How to Write a Screenplay and Rewrite a Screenplay That Might Just Make You Money
Okay, so you're all done with your epic screenplay about dangerous vampires in Boston and now it's time to start pitching that script to managers and agents in Hollywood. (All of whom have more in common with a vampire than you might realize.)
But before you place that script in an envelope, and believe you're done learning how to write a screenplay, here are a few tips to help you rewrite your screenplay to make it professional, marketable and the best script it can be.
Tip 1 Don't do anything
I know. You've just typed "fade out" and you're ready to go. But I would offer it's good to wait a month, or at least two weeks, before you start rewriting.
Why? Because you're too close to the material. You'll be focusing on the little things-grammar, dialogue-when you should be working on building emotion and conflict. So take a break, and put the script in the drawer for awhile.
Tip 2 Cut the first 5 pages
But you need those pages, right? They are crucial to setting character and setting and...blah blah blah.
I will bet you five dollars you don't need it. Don't believe me...give the script out, without the first five pages. If nobody notices, you don't need it. (It's one of the biggest mistakes writers make when learning how to write a screenplay.)
The truth is most writers do a lot of "throat clearing" in those beginning pages. Get right to the point. (Remember, readers want to know what's going on. So let them do a little sleuthing.)
Tip 3 Focused Drafts
Instead of rewriting from fade in to fade out, I like to take a pass at the script numerous times-but with a very focused intent on each rewrite. (It's one of the hardest things I had to get when learning how to write a screenplay.)
So...maybe I'll do a rewrite where I focus on nothing but spelling. Another...scene description. Maybe another will be pushing conflict. While another handles dialogue.
Then I'll do a rewrite for each major character. Maybe I'll try to add some symbolic images subtly.
After doing 10-20 of these-with very clear goals-it will help me stay on track, and make sure I cover everything.
I guarantee if you follow these 3 steps, you'll have a tight, focused, and much better script. (Even if it's about mutant vampires.)
But before you place that script in an envelope, and believe you're done learning how to write a screenplay, here are a few tips to help you rewrite your screenplay to make it professional, marketable and the best script it can be.
Tip 1 Don't do anything
I know. You've just typed "fade out" and you're ready to go. But I would offer it's good to wait a month, or at least two weeks, before you start rewriting.
Why? Because you're too close to the material. You'll be focusing on the little things-grammar, dialogue-when you should be working on building emotion and conflict. So take a break, and put the script in the drawer for awhile.
Tip 2 Cut the first 5 pages
But you need those pages, right? They are crucial to setting character and setting and...blah blah blah.
I will bet you five dollars you don't need it. Don't believe me...give the script out, without the first five pages. If nobody notices, you don't need it. (It's one of the biggest mistakes writers make when learning how to write a screenplay.)
The truth is most writers do a lot of "throat clearing" in those beginning pages. Get right to the point. (Remember, readers want to know what's going on. So let them do a little sleuthing.)
Tip 3 Focused Drafts
Instead of rewriting from fade in to fade out, I like to take a pass at the script numerous times-but with a very focused intent on each rewrite. (It's one of the hardest things I had to get when learning how to write a screenplay.)
So...maybe I'll do a rewrite where I focus on nothing but spelling. Another...scene description. Maybe another will be pushing conflict. While another handles dialogue.
Then I'll do a rewrite for each major character. Maybe I'll try to add some symbolic images subtly.
After doing 10-20 of these-with very clear goals-it will help me stay on track, and make sure I cover everything.
I guarantee if you follow these 3 steps, you'll have a tight, focused, and much better script. (Even if it's about mutant vampires.)
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