by Margo Macabee

Created on: November 02, 2009

Every single edge-of-your-seat, forgot-you-had-popcorn, award-riddled film began with a screenplay; words that do not differ much from what you are looking at now. But how do you transform text on paper to a star-filled, iconic, cinematic masterpiece? I'll let you know when I get there. But in the meantime, two years of researching to find out how to get onto R.L.'s speed dial, I have consistently come across these beginner blunders and these are the consistent advices by industry professionals, experienced hobbyists; advices personally researched for clarification in my journey to become a screenwriter:

1). Avoid writing anything before researching everything. Beginner mistakes can be avoided by doing this.

2). Avoid writing your full length feature script first. Most sources state that your first script will never be produced. It is merely proof of your style and talents and that you can actually pull it off. Write a few short scripts first, get them critiqued and re-written. There is much practice needed for getting from the beginning of a story to the end of a story in a believable and enticing way. Write your feature when you can write.

3). Avoid writing what you don't know. It is said to 'write what you know', but I'd like to add 'or know what you write'. You can research things you aren't entirely familiar with; settings, occupations, hazards and what not. Don't write what you don't know, but don't limit yourself by your personal experiences and views.

4). Avoid telling yourself or announcing your script will make a great movie. Too many times a new writer is so convinced and so busy trying to convince others they are writing the next epic that speaks for the whole decade, they won't tolerate someone more experienced saying, It will not make a good movie. This leads to;

5). Avoid thin skin. Your story sucks, Your characters are boring, I didn't think it was funny or dramatic or actiony at all, Bad. Really, really bad, Not even closeand Aaaaaaargh! Can you handle someone telling you how awful the last four months of your brain-numbing, finger-cramping hard work is? Can you objectively listen to their advice without a chip on your shoulder? Anyone who reads your script, tells you what's wrong and why, deserves your full attention and many thanks.

6). Avoid forgetting you are a writer. If you want to be taken seriously by other writers and the profession you are trying to break into, please communicate in a professional manner. Use proper grammar, punctuation

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