Forget About Format, It’s All About Your Voice
Unlike the novelist or poet, a screenwriter usually isn’t widely recognized for their work on a project — mostly due to the fact that film and television are visual mediums, so audiences never really see the actual work of the screenwriter … the screenplay.
However, credits and medium aside, what I don’t understand is how it’s still considered common practice for screenwriters to write the screenplay devoid of any personality — as the old screenwriting books say, “just keep it bare bones minimum … unless you want your script shredded!”
How trite.
The movie business isn’t the same as it was a few years back — it’s not even the same as it was yesterday!
It’s an ever-evolving entity.
I can’t help but wonder who exactly is in charge and why they’re still demanding this style … or lack thereof for that matter.
Who Dictates How You Should Write?
With the web changing how we create, distribute, and enjoy content of all types, it’s becoming more and more clear that the “rules,” as they used to be called back in the day, are quickly being demoted to guidelines.
As you’ll read later this week, the gatekeeper is extinct. With the web there is literally no one standing between you and independent producers dying to get a hold of your work (assuming it’s solid).
That said, and to reiterate my point, who dictates how you should write your screenplay?
No one.
Why not add a bit of commentary here or a splash of color ink there?
Traditionally, these would be considered serious red flags, but it’s important to keep an open mind — especially when the craft and business are changing so fast.
Don’t Stress Over Format
With powerful software available, such as Final Draft and Screenwriter, or even the awesome alternative, Celtx, there’s no reason why a screenwriter should stress over whether or not the margins are correct.
Just make it work.
To a reader, format should be invisible — the people that spend time and money developing the programs that make it easy on screenwriters work hard to make that happen.
It’s All About Your Voice
Again, it might be the traditional method to write a screenplay devoid of your personal voice, thereby allowing the story to flourish across the pages, it’s also something I think screenwriters will move away from as they become more and more independent.
With no dictator demanding you stick to their rules, screenwriters will be able to express their personal voice throughout the screenplay. And while this is sometimes done exceptionally in comedy works (writers add fun little asides that add a punch the reader isn’t expecting), I think it will grow beyond the genre and into others.
I’m interested in seeing what you think about this — about where the screenplay craft might be heading as writers and filmmakers in general become more and more independent from the studios.
What do you think — would you ever consider including bits of stylistic commentary or personality in your own work?
Hey Christopher Rice,
As I said, you are not only a great Reader but your understanding of films and script – a fantastic breath of much needed fresh air.
I really enjoyed this article for its wisdom and pro advice.
Thanks,
This is an interesting debate. In one of my screenplays I introduced my protagonist as “Having the hands of a steelworker, and the grace of Gene Kelly” and the reactions were split (for and against), almost right down the middle.
I guess the line in the sand is how MUCH of this you put in.
Describing a character using a few literary tricks, can be an economical. Did the above description paint a picture of the protagonist in a few words? Then I think it’s ok.
If, however, you do like my friend did (wrote a 10 line paragraph describing how the light shimmers off the water during a beach landing on D Day), then you’re screwed.
I have to disagree with you about margins though. By formatting your page with the proper font size and margins, it’s supposed to (in theory) translate to 1 minute per page.
Cheat by increasing the font size or enlarging the margins at your own peril.
My 2 cents.
Jamie
@Andy // thanks for the compliments and thanks for reading!
@Jamie //I agree with you that there’s a line between using descriptions that don’t translate visually per se and descriptions that seem to span the length of Laurence of Arabia — screenwriters really need to be careful here because in the end, if your descriptions bores the reader, you’re done.
My point about margins was simply that screenwriters have access to free screenplay formatting software, so we should HAVE to worry about it anymore.
As for peril involved, it depends on where you’re submitting it doesn’t it?
Studio vs. independent producer?
I mean, yes, one page is supposed to equal one minute of film, but I think it’s more of a coincidence that studios and readers latched onto rather than a fact of the craft — it depends on how a scene is written. It depends on the language used (sparse or flowery). It depends on the writer’s style.