Remember it’s a formula (File under screenwriting - part eleven)…
Despite the fact Britney faces random drug and alcohol testing, the real lesson today is about screenwriting - and it’s a very personal lesson.
I suppose that the biggest mistake I have been making over the last few months (in doing rewrites) is to think that dialogue is more important than structure. In truth it is ALWAYS, absolutely ALWAYS the other way around. It’s an easy trap to fall into, though - to concentrate on scenes and think by re-working them that the script as a whole will improve. Well, yes - in parts it might - but as a whole the effect will be negligible. The most important thing to remember is that screenwriting is a formula. It follows a three act structure and needs the relevant emotional peaks and troughs to hold an audiences attention. If you haven’t read THE SCREENWRITER’S MASTER CHART - study it carefully and remind yourself that no matter how unique your story, as a screenplay it will have to follow certain immutable rules. Whenever you can - focus on structure. Only when the structure is perfect will changing dialogue add the boost that you need.
Now repeat the mantra - screenwriting is a craft - it is a formula - and it is my job to write that formula flawlessly.
Below is a video of SOUL COUGHING’s ’screenwriter blues.’ It always makes me smile and realize that this business SHOULD BE FUN!
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