Screenplay guru Scott Meyers advises that one of the keys of the screenwriting craft is reading scripts. They can be famous, unknown, good or crappy ones, but Meyers believes it's all helpful in learning the craft. I read several scripts a month. Mostly them are from other writers I know. However, I do often search out famous screenplays. For example, I just download the screenplay for Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. I quickly noted he does some interesting things formatting-wise. For example, he doesn't do ALL CAP introductions for any of his characters, including ones with speaking parts. His lean, 82-page script is light on dialogue and heavy on quality narrative, delivered in short, concise paragraphs. For the benefit of those who read this thread, I've included the link to all of Nolan's screenplays that are available for download. I've also included the link for the Gointothestory article by Scott Meyers.
https://indiefilmhustle.com/christopher-nolan-screenplays-download
https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/keys-to-the-craft-read-scripts-f4bb00...
A great article. I´ve to say that I´ve downloaded and copied ¨Ask Dr.Format of DaveTrottier and studied it profoundly.
MaxXxy:
I think folks either love or hate Dunkirk. Nolan's definitely more concerned about the visual experience.
Leontien: Glad you like it.
Thx for the post Uncle Phil!
Does reading lots of other people's scripts really help or does it steer you toward copying someone else es style? Wouldn't you rather be known for our own?
Doug: I've been a musician for more than forty years and I can say without reservation, that watching other guys and stealing licks and incorporating them into my own style has been invaluable. I definitely pickup things from other writers too. But obviously I do my best to make those thing work within my own style.
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I read a lot of scripts either because I'm interested in the film, or - more often- because when my partner is offered projects to direct, he usually doesn't have time to read them, so I read them and let him know how they are, and what kind of action he'll have to choreograph. One I tried to dissuade him from is a 210 page (!!!) train wreck that he feels obliged to let them attach his name to it as a favor to his friend. At best, I'll get a rewrite job because it desperately needs it!
I have starting reading a few over the past little while.
I try to read tons of scripts! But, it is always hard to find drafts of the script before the shooting and/or edited scripts. The problem with this is that the edited and shooting scripts tend to have "directing on the page" and cinematography references that don't really belong in spec scripts. So, it sometimes takes a skilled writer to parse it and not develop bad habits.
MaxXxy:
I'm waiting to rent it on pay-per-view before I render any verdicts. In general, I'm not a huge Chris Nolan fan. But I admire his money and success.