Screenwriting : What makes a successful script? by Allen R. Nelson

Probably all of it above in reverse order. In general, it's very hard to get someone's attention. Even if you do everything right, there will always be something, some small thing you did which you will be asked to change or write it differently which again will change your screenplay concept...etc. I don't think it's the writer's fault. In most cases it's the budget.

That's exactly my problem. I really can't change anything not even a single word in my script. I don't know about other writers but when I write a script and describe a scene, it has to be just the way I wrote it otherwise it won't be that interesting or eye catching.

Isn't it the right for writers to write their script and story just the way they want it to be?

I think people in the business are looking for stories that they can capitalize on. I think each person/entity has their own specific requirements that might even be flexible to a certain degree. They might even be looking to hire a writer whom they are confident can fulfill their requirements. I think "what makes a successful script?" is a Master Crafts Person who has journeyed long and hard along the path to becoming a great writer; who deeply understands the theories of dramatic writing and the elements of screenwriting; who loves to write; and who can now put those applications and theories into practice. Developing one's skill as a creative writer - from novice, to intermediate, to experienced, to advanced, to highly advanced - takes a lot of effort, time, dedication and competence from a creatively-inclined individual. I don't think there are any shortcuts, other than all of the great books, courses/programs and teachers who can help compress the timeframe of the journey for individuals to better understand how to become brilliant writers. Competing against the best of the best screenwriters in the world requires nothing less, at least in my experience and opinion.

I know that it takes a lot to be that great writer with those requirements and capabilities but does it mean that there's no place for beginners? No one was a professional at first to be certain. I know that I should be looking to provide filmmaking companies' criteria to be able to throw my scripts into developing process but sometimes, just sometimes I really need to write and develop my scripts the way I want.

Allen - yes, there is a place for beginners (in any craft). And that's at the beginning. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Growing-as-a-professional

To quote some guy who used to write screenplays, "Nobody knows anything."

Allen, you need to be able to be flexible or you will never succeed as a screenwriter. To say that you can’t change a single word in your script is okay if you intend on producing your own material but if you’re hoping to sell your scripts and retain screenwriter credit, you must be able to seriously consider any changes you will be asked to make. When your script is sold it is no longer yours and the producer (the new owner) has the rights to request changes be made to it. The way you handle that request will determine if you retain any credit on the completed film. Do you want to earn money as a screenwriter or do you want to say your work is sacrosanct, making you unemployable? Sure, we all have our visions for our stories, use that vision while you write it but once it’s complete, let go, play ball with the others and when they find you play well with others, you’ll benefit as a writer. I currently have an eight page short in post-production that went through twelve drafts before the director was happy with it, including a change of location.

I actually want to earn money as a screenwriter, who doesn't? But I care more about my project and the way it's going to be developed. I care less about money than other matters. For me it's the script and the story I'm willing to turn into a movie not the credit I'm going to earn by selling it. But let me ask a question. Let's say someone including a producer or filmmaking company is interested in my script, do you I have to sell the script to be turned into a movie?

Nelson ... here's what happens (more or less): --You write script. --You find producer who wants to make it. --You option the script to producer for a period of time... hopefully you get paid for your option (it's the only money you're likely to ever see) ... you probably won't get paid anything over a dollar. This is not a sale of your script... it is an option agreement. (See my post here on taking a dollar option, btw :) --Producer goes off and tries to add talent, get pre-sales, find a distributor, raise production funds, get a crew together and they have to do this within the time frame of your option agreement. If they don't, then the option reverts to you and you can go find a more successful producer. (still no sale has happened) --Assuming they raise money, the production company making the movie then has a budget and a line item in their budget includes buying the rights to the screenplay. This is when you sell the property to them. You have to sell it, you have no choice. Nobody will make it if they don't own he copyright. You will probably not be the writer on the show... fyi. Just sayin. All this could take one or more years... until production money is raised nobody owns the script but you. J :)

So literally it's getting sold out at last. Thanks for the information!

A lot of it has to do with who you know. And basically, the industry is looking for specific scripts that have action and high star attraction power. Many good stories are better directed toward the Independent area. These days a writer needs to have a short film or a trailer type clip for the project. There is no one formula. Do what rings true to you and never stop trying.

Action and high star attraction, I think I can provide that easily but it's a little hard to make it short. Sometimes my scripts reach 200 pages. Thank you for inspiring me!

It's all about supply and demand. What are people willing to put $ out for to watch? As I've read, it is having a "bankable" script, actors, etc. Make it hook the audience, and as a former grant writer, I learned to watch trends of interest.

If your screenplays are running 200 pages, what you might consider doing is turning it into two scripts. Part one and part two. It is highly unlikely that you would get anyone to even consider reading 200 pages, as your average script runs about 110, maybe for an epic piece 120. Also, start practice tightening up your writing to eliminate unnecessary or redundant pages. If you are a creative writer, you will think of a way to at least make it a trailer to entice production companies to read it. A writer must have a keen sense of imagination to capture attention. Expand your thinking! Get an experienced screenplay to read through it. Get a copy of Gone with the Wind, which was a 3 hour movie, study it.

Nothing is greater than an idea whose time has come. And the idea has to make $$. (In their minds) Its very simple really. Killer script. Great acting. Brilliant direction. A studio executive with vision. Ka-Ching, Ka-Ching!!

Allen in reply to your comment. Yes, writer's have the right to write our scripts just as we want...however, the other side of that means WE have to be the ones who gather the money to get it produced. If you expect to have someone else pay to have it produced, then the ego has to come down a couple of notches, if not then the writer has to fund it. That's the reality. If you don't believe that, basically you will be writing only for yourself. Lots of luck.

First, by hard to make it short I meant the story not the script itself because I can review my screenplay over and over and every time make it as short as possible. That's why I started another lounge in this topic about making a series of movies. Thanks for giving the idea of using parts for my scripts. You are right. It's all about supply and a bankable script and also I must accept that if I'm going to turn my ideas into movies then I have to be acceptable to changes that producers might require or I'll never be able to make it because clearly I can't fund my scripts myself, at least for now.

"I just wanna know what are producers, filmmakers and investors looking for in a script?" The ability to craft a story around the sale of toys and general widgets - widgetry.

Jenny, the answer to that question is subjective. Different producers are looking for different things. You need to write your stories based on what you know, then enter lots of contests, get feedback. I must say though that if you're asking about what type of films make money, just go to the movies and look at the box office receipts. Nobody said writing is an easy way to make a living. I write because I have to write, I do not know how not to write every day. Then you have to step out of your comfort zone as being the writer...and learn to network and market your work. Nobody is going to be banging on your door. All producers have stacks of scripts. Be clever and do what is right for you.

Nobody said it's gonna be easy and I actually think it's a fact that to make progress I have to gain experiences like in every other career. This sounds hard but I know I can make it. I just need to have some finished scripts in several genres, try out more new things around writing and read more about screenwriting and successful scripts, so I'll be making less mistakes. And keep connecting to you people everyday! That already helped me a lot.