Ah, scriptwriting—the art of crafting compelling stories that come to life on the screen or stage. It’s a field brimming with creativity and, unfortunately, a few pitfalls that can trip up even the most seasoned writers. In this article, we’ll delve into the secrets behind some common scriptwriting traps and how to avoid them. Whether you’re a novice screenwriter or a veteran looking to sharpen your skills, these insights will help you navigate the treacherous waters of script creation with confidence.
The Trap of the Unnecessary Backstory
The Secret: Every character in your script should have a backstory, but not every detail needs to be on the page. Overloading your script with backstory can slow down the pacing and bore your audience.
The Solution: Use brief, relevant snippets of backstory to deepen your characters without overwhelming the reader. For example, instead of a long monologue about a character’s past, show how their experiences shape their actions and dialogue in the present.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
JANE sits at a table, staring into her coffee cup. She fidgets with a paperclip, her fingers trembling slightly.
JANE
(sighs)
You know, when I was a kid...
Cut to a quick flashback showing a young JANE dealing with a traumatic event. The flashback ends as she returns to the present, her emotions still fresh.
CUT BACK TO THE COFFEE SHOP.
JANE
...I realized I had a choice. I could let it define me, or I could choose my own path.
(Show JANE making a decision that aligns with her backstory, such as ordering a non-caffeinated drink or choosing a book to read.)
The Trap of the “Hollywood Ending”
The Secret: While conventional wisdom suggests that stories should have a clear resolution, not every narrative needs a traditional happy ending.
The Solution: Experiment with different endings that challenge expectations. This can keep your audience engaged and make your script stand out.
INT. MANSION - NIGHT
The mansion is in disarray. CHARLIE, the protagonist, stands in the center, surrounded by debris.
CHARLIE
(speaks to the audience)
This is it. This is where my life ends.
CUT TO:
A door slams open. A GUNWOMAN storms in, pointing her weapon at CHARLIE.
GUNWOMAN
Not today, punk.
CHARLIE
(whispers to the audience)
Or maybe it's just the beginning.
(CUT TO BLACK)
The Trap of the Flat Character
The Secret: Characters need depth and complexity to resonate with an audience. A flat character is one-dimensional and forgettable.
The Solution: Give your characters flaws, strengths, and motivations. Show their development over time, and allow them to surprise you.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
A group of TEENAGERS chatter noisily as they walk down the hallway. JIM, a new student, stands alone, observing them.
JIM
(whispers to himself)
I want to fit in...
Suddenly, one of the TEENAGERS, SARA, turns to JIM.
SARA
Hey, new kid! Want to hang out?
JIM
(surprised)
Really? Me?
Sara extends her hand, and Jim takes it. The scene ends with the two of them laughing and walking together.
The Trap of the Info-Dump
The Secret: Info-dumping is the act of overwhelming your audience with too much information at once, usually through dialogue or narration.
The Solution: Spread out the information throughout the script in a way that feels natural and engaging. Use dialogue and character interactions to reveal details incrementally.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
MOM sits on the couch, watching TV. DAD enters, looking anxious.
DAD
(muttering to himself)
You see, back in 1982...
CUT TO:
DAD is on a computer, searching through old documents. The scene ends with him showing MOM a piece of paper with important information.
MOM
(looking interested)
Wow, that's fascinating. When did you find this?
DAD
(smiling)
A few days ago. But I knew you'd want to know the whole story.
The Trap of the Overly Complicated Plot
The Secret: A complex plot can be challenging to follow, and it may distract from the emotional core of your story.
The Solution: Keep your plot straightforward and focused on the central themes and characters. Avoid unnecessary subplots and ensure that every twist and turn serves the story’s purpose.
INT. FOREST - DAY
A GROUP OF ADVENTURERS is lost in the forest. LEAD ADVENTURER, SARAH, looks worried.
SARAH
Come on, we need to stick together and find our way back.
Suddenly, they hear a rustling in the bushes. A WILDOBE charges at them, but SARAH jumps out of the way at the last second.
SARAH
(panicking)
We need to get out of here!
The group flees, but SARAH realizes they've taken a wrong turn and are heading deeper into the forest.
CUT TO:
SARAH
(speaking to the audience)
But this is where the adventure really begins.
By understanding and avoiding these common scriptwriting traps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling and memorable stories. Remember, the key to successful scriptwriting is balance—finding the right amount of detail, depth, and complexity to keep your audience engaged and invested in your characters’ journeys.