This is tip #7 of 10 in my series for new screenwriters to learn the craft from the pros. Today’s topic is one of my passions…
Pro tip #7 - STUDY GREAT SCREENPLAYS
“There's never a bad time to look at a few Oscar®-winning screenplays and see what valuable lessons they can teach us.” — Ray Morton
Study great screenplays. Analyze the work of renowned screenwriters to understand their techniques and storytelling choices.
You must become the expert of your genre.
That means you must first decide what genre you are best suited to excel with - and then study it feverishly. You not only need to see every single film in your genre, but you also need to read all of the screenplays you can get your hands on.
Reading is every bit as important as writing. You have to learn from what others have done, how they’ve handled situations, how they’ve formatted things, and what you can do to improve.
Here are some tips from the pros:
Analyze screenplays of classic and contemporary films.
Identify techniques and structural choices that resonate with you.
Learn from the masters to improve your own writing.
“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” — Steven King
Analyze screenplays of classic and contemporary films.
Dive into the works of masterful screenwriters to discern the nuances of their craft. Pay attention to how they structure scenes, develop characters, and evoke emotions.
By studying the blueprints of successful screenplays, you gain valuable insights that can elevate your own storytelling skills, allowing you to learn from the triumphs and challenges of those who have paved the way.
Write, write, write…
#ReadScreenplays
PS - I wrote a quote book about screenwriting. A treasure trove of screenwriting goodness…