Nine Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Script

Nine Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Script

Nine Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Script

Gregory Green
Gregory Green
8 years ago

As a producer/director, I'm asked to read scripts all the time. What I mostly encounter are scripts that aren't ready for production. No even close. How do you know if your script is production ready? Here are nine questions to ask yourself about your script:

NINE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT

1: Does your screenplay use a Three-Act Structure?

The Three-Act Structure is a classic hero's journey that divides your story into three parts (or Acts); Setup, Confrontation and the Resolution. I'm recommending this approach, because an overwhelming percentage of successful films over the last 100 years have used it. I like it. It will help you write a solid story that will make a great movie.

Are there exceptions? Of course; GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (2009 dir. David Fincher), HIROSHIMA, MON AMOUR (1959 dir. Alain Resnais) and MULHOLLAND DR. (2001 dir. David Lynch) to name a few, but for now, use the Three-Act Structure. It works.

This blog is not intended to be a 'how to.' Check out available material on crafting your story to benefit from the Three-Act Structure and follow it.

When I wrote the screenplay for 3 OF A KIND, I used the Three-Act Structure to my advantage. It helped me write an engaging story that actually has a beginning, middle and end. The resulting script worked and so did the movie.

NINE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT

2: Are you TELLING instead of SHOWING?

SHOWING us what is happening is much better, because it's visual. Remember, you are writing a script that will eventually become a movie. Here's an example of what I mean.

TELLING:

Michael spots Sarah dancing and having fun with a lot of people at a house party. She smiles and motions him to come over.

SHOWING:

A steady stream of high school couples push by Michael as he makes his way through a darkly lit hallway carrying two beers. He's suddenly bumped and almost loses his grip on the cups when he spots a dancing Sarah. From across the crowded living room she smiles and motions him to come over.

SHOWING allows the reader to imagine the progression of shots. Can you see this scene in your mind now? SHOW instead of TELL.

3: Is your dialog natural?

'On the nose' dialog is boring. "Hello, Sarah. Wow, you sure do dance well. Isn't this a fun party?" Don't write obvious dialog. It doesn't work.

In fact, only use dialog if you absolutely have to. Ask yourself if you can write a scene visually, using natural dialog sparingly as a last resort.

NINE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT

4: Are you revealing characters strategically in your scenes?

An example of what not to do:

Five guys are sitting around a poker table. One player wins the hand. The four losers throw their hands down as the winner moves the pile of chips towards himself.

An example of strategically revealing characters:

A pair of spectacled nervous eyes look left. A sweaty, pockmarked face meets his gaze and quickly looks down. A steely-eyed player stares from across the table. The pockmarked face guy plops down three nines and two fives. Another player with elaborate forearm tattoos throws his cards down and abruptly gets up. Dressed like a mortician, the reserved remaining player does the same. Pockmarked face guy is wearing a hint of a smile as he moves the pile of chips towards himself.

Recognize the difference? Don't show everything at once. Strategically reveal characters to keep your reader engaged.

5: Are you starting your scenes at the beginning?

Don't. Come into a scene that is already underway if you can. This technique works. The audience feels they are 'catching up' and as a result, pays closer attention to what is going on, because clearly there was something that happened before.

An example of this comes from the very first scene from THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939):

MS -- Dorothy stoops down to Toto and speaks to him --

DOROTHY

She isn't coming yet, Toto. Did she hurt

you? She tried to, didn't she? Come on --

we'll go tell Uncle Henry and Auntie Em.

Come on, Toto.

She then runs down road -- Toto following --

LS -- Farm yard -- Dorothy comes forward thru gate - and runs to

Aunt Em and Uncle Henry working at the Incubator -

You see? We're clearly not starting at the beginning of the scene. In fact, we're half way through it. Now we'll have to figure out what happened previously as the rest of the scene unfolds. We are engaged!

NINE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT

6: Are your scenes too long?

You can have one to three 'set pieces' (longer scenes) in your script if there is a good reason for it, but generally keep your scenes lean and to the point.

7: Have you had your script read out loud?

It doesn't count if you read it out loud to yourself. Well it kinda does, but not really. Have a private or public reading instead. You will be surprised how helpful it is to hear your script read this way. Why? Because you'll immediately recognize what dialog works and doesn't work. Invaluable.

Don't know any actors? Maybe a local theater troupe would be willing to help out if you contact them. In fact, they would more than likely jump at the chance.

If you decide to have a public reading - good for you. You never know who may be in your audience (i.e. a potential investor).

NINE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT

8: Have you sent your screenplay to friends and colleagues?

They will give you feedback from which you can benefit right now. Be patient and open to input. Now is the time to adjust and rewrite before someone who can turn your script into a movie reads it.

I sent my 3 OF A KIND script to friends and colleagues and received valuable feedback that allowed me to enhance the script immeasurably. Do it. You'll thank me later.

9: Is your script a page turner?

It must grab the reader from half way through the first page - not letting go until the end. Seriously. If it doesn't, work on your script until it does.

Take my advice and follow these suggestions now, so you stack the cards in your favor. Remember, your script is the foundation for the movie. Would you build a skyscraper on a bog? Of course not. Can someone make a great movie from a weak script? I've heard too many filmmakers say, "Oh, the film will be great! I'll work out all the script kinks on the set." Or, "Don't worry. I'll make it work in the edit".

That approach never works. Never.

NINE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT

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About the Author

Gregory Green

Gregory Green

Director, Producer, Screenwriter

Gregory Green is an award-winning producer, director and screenwriter. His newest film MAGPIE FUNERAL is now on TubiTV. Amazon, YouTube and Google Play. It is a family drama with a lot of comedy and stars Darren Burrows (Northern Exposure). 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Enjoy!

Want to share your Story on the Stage 32 Blog?
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15 Comments on Gregory's Article

Carol Jackson
Filmmaker, Photographer (Still), Screenwriter, Videographer
Thanks, Gregory for some good information. Now after you write your very first screenplay, what happens now? 
7 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Write another and another. Then reach out to producers who are willing to look at your scripts. If you keep at it, hopefully the right match will occur and your script will get produced. Another way to go is to produce your screenplay yourself. That's what I did. 
7 years ago
S.J. Robinson
Author, Screenwriter, Content Creator
Cheers, Greg, really enjoyed this post. Thanks for your perspective! Like the tip about arriving in the middle of a scene, will keep it in mind.
7 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank you, S.J.! Your comments are always appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
7 years ago
Pat Savage
Actor, Director, Music Composer, Musician, Producer
Excellent and informative. Gracias
7 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
My pleasure, Erik!
7 years ago
Erik Jacobson
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thanks for posting!
7 years ago
James Drago
Filmmaker, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Script Coordinator
Number 6 all day long. Hardest lesson for a new (or old) writer to learn. Thank you!
8 years ago
James Drago
Filmmaker, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Script Coordinator
Yes, thank you!
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank you for your comment, James!
8 years ago
Great article, thank you!
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
My pleasure, S.N. Thank you for your comment!
8 years ago
Rita Wheeler
author, filmmaker, playwright, screenwriter
So obvious yet so easy to forget in the excitement of actually finishing the script!  I’ll keep a copy close by and refer to it before submitting.
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank you for your comments, Rita. Frankly this list keeps me honest when I'm writing.
8 years ago
Jorge J Prieto
Actor, Screenwriter
Thanks so much for taking the time, Mr. Green. Excellent advice. Will be watching 3 of Kind, today on my Prime channel. Btw, loved, "Thief" James Cann and Tuesday Weld, great cast and story from beginning to end.
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank you, Jorge! I appreciate you watching 3 OF A KIND. :)  It was amazing working with James and Tuesday on THIEF. I agree - terrific movie.
8 years ago
Fleurette M Van Gulden
Choreographer, Singer
Pondering on where to introduce my Backstory that spans thirty years in my spec. The story like most trials in life  starts before the inciting incident that brings cause for "the going after." and intents that follows.Now that I've put thought into the above paragraphs, I've decided to present in Montage of quick shots, morphing and flashbacks.
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
That sounds terrific, Fleurette!
8 years ago
Thank you 
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
You''re welcome, Destiny.
8 years ago
Bryce Taylor
Actor, Director
Very helpful! I'm starting a script and these are very beneficial. Thank you for sharing.
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
You are welcome. Good luck with your script, Bryce.
8 years ago
Lance L. Landon
Video Display Engineer, Video Playback Engineer
Your questions are so good I have made a copy of them for future reference. Thank You!
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank you, Lance!
8 years ago
Gary Smiley
Screenwriter, Author
Interesting, I hadn't thought The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo didn't follow 3 Acts.
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thanks for your comments, Gary.  Yes, GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO uses five acts.
8 years ago
Tivoli Silas
Director, Screenwriter, Author, Actor, Crew, Filmmaker, Editor, Producer, Production Assistant, Script Supervisor, Photographer (Still)
Great article!  Thanks for sharing!
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thank You, Tivoli! Much appreciated :)
8 years ago
Bill Hartin
Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Producer, Director, Songwriter, Actor
Gregory - As a fellow ex-patriot Cheesehead (Madison), with an abiding fondness for Boise (my stepdaughter lives there), along with your timely, insightful writing tips, my sincere thanks. I will share your words with our FIFO (Fade In/Fade Out) faithful with the hope they will take them to heart, use them and improve their scripts. Gonna be in Boise in early December, so I will be in touch. Maybe catch a beer.
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Hey Bill! Thank you for your message. Yes, let's plan on that beer!
8 years ago
Alex Templeton
Author, Screenwriter, Playwright
The writer seems to suggest that only the so-called 3-act structure (3AS) makes for successful movies, with  the implication that "exceptions" to the rule are rare. Not pointed out is that many if not most major Hollywood flops also follow the 3AS. For another take on 3AS, consider: http://www.raindance.org/why-3-act-will-kill-your-writing/
8 years ago
Gregory Green
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Thanks for your comments and the link, A. S. Templeton.
8 years ago
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