When I started writing, all I wanted to do was write a great script. And then I went to the Austin Film Festival (this is late '90s) and heard someone talk about the difference between a script you sell - and a script you write for posterity. So, what are some of the differences between the two?
A sellable screenplay has several key elements that make it appealing to producers, studios, and other industry professionals. These elements include:
Compelling Story:
A unique and engaging story that captures the audience's attention. It should have a clear premise, strong narrative arc, and well-defined genre.
Well-Developed Characters:
Characters that are complex, relatable, and dynamic. They should have clear motivations, goals, and growth throughout the story. Strong protagonists and antagonists are essential.
Strong Structure and Pacing:
A screenplay should follow a well-defined structure, typically the three-act structure. It should have a strong opening, compelling midpoint, and satisfying conclusion. Pacing should be tight, keeping the audience engaged without unnecessary scenes.
Originality:
Fresh and original ideas stand out in a crowded market. A screenplay should offer a new take on familiar themes or introduce unique concepts that haven't been explored before.
Marketability:
The screenplay should have a clear target audience and commercial appeal. This includes considering current trends, audience preferences, and the potential for merchandising, franchising, or cross-platform adaptations.
Engaging Dialogue:
Dialogue should be natural, engaging, and appropriate for the characters and setting. It should reveal character, advance the plot, and keep the audience interested.
Visual Storytelling:
Screenplays are visual mediums, so they should emphasize showing rather than telling. Strong visual elements, memorable scenes, and dynamic action can make a screenplay more appealing to filmmakers.
Themes and Subtext:
A screenplay with deeper themes and subtext can resonate more with audiences and critics. It should offer more than just surface-level entertainment, providing something meaningful to think about.
Clear and Professional Formatting:
Proper screenplay format and adherence to industry standards are crucial. This includes correct use of scene headings, action lines, character names, and dialogue. A well-formatted script shows professionalism and respect for the reader's time.
Feasibility:
Consideration of the budget and production constraints. While big-budget spectacles can be appealing, a screenplay with practical production demands may be more sellable, especially to independent producers.
Strong Hook:
A compelling opening scene or hook that grabs the reader's attention immediately. It should set up the premise and tone of the screenplay effectively.
Emotional Impact:
A screenplay that can evoke strong emotions—whether it's laughter, tears, fear, or excitement—has a higher chance of being remembered and appreciated.
A combination of these elements, along with a bit of luck and timing, can make a screenplay stand out and increase its chances of being sold and produced.
What's your take?
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Conflict!
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Hi, Fran Harris. I think a script definitely needs a combination of those things to sell. And sometimes creative pitching ideas.
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Sure, that is basic storytelling in an occupation of all-star pros competing for the same employers. Selling a spec screenplay is about 90% of a screenwriter's career income.
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All the things you list are important, but what seems to me to grab both producers and screenplay contest judges is evocative writing, both in the descriptive passages and in the use of similes to describe what is happening on the screen. There's an excellent You Tube video comparing the first pages of an "amateur" script to a professional's script. I'd also recommend reading the first few pages of Taylor Sheridan's pilot script for Yellowstone. Of course, duplicating this kind of great writing is really, really difficult -- at least for me.
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“…the difference between a script you sell - and a script you write for posterity. So, what are some of the differences between the two?”
What do you mean by a script you write for posterity? You didn’t define that term or present the differences.
Wouldn’t a good script, one that is sellable (saleable?), make a film that will be well-regarded for posterity?
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Fran Harris, thanks I am going to update my first draft check list. Recently I read/heard somewhere that the Hook is to abruptly pull our audience from what ever reality they are suffering from into our make believe world of film. Your take?
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this is how I sold my crappy specs. Never got notes on formatting, typos, whatever. I nailed the concepts & concept is King.
Somehow, someway, hook or by crook you gotta meet folks who think your writing is a money opportunity for them.
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Obviously she is offering good advice on how to write a screenplay that is marketable. What makes the screenplay sell is who you know. After all a spec screenplay is a screenwriter’s calling card.
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i also add IRONY!!!
Fran Harris I agree. It all starts with a good well-written marketable screenplay. To bad I don't write any of those.
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Dan MaxXx Perfect. 11/10. "you gotta meet folks who think your writing is a money opportunity for them."