Are Your Characters Flat? Write An Unflat Movie Script
Whether you knew it or not, there are countless individuals amongst you working on films. It’s not just about James Cameron and John Woo. Plenty of potentials are out there honing their craft and working on their first big movie. Although you’ve never heard of them, they just might make a hit in the near or distant future. There is a definite process involved in creating a successful film. It all begins with the script. This is why so many young film makers learn how to properly write a movie script first. This is the most basic skeleton of a feature film.
There are several different ways to learn how to write a movie script. I recommend beginning with a screenwriting course or seminar. This is an awesome way to learn the industry standards and basic three act structure of a film. You may not realize it, but there are essential components necessary to make a film work. Let me fill you in on a few. All screenplays begin with the first act. This act must include four main elements. You start with the hook, which should come within the first 5-10 minutes of the movie. A single page of script counts for a minute of film. You must capture that audience so they don’t bail or fall asleep.
Secondly, you have the complication. The protagonist is faced with something that must be remedied. Then comes the call to action, and fourth comes the first plot point or twist. Those are the basic components of the first act. Now, you might be thinking that anyone can write a movie script at this point. Well, don’t be so quick to assume. There are plenty of other aspects to consider. Character development is a major one. The audience wants to see three dimensional characters. Not flat ones they don’t care about. Also, the protagonist or “star” should be changing as the film progresses. They should have evolved in some way before the film ends. This is called a character arch.
Are you primed and ready to write a movie script at this point? Hey, if it’s a passion you harbor, then don’t be afraid to go for it. Anyone can learn how to craft a screenplay. There are plenty of books to assist you in doing so. Just remember that a movie script takes time, devotion and rewrites. The first draft is NEVER ready to be pitched or marketed! So if you choose to write a movie script, hone your craft before you appeal to production companies. This is a major key to success.
