Currently, the trend for screenwriting is writing a horrible screenplay, and then quitting. I say that a bit tongue and cheek, but in all seriousness: showing how NOT to do something is just as effective a learning tool as showing how to do something.
So, what are some of the ways in which a screenwriter can write a bad screenplay....
#1 - Don't Read Screenplays Written By Other Screenwriters
One of the things that are peculiar about produced screenplays is that they are excellent in giving a beginning screenwriter an idea of what it takes to write a great screenplay. Dialogue, scene descriptions and transitions are all there to analyze. Why should a newbie screenwriter care? One of biggest questions screenwriters have is how to write dialogue. "How do I write better dialogue?" they ask. If you don't read produced screenplays, one won't get a good feel for dialogue writing or how to write an action scene.
#2 - Don't Watch Movies With a "Screenwriter's Eye"
"Don't even watch movies for that matter." What are they useful for? Watching a movie with a "screenwriter's eye" is a great way of seeing screenplay structure in action. Watching a favorite movie and noting the plot points...is a great way to learn screenwriting.
#3 - Don't Read Screenwriting Books (or Magazines)
Why read screenwriting books? All they do is teach you how to become a better screenwriter. The one thing that's been constant through the years since before Christ is the story. All stories from The English Patient to Pulp Fiction to Inception, have a beginning, middle and end. Learn how to structure a screenplay on this foundation and then break the rules. Most screenwriting books do a good job of doing this. So, if you don't want to write a great screenplay, don't read screenwriting books.
#4 - Don't Get Feedback on Your Screenplay
Whatever level of screenwriter you are, getting feedback on your screenplay is required. The screenwriter has a tendency to get caught up in the story and may miss insight that may be helpful. A screenplay coverage firm is ideal, however feedback from any source is beneficial. If you don't want your screenplay to be the best it can be, don't get feedback. Just send that screenplay out! See what happens...you just may be in for a rude awakening.
#5 - Don't Finish Your Screenplay
The surest way to not write a great screenplay is to not finish your screenplay in the first place. Why finish a screenplay if you don't want to write a great one? If you do want to write a great one, then finish. Your. Screenplay.
So there you have it. Very simple. These are the top 5 ways in which a screenwriter can NOT write a great screenplay.
To read more screenwriting techniques, visit http://www.bestscreenwritingbooks.com
Chi Whitley, Screenwriter/Director
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