It doesn't matter whether you're writing your first
screenplay... or you're a Hollywood veteran.
ALL screenwriters constantly need to remind themselves of what
kind of writing works in a film and what doesn't.
These rules are tried and tested. Give them pride of place on
your wall. And refer to them whenever you're working on your
screenplay.
1. Don't tell the audience something you're going to show them.
2. Don't repeat the same piece of information for information's
sake. It should be clear to the audience the first time around,
explained in a memorable fashion.
3. ALWAYS STAY FOCUSSED on the core of the script (e.g. the main
character, situation or theme).
4. Even when the hero's not in a scene, we can be learning
something about him from other characters, or be reminded of him
by them.
5. Never use two scenes to move things forward when one will do.
Amalgamate scenes whenever possible.
6. The same goes for characters - they must all be distinctive.
Two similar characters should be amalgamated into one.
7. Contrast the characters so that they have different reactions
to the same event. One might cry after a tragic event, another
might be stoic. If everyone's crying, the impact is lost and the
characters are less distinctive.
8. Once you build up a momentum, don't let it falter...
9. ...But don't go so fast that the audience can't follow
events. Help them get their bearings.
10. Balance dialogue with other sounds and visual elements. Even
somebody who can't speak English should be able to follow the
basic plot - without subtitles!
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