somethings are hard and fast others are guidelines. Good example already cited is formatting a screenplay, many producers, directors and actors expect to see a format that they understand, it's like reading a set of instructions. It's linear and from the beginning to the end you achieved what the instructions has set out. However, the first 10 pages is where many will read to, looking for the story to unfold. By the end of those 10 pages, the reader should want to read more. Some will read further but page 10 is important, so we are told. If you are a well established writer, the reader will probably read further anyway, if you're not, then it's your gamble to take. These are guidelines, not hard and fast but it's your choice.

I think only use rules when they benefit the script, both with regards to writing and selling the work

There are no rules. Only commonalities.

A rule has a negative outcome if broken. Road rules for example.

A huge number of screenplays will have commonalities, which doesn’t make those commonalities rules.

If we look at something like Momento, the inciting incident is at the end of the film as it is told in two completing storyline’s. Which is actually the midpoint. It is a super strange structure. But if there was a rule to story telling, the negative outcome would be that film not being made. But it exists, therefore no rule.

Rules dictate or control behaviour. Art should not be controlled or dictated to Mona in Tasmania has a wall full of plaster vaginas. Mona is an internationally recognise Museum. This has no link or connection to the Mona Lisa in anyway. But they are still both art.

We are the only art form that seem to want formulas. We crave sameness.

This will be insulting. But rules in many ways make us feel safe. As long as I stay in the lines I’ll be okay.

Let's revisit this post when writers are hired by corporations. Let's see then if you are a rules follower or not. Good Luck!

@BenJohnsonJr the only rules to follow are for formatting. The rest is for your imagination to sort out.

My only rule is avoid advice for other unproduced screenwriters.

Again, it's all a question of "take it or leave it". As a novice screenwriter, I feel that I need to know what I'm getting into before writing anything.

I think we all need rules when starting, it’s like having the bumpers on at the bowling alley. Until you are confident in your own skill you need something to rely on.