Hi there!
Glad to return to this fantastic community!
This is a question that faces most uprising screenwriters, especially the ones who want to get their screenplay produced. Why-Will-The-Agent-Choose-My-Screenplay?
I haven't noticed much similarities between Original screenplays (Oscar winning ones for example) Can anybody tell me something they have in common? I noticed that they're always relatively short (less than 100 pages) but other than that, I got even more confused, each original screenplay had it's own style, almost it's own rules, some weren't even written with the famous Courier Prime font (Look Belfast for example) What might make my screenplay stand out on top of the agent's desk (besides luck, and concept.)
Help!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
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Ahmed Mohammed Abd El-Sabour To me a great original screenplay grabs attention!!! also with a unique concept, compelling sexy characters or ugly ones lol , and an engaging plot, all told through a distinctive voice, --vivid visuals-- , and a surprising twists, Good writing and marketability increase its chances of success in my opinion, alongside persistence and networking in the industry obviously the most crucial/hardest part lol . (:
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There will be immense disparity between an original spec screenplay, for hire, and produced, IMO. In the spec world (most of S32ers), I'd like to think well developed characters and snappy, relevant dialogue driving the story forward (ie: no "Hey Bill, how ya been? Been out fishing myself... LOL) is the best place for originality. A good story with standout characters and dialogue will always grab folks attention (IMO).
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Welcome back, Ahmed Mohammed Abd El-Sabour.
Unique concept
The script is entertaining
The script is clear/easy to understand/the reader isn't confused by what's going on
Well-developed characters
Well-written action lines that make the reader visualize the story as they read the script
Script structure
Unique scenes
Great dialogue
Surprises and twists throughout the script
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Character. Some projects have interesting "events" but the way audiences connect with the story is through the people that live in the worlds you create.
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Thank you everybody for your contribution! And is it a good idea to write a Biopic/history original screenplay? Last but not least (I hope it's my last question lol) Is it fine to write a high budget original screenplay? (i.e it'll be a high-budget movie when it's produced)
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It's 100% subjective and thus there is no absolute answer.
But please, understand this. It isn't a script that typically gets a screenwriter read. It's their relationship with the reader.
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You're welcome, Ahmed Mohammed Abd El-Sabour.
I haven't written a Biopic/history original script yet.
It's usually harder to sell a high-budget script than a micro-budget, low-budget, and mid-budget script. though. You could still write and pitch a huge-budget script though, and you can use the script as a writing sample to get an agent, manager, or writing job.
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When it comes to business, alot of deals are from reputation and relationship. Less about being the best and more about knowing the right people.
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Maurice Vaughan Thanks that really gave me hope!
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Stephen Folker "Who you know is more important than what you know" <3
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You're welcome, Ahmed Mohammed Abd El-Sabour.
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The hard part is convincing peers an original screenplay will be a good/great movie; so many smart filmakers & talent in front & behind camera fail in the execution for whatever reasons.
I believe no one will be convinced until the agent reads it himself. I just have to force him to read past page 10
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They show magnificent craft. They can get an imagined across in a few words. They keep the story movie at a pace that is consistent and compelling.
They engage the reader in the story. They pose question that the reader wants answered, even subtle desire to read on.
They are wonderfully crafted stories in the screenplay form.
There is no “checkbox” list of things. Sure there are huge number of commonalities. But great stories many times so not tick the boxes.