I feel like I’m wasting money and paper writing my rough draft only for my monthly screenwriting buddies to say there is a lot wrong with my screenplay. For example my screenplay is too “on the nose”. I’m thinking about doing the following: Read any screenplay I can get my hands on watch a lot of movies Do a lot of research Which should I do first before going back to my screenplay? Should I be doing all this as I’m writing?
Screenwriting : Feeling stuck by Diana Levin
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If your screenwriting is "on the nose" then you're guilty of what we all did when we started - you're trying to tell the plot through the dialogue, which usually leads to characters saying obvious and unnecessary stuff. I'd recommend stepping away from your own writing for a little while so you can read screenplays. Search the internet for scripts for a couple of your old favs and new favs. It's important to look at the old and new because, yes, you can learn from the past but screenwriting styles have changed. Even better, read a script and watch the film at the same time (stopping and starting to analyze how the story went from page to screen).
That's a good place to start :)
Isn't "on the nose" dialog saying one thing, but implying another?
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I was told that my screenplay read too "on the nose" as well so I just went through it and totally understood what the person was saying. I was able to cut out 20 pages of my script which was necessary. We don't have to tell the audience everything through words. Actions can have a stronger impact. Hope that helps!
Yes aware of that
It was helpful though!
Yes Dwight, perfectly stated!
Sorry A.S.. my comment was suppose to sound friendly but didn't come across that way. I'm aware of it but appreciated your feedback : )
Thank you so much for all your comments everyone it’s helping a lot.
Try: dailyscript.com The scripts are older, but you can learn from them. Do a table read on a few pages and record it. Your first script is just a stepping stone, enjoy the journey.
If you'd like some feedback, do get in touch with me anytime.
Look up www.imsdb.com if you want to read scripts. It's a database full of screenplays to read. Please don't give up, Diana.
The fact that you are sticking to your guns and wading thru the frustration shows that you are willing to fight for what you want. The how tos of what is next are up to you. You will figure out what works best for you. ;)
All of the above and possibly take some acting classes. One of the things that really helped me was listening to commentaries as the movies were playing (some dvd movies have this as a feature). I got so much out of what the different directors and producers had to say.
Try writing differently.
If you are a plotter, try just start writing with no plot and see what happens. Or try writing your story in prose and then move it to screenplay.
You may have developed a few habits that produce what people are seeing as “on the nose”.
I think it may also be a result of sticking to closely to the “You must” rules.