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UNPOPULAR OPINION: SCREENWRITING HAS RULES
The thing that separates screenwriting format from other writing (poems, short stories, novels, songs, etc.) is its format.
Scene headings, slug lines, dialogue tags, action lines...
1/9
The thing that separates screenwriting format from other writing (poems, short stories, novels, songs, etc.) is its format.
Scene headings, slug lines, dialogue tags, action lines...
1/9
Each of these serves a unique purpose (to show location, to zero in on a specific shot, showing the action, etc.).
It's syntax. They are rules governing the language of screenwriting.
Screenwriting format is a language.
2/9
It's syntax. They are rules governing the language of screenwriting.
Screenwriting format is a language.
2/9
And just like any other language, you have to learn how to place words together to articulate your thoughts. It's a physical form of a mental process.
These rules allow you to be understood by your audience.
3/9
These rules allow you to be understood by your audience.
3/9
Take the English language: It has syntactic rules. Subject, object, verb agreement, etc.
But like English, once you learn the rules, you can manipulate them to form a more specific dialect. English isn't the same the word over, not even within the same state (in the U.S.).
4/9
But like English, once you learn the rules, you can manipulate them to form a more specific dialect. English isn't the same the word over, not even within the same state (in the U.S.).
4/9
Black people have AAVE. Delta folks have Creole (a mix of several languages). Professionals have corporate speak.
All variations of the same basic syntax.
Screenplays work exactly the same. You learn the basic syntax of screenwriting first.
5/9
All variations of the same basic syntax.
Screenplays work exactly the same. You learn the basic syntax of screenwriting first.
5/9
Once you learn these rules, you're free to explore. Manipulate them. Play with them. Find interesting ways to use the syntax.
This is what we mean when we say "there are no rules in screenwriting".
6/9
This is what we mean when we say "there are no rules in screenwriting".
6/9
Read others' work. Learn how they use the language. (White people, go to a red-lined neighborhood and listen to how Black people use language. It's enlightening.)
Once you learn the rules, you'll discover the freedom they allow. You'll find an audience that understands.
7/9
Once you learn the rules, you'll discover the freedom they allow. You'll find an audience that understands.
7/9
THIS IS YOUR VOICE!
How you use the syntax of screenwriting is what makes you unique. It allows you to impart your own stories, your own experiences onto the page.
(Note: This is why I'm a stickler for formatting in my notes. I want you to be able to use your voice.)
8/9
How you use the syntax of screenwriting is what makes you unique. It allows you to impart your own stories, your own experiences onto the page.
(Note: This is why I'm a stickler for formatting in my notes. I want you to be able to use your voice.)
8/9
Screenwriting is a language. Like English, it is super-versatile. Anyone can use it for self expression.
Learn the language first, then build your voice.
(YMMV, one opinion, etc.)
9/9
Learn the language first, then build your voice.
(YMMV, one opinion, etc.)
9/9
