There have been many threads that talk about what producers and readers are looking for in a script. And why the are recommended or passed over. A lot of new writers I've worked with think that screenwriting is about taking a story idea and changing it into a script. What I try to emphasize is that anyone can write a script, however the intention is to write a script that is made into a movie. There is a difference.
I also recommend that screenwriters get experience acting and working behind the camera. Even if you don't intend to produce/direct your own script, that knowledge is invaluable in learning the craft side of writing scripts. Recently, I've been spending a bit of time in front of the camera. I found an article that I think is insightful for both actors and screenwriters. I emphasize that scripts are like blueprints for a movie. The director, actors and other creative professionals (MUA, SFX, Composer, etc.) who build from it to make the actual movie.
Actors bring our scripts to life. Often they live our characters and breathe life into them in ways we didn't even imagine by adding nuance and altering dialogue. While there have been arguments on this group as to the importance of "scene" and "character arcs", it's important to understand that's how our 'builders' use our script to create the movie. So take a moment to read "Scoring Your Script: An Actor’s Manual" written by an actress for other actors on the fine art of annotating a script. It will give you some insight into what acting school teaches actors to do to the script you've written.
As a quick overview, the author states: "There are many ways to score a script. Most modern American acting courses use a vernacular that breaks scripts into 'beats and units' and describes a character’s arc in terms of 'objectives, tactics and obstacles.' Even if this isn’t your speed when it comes to actor homework, it is helpful to know the basics of scoring a script. If nothing else, it is likely your director and scene partners will, and you don’t want to be left in the dust. Here is a quick rundown of terms and concepts it is helpful to know when scoring scripts."
If directors and actors are doing it, it should be important to you as the author of the script to also think in these terms. I use my experience in front and behind the camera to improve and inform my writing. Cheers!
I also recommend that screenwriters get experience acting and working behind the camera. Even if you don't intend to produce/direct your own script, that knowledge is invaluable in learning the craft side of writing scripts. Recently, I've been spending a bit of time in front of the camera. I found an article that I think is insightful for both actors and screenwriters. I emphasize that scripts are like blueprints for a movie. The director, actors and other creative professionals (MUA, SFX, Composer, etc.) who build from it to make the actual movie.
Actors bring our scripts to life. Often they live our characters and breathe life into them in ways we didn't even imagine by adding nuance and altering dialogue. While there have been arguments on this group as to the importance of "scene" and "character arcs", it's important to understand that's how our 'builders' use our script to create the movie. So take a moment to read "Scoring Your Script: An Actor’s Manual" written by an actress for other actors on the fine art of annotating a script. It will give you some insight into what acting school teaches actors to do to the script you've written.
As a quick overview, the author states: "There are many ways to score a script. Most modern American acting courses use a vernacular that breaks scripts into 'beats and units' and describes a character’s arc in terms of 'objectives, tactics and obstacles.' Even if this isn’t your speed when it comes to actor homework, it is helpful to know the basics of scoring a script. If nothing else, it is likely your director and scene partners will, and you don’t want to be left in the dust. Here is a quick rundown of terms and concepts it is helpful to know when scoring scripts."
If directors and actors are doing it, it should be important to you as the author of the script to also think in these terms. I use my experience in front and behind the camera to improve and inform my writing. Cheers!