Screenwriting is a delicate art form that requires a combination of creativity, storytelling ability, and technical know-how. From captivating dialogue to immersive characters and a compelling narrative, the elements that make a great screenplay are many.
But how do legendary screenwriters like Aaron Sorkin, Nora Ephron, William Goldman, Paul Schrader, and Robert Towne create award-winning scripts time and time again?
In this article, we will be uncovering some of the secrets and tips used by these successful screenwriters that have helped them create timeless and memorable works of cinema.
Whether you are an aspiring screenwriter or a seasoned pro looking for inspiration, this article is for you. So grab your notepad and be prepared to take some notes – let's dive into the world of screenwriting and learn some of the best-kept secrets of storytelling from the masters of the art.
Start With a Strong Concept
Screenwriter John August, who has written the screenplays for 'Big Fish' and 'Go,' among others, said that the key to a great script is starting with a strong concept. Spend time developing a unique and compelling idea that will drive your story and set it apart from others.
Know Your Characters
Legendary screenwriter William Goldman, who wrote the screenplays for 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Princess Bride,' among others, said that the key to good storytelling is to know your characters intimately. Take the time to flesh out your characters, their motivations, and their goals, so that they feel real and three-dimensional on the page.
Follow DiSC style to model your character’s personality
The DiSC Model of personalities identifies four main behavioral styles a character may exhibit the most in the story.
The 'D' represents Dominance; and individuals who primarily exhibit this style are focused on achieving results and having a broad perspective. They exhibit confidence, candor, extroversion, and assertiveness.
'i' stands for Influence, and those who fall into this category place a strong emphasis on persuading others. They are often energetic, hopeful, open, and trusting.
The 'S' symbolizes Steadiness, and people who fall under this category prioritize cooperation, reliability, sincerity, and dependability. They tend to be calm and unhurried in nature.
Finally, 'C' stands for Conscientiousness, and individuals who exhibit this style prioritize quality, accuracy, competency, and independence. They are detail-oriented, demand precision, and are concerned about being wrong.
Focus on Dialogue
Screenwriter Quentin Tarantino, who wrote the screenplays for 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Inglourious Basterds,' among others, said that the key to great screenwriting is strong dialogue. Pay attention to the way your characters talk, and make sure their dialogue is sharp, witty, and reveals their personalities.
Pay Attention to Structure
Screenwriter Tony Gilroy, who wrote the screenplays for 'Michael Clayton' and 'The Bourne Identity,' among others, said that the key to good screenwriting is to pay close attention to structure. Make sure your script has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and that it follows a solid dramatic arc.
Write What You Know
Screenwriting legend Robert Towne, who wrote the classic film 'Chinatown,' said that the key to great storytelling is to write what you know. Draw on your own experiences and emotions to create authentic characters and situations that resonate with audiences.
Keep it Simple
Screenwriter William Goldman, who wrote the screenplays for 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'All the President's Men,' among others, said that the key to great screenwriting is to keep it simple. Don't try to cram too much into your script, and focus on the essential elements of your story.
Show, Don't Tell
Legendary screenwriter Frank Darabont, who wrote the screenplays for 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Green Mile,' said that the key to effective storytelling is to show, not tell. Instead of telling the audience what's happening, use action, dialogue, and description to let the audience experience the story for themselves.
Kill Your Darlings
Famous screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, who wrote the screenplays for 'The Social Network' and 'The West Wing,' among others, said that the key to good writing is to be willing to 'kill your darlings.' This means cutting out anything, no matter how good or precious, that isn't serving the story as a whole.
Write From the Heart
Screenwriter Richard Curtis, who wrote the screenplays for 'Love Actually' and 'Notting Hill,' among others, said that the key to great screenwriting is to write from the heart. Write about what matters to you, and create characters and stories that reflect your passions and values.
Write Every Day
Legendary screenwriter Billy Wilder, who wrote the screenplays for 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'Some Like It Hot,' among others, said that the key to good writing is to write every day. Make writing a habit, and work on your craft every day, no matter what.
Read Your Script Out Loud
Screenwriter William Monahan, who wrote the screenplays for 'The Departed' and 'Body of Lies,' among others, said that the key to great screenwriting is to read your script out loud. This will help you catch any awkward phrasing or dialogue, and ensure that your script flows smoothly and sounds natural.
Embrace the Rewrite
Screenwriter Robert Towne, who wrote the screenplays for 'Chinatown' and 'Shampoo,' among others, said that the key to great screenwriting is to embrace the rewrite. Don't be afraid to revise and refine your script multiple times, and be willing to make changes to improve it.
Your Takeaway?
Writing a great script requires skill, creativity, and a lot of hard work. It’s all about finding your voice, embracing the creative process, and having the courage to tell the stories you want to tell. So, don't be afraid to take risks, experiment with new techniques, and let your imagination run wild. With the right combination of talent and determination, you can become a master screenwriter yourself!
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