Read to the end for info on critiques
Here it is, the one you’ve all been waiting for! You’ve mastered the basics of scripts, and crammed in some practice! Is there any way to improve on your etiquette? “Stim, you said to forget about novel writing for these exercises.”
The answer is yes. That’s what this article’s for. So, let’s dig in.
Pacing
Screenwriting is a simple medium, but pacing still matters. When a critic or director reads a script, they expect ths each scene. It gives an idea of how they should visualise the moment as if already produced. That’s why actions, sight, and sound matter most.
Leave Your Prose at Home
I’m guilty of this one. Don’t write your scenes like a novel. Don’t worry about picking words because you already used it before; pick a word because it feels right for the scene.
Plotters might already know about beat sheets. Turns out I forgot about them, but having remembered, let’s touch on that. A script has beats, too. That’s what those white spaces between lines are. If you can understand that, you’ll find it easier to pace your scenes.
Useless Details
If you have a paragraph with useless information, the director will think “When does the action come in? I have to cut all this shit out so I can do my job.” They don’t need to know how lovingly detailed and shiny your princess dress is – just say it’s pink with gold embroidery.
Let’s take a scene where everyone’s on the same set. If the focus is on one character, we don’t need to know what the other characters are saying, unless the MC overhears a shocking, plot-related detail. Extras and minor characters still need cues, though, as this adds to believability.
If the character is offstage, leave them offstage until their cue.
If the Format is Animation
The only relevant actions are what’s on screen. Let’s take The Simpsons. If Bart walks off screen and the focus is on Homer, we need to know more of what Homer says rather than what Bart has up his sleeve. This is not just for the director in this case, but also the storyboarders and animators.
Formatting
If you can help it, don’t adjust the formatting. It’s generated that way to look professional. Bolds and italics blend much easier than all caps, therefore they get lost while the director skims your script.
If you need to bold sluglines because your eyes have trouble finding them, go for it.
In Case You Misunderstand Dialogue Cues
This is incorrect:
BYAKUYA
(Holding a teacup)
That was derivative.
This is correct:
Byakuya glares. Picks up his teacup.
BYAKUYA
That was derivative. Try harder.
At least it’s easy to edit. Notice how clean it is. There is no paranthetical, either; if you can read Byakuya’s body language, then your imagination fills in the blanks. Dialogue can call for this if:
- The line is sarcastic.
- The line has a different vibe to the actions.
- Your character speaks with a foreign accent.
- Imitation is present.
- Comedic timing is present.
If a Whole Building Matters
Say your slugline is of a hotel, but this isn’t home. You can label this as “HOTEL – FOYER” and “HOTEL – BEDROOM”. It cuts confusion.
Find Writing Communities
This is general advice, and more experienced writers know this tip. If I hadn’t joined the Screenwriter’s Network Discord, I’d have lost my way quicker, and not gathered these nuggets of wisdom. It’s worth having beta readers, kids.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed the Script Draft series. While I have my own drafts to write, I’d love to critique yours! Scripts and prose are both accepted! If you would like a free reading, message me with one page and I’ll write a basic overview of your work. For full readings there’s a price. At the bottom of my home page I have Patreon and Ko-fi buttons.
Patreon
Becoming my patron is only $1 a month. At the end of each month, your name goes into a hat. If it gets pulled out, you win a FREE full critique. I analyse all aspects of your work, including grammar, prose, wordiness, and structure.
Ko-fi
Do you need a full critique here and now? With Ko-fi you can pay what you want. Drop the link to your work in a private message and I’ll get to it.
Requirements
Page minimum is 3. If your work is in literary form, the font must be either Arial, Calabria, or Times New Roman, size 12.
What about your work, Stim?
If you wish to see tidbits, I’ll gladly show them. A third of my first chapter is in the script stage as of this post, but I’d love to keep you posted. Happy writing!
Invader Stim Homerpants 