I liked this quote from Scott Myers:
“And what do you think is more likely to sell: A script that plays it safe and by the rules or a great story that is unafraid to take chances?”
This appeared in his article on Medium ‘There Are No Rules’, a very insightful read for those who are frustrated by rule (lawmakers).
If the rule is to follow the rules whilst you are a newbie on the block, then there is a problem with that utilitarian thinking, namely, you will never stand out from the crowd. You will be one of many, not one of the few who create imaginative and compelling stories. Rules are like architecture, you always know when and where the next (story) arc will land.
https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/there-are-no-screenwriting-rules-21bb...
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This quote was a doozy:
“Seriously, this whole line of thinking leads to nothing but the castration of creativity.“
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Thanks for sharing, Geoff Hall. I agree with Scott. There are guidelines, conventional wisdom, paradigms and principles, but there are no rules. I see scripts break screenwriting "rules" and sell for big money or get produced.
Call zp
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Maurice Vaughan yes Maurice, it’s true. Those are the screenplays that rise up from the crowd!
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Dan MaxXx Hi Dan, yes, I agree. We need to be read by our peers, by those we trust. When I look at my early attempts to write screenplays, I think they are now cringeworthy! At the time I was trying to make my mark, but I didn’t know the guidelines and the basics of professional looking formatting.
I also assumed too much from the reader/viewer, where there were just too many plot holes. I thought everyone would see what I saw, but the problem was, it wasn’t on the page, it was still in my mind.
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Titilayo Fakorede please clarify…