Here are five common screenwriting mistakes and how to avoid them
You have worked hard on your script and are ready to submit it. But, have you made gaffes that will cause it to be trashed? Here are some common scriptwriting mistakes:
Faulty Appearance
Not adhering to basic industry format and font standards are marks of an amateur screenwriter.
Font should be Courier 12 pitch.
The title is centered on the title page. Then double space and type “Written by” making sure it too is centered. Type your name after double spacing and centering again.
The lower right corner should contain your contact and representative information. The lower left corner consists of registration information.
Screenwriting software will automatically set margins for you. However, some writers will choose to do it manually. Description (Action) goes from the left margin to the right margin. Character names are in all caps and start 3.5 inches from left margin. A parenthetical begins 3 inches from left margin and the right margin is 3.5 inches. Dialogue starts 2.5 inches from left margin and the right margin can be 2 inches up to 2.5 inches. Transitions are 6.5 inches from left margin and have a 1.0-inch margin on the right.
Being The Director
Avoid writing shots into your script. That is the job of the director.
Moreover, keep parentheticals to a minimum. Let the actor decide how he wants to convey the character.
It Is Not Logical
Bypass common logic loopholes by:
· Making sure actions and events are appropriate for setting and time.
· Determining if a character’s actions are reasonable at that juncture of the script.
· Adhering to the physical rules that were set up in the story, in particular in fantasy and sci-fi scripts.
· Being conscious of supposedly inconsequential actions performed by the characters that would defy common sense.
Too Many Words
Screenplays are the opposite of novels. Novels delve into the thoughts of the characters, can contain flowery prose, and long passages of detail. However, scripts are economical with words and more white paper is desirable.
Try to avoid writing description that is more than four or five lines long. Dialogue should be ten lines or less. If dialogue has to go longer, break it up with some sort of action.
Not enough conflict
Most screenwriters utilize plot points. However, between those points, the story can be ho-hum. Some writers recognize this and make the mistake of filling the void with meaningless dialogue, character self-analysis, or lackluster action that drags on until the next plot point.
Tightly structuring your screenplay, adding a subplot, and continuously upping the ante will create more interesting obstacles. Consequently, the script will have more opportunity to keep the audience engaged.
Sidestepping these common mistakes can help your script avoid the recycling bin. Writing an intriguing story will take care of the rest.
