Keys to writing a workable Screenplay
Screenwriting is not an easy job to do, and it’s quite tough for writers to keep in mind that they are writing for a visual medium, not a literary one. A film or video script needs to be written while keeping several essential points in mind. It should describe a filmable movie, using the correct technical language and perspective.
Structure: The importance of correct structure and language while writing a screenplay cannot be emphasized enough. A ‘vertical’ screenplay with a three-act structure, enough white space and appropriate technicalities, will prevent your plotline from meandering, keeping the focus intact. The three-act template, with a specific beginning, middle, and end-points, has proven to be a time-tested script structure.
Theme: This is the core of a great story. A well-articulated theme is relatable for the audience, and it allows the story to go beyond the specifics of the plot and become something universal. If your story is lacking a central theme, no amount of structural knowledge can cover up that flaw.
A well-articulated theme is relatable for the audience, and it allows the story to go beyond the specifics of the plot and become something universal.
Characters: The way you write your characters can prove to be a significant distinction between writing for literary and visual mediums. Visual characters need to be dimensional, human characters, who have relatable flaws and characteristics. The story needs to make the audience empathize and care about these characters and they attract bankable and popular actors.
Cinematic Premise: This is perhaps the most important criteria to make a screenplay workable. Cinema is a visual medium, and all the scenes should be written while keeping that in mind. Writing vague, unrealistic descriptions of a scene will not earn brownie points for a screenwriter. The screenplay should give the director enough visual cues to tell a story, without being overly specific. So, while you should avoid lengthy action descriptions in a script, do not make your script to be a connect-the-dots exercise for filmmakers.
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