Screenwriting mini tips and tricks:
I recently started to tweet on Twitter (that still sounds like a odd statement to me but what the hell) with small snippets of screenwriting tips. I find that is the beauty of Twitter, it makes to minimize your posts and you learn to say more with less (like screenwriting itself). So since you visited my blog I have posted the list of tweets for the list #screenwritertips below. If you are on Twitter why not follow me as @Seansshack
1. Keep track of how long your protagonist is off screen. No matter what is happening, keep your hero in the viewer’s mind #screenwritertips
2. Rejection/criticism is part of the writer’s life. Learn what you can from feedback and ignore the haters. #screenwritertips
3. look at writing like exercise. Try and write every day or often, every word written is a step closer to your goal. #screenwritertips
4. The first ten pages ARE the most important. This is where you will grab or lose the reader. Study its structure and hook. #screenwritertips
5. Plan your story before you start the script. Write an outline/treatment and plan the structure with plot points first. #screenwritertips
6. Don’t try and get it all right in the first draft. Rewriting is where the true magic happens. #screenwritertips
7. Screenwriting is like painting. First draft is a pencil sketch and will reveal if the finished painting might work. #screenwritertips
8. After you complete the first draft take 3 weeks break. Then go back and take out anything that doesn’t work. Be ruthless. #screenwritertips
9. The second draft onwards is where your story will be found. Rinse and repeat with every draft until you feel it is ready #screenwritertips
10. Not everything will work. If it feels forced it will read as forced. If is doesn’t work, walk away. #screenwritertips
11. Remove ANYTHING that doesn’t add to the story or plot. Even if it’s the best scene you ever wrote. If it’s fat, cut it. #screenwritertips
12. Remember to be truly good at anything in life you need to become a little obsessed with it. So write and study films. #screenwritertips
13. Film is subjective; remember that not everyone will like what you write. So write for you not everyone. It is YOUR story #screenwritertips
14. Film is collaboration. Be open minded to other people’s ideas and changes. You don’t know everything. Learn from others. #screenwritertips
15. Get someone else to proofread your work. Some readers will only see your mistakes and you will miss them. Get help. #screenwritertips
16. You need feedback. Get as much feedback as possible and revise before you send scripts for consideration. #screenwritertips
17. If you have a solid idea, try the story as a short script first before you expand into a feature. #screenwritertips
18. Write your screenplays with two things in mind. Keep the script “tight and bright”. Remember you have to stand out. #screenwritertips
19. Be prepared and expect failure but remember nothing great ever comes without risk of failure. Get out of your comfort zone #screenwritertips
20. Feedback is great and needed, but never lose your “inner voice”. Listen to what story you want and stay on target. #screenwritertips
21. Watch your favorite classic films and keep an eye on the time counter to see where and when the plot points are used. #screenwritertips
22. As soon as you finish you script, be ready to let it go. If you resist change and are not open to it you will fail. #screenwritertips
23. A lot of scripts fail in the 2nd act. This is because they didn’t plan or prepare. Fail to prepare = prepare to fail. #screenwritertips
24. Don’t tag on the last act. It’s as important at the others. This is where the reader finds conclusion. Don’t cheat them. #screenwritertips
25. Far too many concepts and ideas are stretched too thin in an attempt to make them work. Think it through before you write. #screenwritertips
26. Remember your loglines/synopsis will hook interest in your script. Make sure they work by studying samples for films. #screenwritertips
27. Get people to read your script out loud. Record it if you can. You will find dialogue that doesn’t “sound” right. #screenwritertips
28. Remember you are writing for the screen and not a book. Learn how to tell a story visually. #screenwritertips
29. Never write what a character is thinking. Remember only describe and write what we can see on screen. #screenwritertips
30. Coverage and feedback is good but don’t change everything listed because it was suggested. Listen to YOUR story. #screenwritertips
31. Get feedback and coverage from people you trust. Tough love is a good thing but not all suggestions will work. #screenwritertips
32. You will get to the stage of getting suggestions for the sake of suggestions. Especially if it is paid coverage. #screenwritertips
33. Writing IS rewriting. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Rinse and repeat until you believe it is as good as it can get. #screenwritertips
34. There are several methods for structuring. Pick one as your bible. Here is a sample of what I use http://tinyurl.com/6nzetty #screenwritertips
35. It’s a good idea to set the scene with the opening image. It’s not as essential as some books state but use it if you can. #screenwritertips
36. The 3 acts made easy: (1) put the hero in a tree. (2) Throw rocks at them. (3) Get them out of the tree. #screenwritertips
37. Put your characters first. If they aren’t interesting or relatable, viewers won’t care and lose interest. #screenwritertips
38. Competitions are a great way to get exposure and sometimes feedback. But pick them carefully as not all are worthwhile. #screenwritertips
39. Plot points are vital to your story, plan them before you start and don’t try and squeeze them in later. #screenwritertips
40. One script can get you noticed but be sure you are armed with at least 3 solid features just in case you do. #screenwritertips
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