Producers, I'd love to hear your opinion.
What is the best way to write a screenplay? Should it be written as an instruction manual for the filmmaking team, or should it read more like a literary work?
Personally, I write my screenplays as a guide for production. I describe the location, what the characters say, what they do, and sometimes the emotion a character should express. However, I never tell the cinematographer how to shoot the scene or the director how to stage it.
I also don't write what emotions the audience is supposed to feel. I prefer to let the story and the scenes create those emotions naturally.
Do you think this is the right approach?
And one more question for producers, managers, and agents: Is this style of screenwriting something that could catch your attention, or would you expect a different approach from a writer you might consider working with?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts and professional perspective.
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Hey Aleksandr, this is Sandra from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Producing to Screenwriting, as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!
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Bringing a story to life takes real dedication, and I have so much respect for every writer putting their work out into the world. Wishing you continued success with your project! If you ever need a professional editor, book formatter, or publishing support, I'm always happy to help. Keep creating!
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Alexandr, I have produced 22 hours of no-budget projects. I agree with you that a screenplay should be written as an instrucktion. It is an old rule that screenplays which are fun to read typically become frustrating to film. In addition, in order to sell one should remember that directors and producers want to create. So leave then room to decide details. Besides, even if they want to, they may find it problematical to film exactly as you have written, so leave them room to improvise.
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A producer is often just a businessman looking for easy money. Instead of reading the screenplay, many settle for a logline and a few attractive images, preferably featuring a stunningly beautiful woman.