Introduction
Writing a script and implementing it are two different aspects of storytelling. A single mistake can derail the entire process. Have you ever struggled with creating characters that resonate, scenes that flow naturally, or dialogues that sound authentic? As a screenwriter, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals and avoid common pitfalls. Let’s explore the top 10 screenwriting mistakes and how to avoid them effectively.
1. Weak Logline
Your logline, or elevator pitch, is often the first impression of your script. If it fails to intrigue, your audience may never explore your story. A great logline is concise, original, and packed with conflict.
Common Mistakes in Loglines:
- Generic and Unoriginal:
Example: “A young woman discovers she has superpowers and must save the world.”
Fix: Add specific stakes or unique elements that differentiate your story. - Overly Wordy or Convoluted:
Example: “A disgraced detective in a corrupt city must solve a murder while battling his inner demons and a powerful conspiracy.”
Fix: Focus on the core conflict and stakes, simplifying the description. - Revealing Too Much:
Example: “A serial killer targets college students planning a prank on their professor.”
Fix: Keep some details vague to build suspense and intrigue.
Pro Tip: A strong logline doesn’t just summarize your story—it invites curiosity and emotional investment. Use VED, an advanced screenwriting tool to refine your logline by brainstorming and identifying key story elements.
2. Unclear Character Arcs
Have you ever written a character that felt static or unrelatable? A compelling character arc shows growth, transformation, or even downfall, keeping the audience engaged.
Types of Character Arcs:
- Redemption Arc: A character begins with flaws and redeems themselves.
Example: Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol transitions from a miser to a generous figure. - Growth Arc: The character overcomes limitations or fears to reach their potential.
Example: Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice evolves by overcoming her initial prejudices. - Downfall Arc: The character’s flaws lead to their ruin.
Example: Walter White in Breaking Bad transforms from a mild teacher to a ruthless drug lord.
Ask Yourself:
- What does your character desire most, and what’s stopping them from achieving it?
- How does their journey change them by the end of the story?
Fix: Align character arcs with the story’s themes and provide a clear progression of their internal and external journeys.
3. Over-Exposition: Talk Less, Show More
Does your script rely on lengthy explanations or tedious narration? Over-exposition slows down the pace and disengages viewers, leaving them uninterested in the story.
Example: Instead of saying, “He was furious,” show the character throwing a glass against the wall or clenching their fists.
Fix: Convey emotions and actions through dialogue, behavior, and visual cues. For instance, instead of narrating a character’s anxiety, depict them pacing nervously, tapping their foot, or avoiding eye contact.
New-age screenwriting tools can help visualize scenes effectively, allowing writers to focus on creating immersive actions and dialogue rather than lengthy explanations. These tools ensure your narrative maintains a natural flow and keeps viewers engaged.
4. Unrealistic Dialogues
Do your characters sound too formal or out of touch? Unrealistic dialogues can make scenes feel forced and disengaging.
Example Fix:
Weak: “I must leave now to save the world from impending doom.”
Better: “If I don’t go now, it’s over—for everyone.”
Pro Tip: Use dialogue to reveal personality. For example, a sarcastic character might quip, “Yeah, because jumping into danger always works out great for me.”
Ask yourself: Would a real person say this? Does the dialogue reflect the character’s personality, tone, and situation?
5. Pacing Problems
Have you ever wondered why some scenes drag while others feel rushed? Proper pacing ensures that the audience stays engaged throughout.
Fix:
- Break your story into scenes and assess their rhythm.
- Create suspense in thrillers with slower pacing before a big reveal, while action scenes demand urgency.
6. Information Dumping
Dumping too much information at once can overwhelm your audience.
Example: Annabelle gradually reveals the doll’s origin, building suspense across multiple films.
Fix: Distribute details naturally. For instance, instead of a character narrating their backstory, show flashbacks or use dialogue to reveal snippets over time.
7. Lack of Visual Representation
Ambiguous or bland descriptions can confuse actors and disengage viewers.
Fix: Paint vivid images through sensory details.
Example: Instead of, “He was tired,” try, “His shoulders slumped, and dark circles framed his weary eyes.”
8. Ignoring Feedback
Are you hesitant to share your script for feedback? Whether it’s overconfidence or insecurity, ignoring constructive criticism can limit your growth.
Fix: Seek input from peers, mentors, or professional platforms. Fresh perspectives can help identify blind spots and elevate your script.
9. Relying on Clichés
Predictable tropes, like the “damsel in distress,” make your story forgettable.
Fix: Subvert expectations. Instead of a stereotypical savior, create a flawed hero who fails but learns from their mistakes.
10. Overlooking the Three-Act Structure
Skipping the foundational setup, conflict, and resolution results in disjointed narratives.
Fix:
- Act 1: Establish the stakes and introduce key characters.
- Act 2: Heighten the conflict, revealing deeper motivations.
- Act 3: Resolve the central problem, bringing character arcs to a satisfying conclusion.
Conclusion
Screenwriting is both an art and a craft. Avoiding these common pitfalls can help you create scripts that not only captivate audiences but also resonate deeply. From refining loglines to perfecting pacing, mastering these fundamentals will elevate your storytelling.
Ask yourself at every step: Does this scene move the story forward? Does this dialogue reflect the character? Is there conflict, growth, or resolution?
By staying curious, seeking feedback, and continuously refining your approach, you’ll grow as a screenwriter and craft narratives that leave a lasting impact.
