Effortlessness is a deceptive illusion and screenwriting exemplifies this perfectly. It’s not a skill that can be effortlessly mastered overnight. So, why is screenwriting so hard?
Screenwriting poses a formidable challenge because it demands believable characters and meticulous world-building. The art lies in seamlessly blending dialogue and action within a limited canvas of 90 pages or fewer. Each of these aspects alone is a feat in itself, but orchestrating them all in harmony is a Herculean task.
Whether you have all the signs you should be a screenwriter, invested in training or have a killer idea you absolutely know needs to be told; it’s not an easy journey.
In this article, we delve into why it is so hard and how to approach it. With the aim that complete awareness of all challenges will help you succeed, take this article as an inspiration to push you to write a screenplay!
Movies make screenwriting look like a breeze!
Movies have a knack for making screenwriting seem like a walk in the park. We watch those captivating stories unfold on the big screen, with their witty dialogue and seamless plot twists, and we can’t help but think, “Hey, I can do that too!” But behind the scenes, screenwriting is a whirlwind of creativity, perseverance, and countless revisions.
There are many short films that became features so remember, start small with your screenwriting project and you could be on your way to movie success!
The screenplay is the scaffolding
A professional screenwriter/teacher once told me that the screenplay is the scaffolding of the whole movie. At their very essence, they are quite simple.
It is a screenwriter’s job to provide the essence of the story. It is the director, actors and crew members job to bring it to life. Unlike novels where most writers can indulge in limitless pages of flowery prose, screenwriters must wield their words with precision. Only the vital details survive the ruthless editing process, sometimes even the screenwriter’s transitions are cut. Therefore, every action must serve a purpose.
Screenwriters understand that a great screenplay is a collaborative art form. They entrust the costume designers, prop masters, production designers, and an army of talented creatives to breathe life into their script. It’s a collective effort where the screenwriter’s role is not to micromanage, but to lay the foundation for a grand masterpiece.
8 Answers to why is screenwriting so hard
1. Storytelling is hard work
Regardless of being the scaffolding, screenwriting is still an art form that demands a deep understanding of storytelling principles. In order to write the very essence of the story, it requires weaving intricate narratives, creating compelling characters, and capturing the essence of the human experience. It demands an understanding of structure, pacing, and emotional resonance. To craft a story that engages and moves an audience is no easy feat. Screenwriters must dig deep, tapping into their vulnerability to infuse their stories with authenticity and resonance.
But amidst the challenges lies the magic of storytelling—the power to transport, inspire, and connect. Remember that storytelling is a skill that can be learned and honed over time, so embrace the challenges as opportunities to sharpen your abilities.
2. It can take a while to find your unique voice
Finding Your Unique Voice: Developing a unique voice as a screenwriter can be a daunting task. It takes time to discover your own style and perspective on storytelling. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on exploring your personal experiences, passions, and emotions. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your writing. Remember, your voice is what makes your stories stand out from the crowd.
3. Understanding structure and format
Screenwriting has specific rules and conventions when it comes to structure and format. Understanding screenplay format, mastering three-act structure, and balancing character development with plot progression can feel overwhelming. However, these guidelines exist to help you effectively communicate your story to potential collaborators and readers. Dedicate time to studying and practicing these technical aspects, such as parentheticals, as they provide a solid foundation for your creativity to thrive.
4. Writing believable characters
Writing characters is like wrangling a herd of wild personalities. They need to be three-dimensional, relatable, and compelling, yet unique in their own quirks and flaws. Creating main characters that jump off the page and into the hearts of readers is no easy feat. It requires delving deep into their psyche, understanding their motivations, desires, and fears. You must breathe life into them, giving them distinct voices and making them feel like real people. It takes time, observation, and a sprinkle of magic to bring characters to life. So embrace the challenge, let your imagination run wild, and watch your characters come alive.
5. Creating an on-screen worlds
World-building isn’t just about conjuring up fantastical universes with strange creatures and unique languages. It’s about constructing a rich backdrop that sets the stage for the screenplay. And here’s the catch—screenwriters have a limited 90 to 120 pages to bring this world to life, striking the delicate balance between detailed descriptions and concise storytelling.
The pressure to get it right and deliver an authentic experience is sky-high. So, fellow screenwriters, embrace the adventure of world-building! With careful planning, attention to detail, and a touch of Blooper-style magic, you can create immersive worlds that transport audiences to places both familiar and extraordinary.
6. Diverse dialogue is challenging
Screenwriters must concoct dialogue that grabs the audience’s attention and reveals something unique about the characters speaking. Each character has their own distinct personality, and their words must reflect that. Critics can sniff out flat, cookie-cutter dialogue in a heartbeat.
Dialogue must consider various elements:
- Accents: If a character boasts a thick accent, it can be woven into their lines to reflect their distinct sound on paper.
- Profanities: Does a character embrace colourful language? How do they react when others use it? The choice and manner of profanities can reveal much about their background.
- Relationships: How someone talks to their sibling is worlds apart from how they converse with their boss. Clear distinctions in the script maintain realism and strengthen character dynamics.
- Gender: The way different genders communicate, influenced by societal conditioning, adds layers of realism and relatability to the dialogue.
- Culture: The dialogue should reflect the characters’ cultural backgrounds, traditions, and values, adding richness and authenticity to their interactions
These considerations merely scratch the surface of a screenwriter’s dialogue construction toolbox. Ultimately, a screenplay must capture the essence of how people act, talk, and interact with others.
7. “Show, don’t tell” Action
You know how we said that a screenplay is the scaffolding of a film? This is achieved by crafting exhilarating action sequences and stage directions in just enough detail, without drowning the reader (director, actors and crew) in unnecessary explanations. It is about captivating your creative collaborators with your story and inviting them in to add their skills to it.
Here’s some tips to help you avoid the bloopers:
- Embrace present tense: Screenplays immerse audiences in the unfolding moment. Write predominantly in the present tense to maintain the immediacy and real-time flow of the on-screen events.
- Describe what can be seen: As a screenwriter, avoid over-directing from your chair. Focus on vividly describing what you want the viewers to see, trusting the director’s creative eye to capture the perfect shots that bring your vision to life.
- Prioritise readability: Your script is a collaborative tool, so ensure it’s easily readable and interpretable by your team. Keep it straightforward and transparent, avoiding confusing explanations that could hinder production.
- Infuse emotion: Whether in action or dialogue, inject emotion into your descriptions. Instead of merely stating an action like “jumping,” explore descriptive phrases like “excitable jumping” or “nervous jumping” to convey the character’s emotional state.
- Use symbolism: Employ symbolic elements to convey deeper themes or emotions. Visual metaphors and motifs can amplify the impact of your storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
8. Screenwriting is 97% procrastination
Famous British screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge was once quoted saying “Screenwriting is 3% talent and 97% not being distracted by the internet. I believe I speak for most screenwriter’s when I say this is 100% accurate.
However, successful screenwriters understand the importance of setting schedules, establishing routines, and maintaining focus. They tame the procrastination beast by finding techniques that spark their creativity and fuel their productivity. Whether it’s seeking inspiration from other films, engaging in brainstorming exercises, or embracing the power of deadlines, they navigate the treacherous waters of procrastination to get the words on the page.
So, while procrastination may rear its head from time to time, screenwriting is ultimately a dance between discipline and inspiration. It’s about finding the delicate balance that allows ideas to flow, stories to unfold, and creativity to thrive. It’s about finding time to practice screenwriting and committing to honing your skills.
Ultimately, writing screenplays is a balancing act
And let me tell you, it’s a tricky balancing act for any writer. You need to be a master of economy, carefully selecting each scene, line, and word to pack a punch.
Those 90-120 pages may seem like a breeze, but trust me, crafting that effortless movie magic takes blood, sweat, and lots of caffeine. It’s the beautiful contradiction we screenwriters thrive in. Embracing the messy, contradictory nature of our craft is our secret sauce.
So, fellow screenwriters, let’s cozy up to the challenge, armed with a steaming cup of coffee and a fearless spirit. The road ahead may be tough, but the joy of creating something extraordinary makes every stumble and blooper worthwhile.
Once you have crafted your first screenplay, read the benefits of making a screenwriting portfolio. Showcase your talents and attract potential clients!
Frequently asked questions
1. How Long Does It Usually Take To Write a Screenplay?
Professional screenwriters typically receive a timeframe of 1-3 months (30-90 days) to complete a screenplay. Based on the personal experience of most screenwriters, aiming to write 6-7 pages in an 8-hour writing day equates to approximately 15 days of writing to complete a script.
2. What is the best screenwriting software?
For your first screenplay, writing in a software which automatically formats your first draft will ultimately save you time. Final Draft is the ultimate professional screenwriting software which most professional writers use. However, there are some worth cost effective alternatives like Studiobinder, Celtx and Writerduet which allows you to collaborate with writing partners.