I've Read Over 100 Bad Screenplays... Here's What's Wrong With Them - Adam William Ward

Introduction

This tutorial explores common mistakes found in poorly written screenplays, drawing insights from Adam William Ward's extensive experience analyzing over 100 bad screenplays. By understanding these pitfalls, aspiring screenwriters can enhance their storytelling techniques and improve their scripts.

Step 1: Identify Weak Character Development

• Ensure characters have distinct goals, motivations, and arcs.
• Avoid stereotypes; create nuanced characters that reflect real human complexity.
• Develop backstories that inform characters' actions and decisions, making them relatable.

Practical Tip

Create character profiles that detail their desires, fears, and conflicts to guide their development throughout your screenplay.

Step 2: Craft Engaging Dialogue

• Strive for authenticity; dialogue should sound natural and reflect each character's voice.
• Avoid excessive exposition in dialogue; show rather than tell.
• Use subtext to convey underlying emotions or conflicts without stating them outright.

Common Pitfall

Avoid long-winded speeches. Keep dialogue concise, focusing on essential information that drives the plot or reveals character.

Step 3: Structure Your Story Effectively

• Follow a clear three-act structure: setup, confrontation, and resolution.
• Ensure each act transitions smoothly, with rising stakes that keep the audience engaged.
• Incorporate plot twists that feel organic and enhance the narrative rather than force it.

Real-World Application

Analyze successful films to understand how they structure their stories and what makes their pacing effective.

Step 4: Create Compelling Conflict

• Introduce both internal and external conflicts to deepen the story.
• Ensure conflicts are meaningful and propel character development.
• Balance conflicts to maintain tension without overwhelming the audience.

Practical Tip

Map out key conflicts in your screenplay to ensure they are interwoven effectively throughout the narrative.

Step 5: Revise and Seek Feedback

• Approach revisions with a critical eye; be willing to cut scenes or dialogue that do not serve the story.
• Share your screenplay with trusted peers or mentors for constructive criticism.
• Be open to feedback and willing to make significant changes if needed.

Common Pitfall

Avoid becoming too attached to your work. Objective feedback can help identify flaws that you may overlook.

Conclusion

By focusing on character development, crafting authentic dialogue, structuring your story effectively, creating compelling conflict, and being open to revisions, you can avoid common pitfalls in screenplay writing. Consider these steps as a roadmap to enhance your writing skills and create more engaging stories. For further learning, consider watching successful films and analyzing their scripts to see these principles in action.