Breaking into Hollywood as a screenwriter is a dream that many writers share, but it is also a huge challenge that requires an understanding of what studios, producers, and directors are looking for. While talent and creativity are important, successful Hollywood screenwriters know that meeting industry expectations and having a business mindset is just as essential. Here is a guide to what Hollywood looks for in scripts and how you can tailor your writing to catch the eye of the gatekeepers of the entertainment industry.
A Unique and Marketable Concept
Hollywood lives off of fresh ideas that stand out in a crowded market. Executives often refer to the “elevator pitch” test when choosing new stories. The elevator pitch asks if your story can be summarized in a single compelling sentence. A high-concept idea that is easily understood and immediately interesting is more likely to gain the attention that you want.
Here are some tips to develop a unique concept:
- Research trends. Understand what is popular in Hollywood right now without directly copying existing ideas. Blend different genres or write a new twist on a familiar story.
- Explore universal themes. Stories that are about universal emotions or conflicts often appeal to more people, and are therefore more likely to get picked up.
- Be specific. While it may sound weird, the more specific your story is, the more universal it can feel. Unique settings, cultures, or perspectives can make your script memorable and relatable.
Strong Structure and Pacing
Hollywood scripts typically follow a three-act structure, making sure that their stories have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The structure is often essential for pacing and keeping the audience interested.
Here are the key elements of structure:
- Act One: Introduce the characters, the setting, and the main conflict of the story.
- Act Two: Develop the conflict, raise the stakes, and give your characters new obstacles in their way.
- Act Three: Resolve the conflict and give the readers closure.
The pacing is just as important as the structure, so here are some tips for writing good pacing:
- Avoid long exposition dumps. A great way to do this is to make sure that you are showing, not telling.
- Make sure every scene does something to keep the story moving forward or develop a character.
- Use cliffhangers or turning points to keep the readers invested.
Compelling Characters
Great stories are driven by characters audiences care about. Hollywood looks for scripts with memorable, complex characters who grow and change over the course of the story.
Here is how to create compelling characters:
- Give them goals. Characters should have clear wants or needs that move the plot forward.
- Make them flawed. Imperfect characters are very relatable and often more interesting than perfect ones.
- Develop character arcs. Show how your characters evolve throughout the story and how what happens around them affects them.
- Write strong dialogue. Dialogue should reveal character traits and move the plot without feeling unnatural or forced.
Emotional Impact
A script that brings your reader strong emotions, whether that be laughter, tears, or suspense, is more likely to leave a lasting impression. Hollywood is in the business of creating experiences for people to remember, so your script absolutely needs to make its audience feel emotions.
Here are some tips on how to give that emotional impact:
- Build stakes and dangers that matter to your characters and, by extension, your audience.
- Use subtext in conversations and dialogue to make the story even deeper.
- Utilize universal feelings like love, fear, hope, or loss.
Visual Storytelling
It is very important to remember that film is a visual medium, unlike novels and most other writing, so your script should “show” rather than “tell”. Strong visual storytelling will make your script more cinematic and make it easier for readers to visualize the film.
Here are some techniques for visual storytelling:
- Use action and imagery to show character emotions and plot points.
- Write descriptive, but concise, scene descriptions.
- Avoid overloading your script with dialogue and let visuals carry some of the weight.
Genre Awareness
Hollywood typically categorizes films by genre, and understanding the conventions and expectations of your chosen genre is key. Whether you are writing a rom-com, thriller, or sci-fi epic, your script should meet audience expectations or find ways to subvert them creatively.
Here are some tips for mastering genre:
- Study successful films in your genre to understand the structure and tropes that made them succeed.
- Play around with conventions to surprise your audience.
- Make sure your tone is consistent and appropriate for your genre and the story you are trying to tell.
A Strong Opening
The first ten pages of your script are critical. This is your chance to hook readers and set the tone for your entire story. Hollywood readers often decide whether to keep reading or not based on these opening pages.
Here is how to craft a strong opening:
- Start with an interesting event or intriguing character introduction.
- Establish the tone and stakes immediately.
- Avoid too many clichés or overly familiar setups.
Polished Writing and Professionalism
Hollywood scripts have a certain standard and you are going to have to adhere to that. A poorly formatted or error-filled script can be an instant dealbreaker, no matter how brilliant the story is.
Here are some tips for having polished “Hollywood” writing:
- Use industry-standard software like Final Draft or WriterDuet.
- Proofread multiple times for grammar, spelling, or formatting errors.
- Avoid overusing camera directions or breaking formatting conventions for your story.
Market Viability
While creativity is important, Hollywood also considers a script’s potential profit when choosing which scripts to adapt. Scripts with big audience appeal, franchise potential, or “built-in” audiences, like adaptations of popular books or true stories, are more attractive.
Here are some things to consider when thinking about market viability:
- Is your concept timely or relevant to the world?
- Does your script align with current trends or big audience interests?
- Can it be made with a realistic budget? (This one is very important to remember.)
Your Voice as a Writer
Hollywood really values distinct voices that bring something new to the table. Your voice, a combination of your writing style, personality, and originality, is what will set your script apart from others.
Here is how to develop your writing voice:
- Write authentically about subjects you are passionate about.
- Do not imitate other writers, but instead embrace your own unique perspective.
- Take risks with your storytelling while staying grounded in what you know works.
Be Prepared to Rewrite
Like many other types of writing, even the best scripts go through multiple rewrites. Hollywood expects writers to be open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve their work.
Here is how to handle rewrites:
- Look for constructive criticism from trusted readers or industry professionals.
- Focus on big-picture issues before fine-tuning the smaller mistakes and details.
- Keep an open mind and be willing to “kill your darlings.”
Breaking into Hollywood is not easy, but understanding what the industry values in a script can give you a big advantage. By focusing on a unique concept, strong characters, visual storytelling, and polished writing, you can create a script that captures the attention of Hollywood’s gatekeepers. Remember, persistence and adaptability are just as important as talent. Keep practicing and getting better, and do not be afraid to take risks because your big break could be just around the corner.
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