The writing of a SPEC script is an art form unto itself.  If a new

screenwriter would approach it as such, many problems could be 

avoided.

   

   As I critique scripts from writers, the problems with each and every

new writer is the same.  TOO MUCH NARRATIVE/ACTION and 

TOO MUCH MEANINGLESS dialot.

    

   Your SPEC script should be mostly dialog.  This is where your

character development can really shine.  But, chatter which doesn't 

move your story along is a waste of everyone's time.



    A SPEC script has to be VISUAL.  You're not writing a novel here. 

Your job is to create a visual image for the person who is reading your

script.



    In screenwriting you must realize that it's a collaborative effort. 

By this I mean, your job is to write the skeleton of your story.  Then,

if you've done it properly -- the other creative talents can come into

play and flesh it out.



    That said, be very clear, the story itself lies in YOUR ballpark. 

The drama...the characterization...all of it.  For if you fail at

creating a dramatic story, if your characters aren't real, it will give

no vision to the others who will build upon your script.  Think of your

SPEC script as the foundation of a new home.  If your foundation isn't

strong enough...then the house that is built on top of that foundation

will be weak.



    Now, another problem with the SPEC scripts circulating that have

"NEWBE" written all over them, is incorrect formatting and packaging.

While it is true that the scripts sold at script outlets are a great

teaching tool, let me make if clear...they are not SPEC scripts!  They

are not scripts by which you should format your beginning SPEC script. 

You learn story structure, dialog and the pacing of the two from those

outlet scripts.  NOT THEIR FORMAT!



    Do not use camera angles, POV, cut to's, fade in's and fade out's

throughout your SPEC script.  You use one FADE IN at the beginning, 

and one FADE OUT at the end.



    In the beginning, you stick to your basic SPEC script format. 

Develop it to create an interesting read...a real page-turner.  Give the

reader a reason to continue reading your script, rather than tossing it

aside and going on to the next script.  Whether the reader continues

to read your script or goes on to the next, is solely on your shoulders. 

It's up to you.



    SPEC script format changes from time to time, so  you must keep

current.  Remember, "you only get one chance to make a good first

impression."  Don't blow it!



    Think of writing your SPEC script as a game, and you can't win if

you don't play.  Try and tell the best story you can, using the least

amount of words.  Choose your words carefully.  Remember:  In

screenwriting...less is more.



    Your SPEC script must be a fast read.  Use no more than FOUR 

lines of narration/action at a time.  Sentences must be brief

...sometimes only one word.  If you use the right word, it will be 

enough.  Do whatever it takes to give the reader the ride of his life.



    Who's the most important person who'll read your script?  THE

READER!  never forget it.  It is through this single person that your

script will be past further up the food chain.  It is also the person

who'll return it or toss it, if it's not in the best condition it can

be.  So be sure your SPEC script is the best that it can be.



    When you're a beginning writer, don't think for a minute that the

experienced, professional writers didn't make these same mistakes

once. They did.  They ALL did!



    So, with that said, let's get down to business.  Maybe I can help

cut a few years off your path to that first sale!



    This month (6/97), let's just concentrate on those all-important FIRST 

TEN PAGES.  These first TEN pages are 1/3 of your first act!  I think 

these are probably the most important pages of your SPEC script.  That's

because most readers won't go further than that if they aren't into your

story by page ten.  I have recently talked to other professional

readers, who won't go past page THREE!  I'm told that by the third page,

some readers can already tell if the writer can write.



Don't try to cram all of your story into the first ten pages           

of your script.  Pace it.

Tease your reader.  Give them just enough to pull them in.

Make each word count.  Don't be wordy.

Don't use meaningless dialog.  If it doesn't move your story           

along, doesn't develop your characters...lose it!  Don't use it

just because it sounds good.

 Sure, you're good with dialog, but are you

saying anything?

Another problem I see in my client's work:

     TOO MUCH NARRATION/ACTION...



Study your favorite film.  Now, do you know what part  of

what you're seeing on the screen goes of the page of a SPEC

script? 

Remember, screenwriting is a collaborative   effort...by the

time a SPEC script reaches the other creative talents involved

with the  project...more is added each script revision.



     THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!



If you think everything you are seeing was originally on the

narrative/action of the SPEC script...you're wrong.



I hope that I've helped you be showing you what NOT to do.  

As well, as what TO do.  Until next time...keep writing -- 

EVERYDAY!


           "Dreams don't just happen...we make them happen"