Screenwriting is a craft. It’s time to start treating it that way. A great place to start is by reading produced scripts. Reading scripts is a crucial part of the screenwriting process. Not only does it teach you the ins and outs of the craft, but it also gives you inspiration and ideas for your own writing.
Internalize Structure
First and foremost, reading scripts helps you learn the structure and format of a screenplay. By reading professionally written scripts, you can pick up on the proper way to format your own work and make sure it meets industry standards. This is critical because if your script isn’t formatted correctly, it’s less likely to be taken seriously by agents, producers, and other industry bigwigs.
Figure Out What Moves You
Reading scripts also lets you study the art of storytelling. You can learn how to create characters that people care about, build tension and suspense, and create a clear and cohesive plot. By analyzing the techniques of successful screenwriters, you can improve your own writing and create stories that are more engaging and powerful.
Get Inspired
Plus, reading scripts can also give you inspiration and ideas for your own writing. By reading a variety of scripts, you can expose yourself to different genres, styles, and perspectives, which can help spark new ideas for your own work.
Level Up
And lastly, reading scripts allows you to evaluate your own writing and understand what works and what doesn’t. By comparing your own work to the work of professional screenwriters, you can identify areas that need improvement and make more informed decisions about your own writing.
In a nutshell, reading scripts is essential for screenwriters. It teaches you the craft, gives you inspiration, and helps you improve your own writing. So, if you want to become a successful screenwriter, make sure to read a ton of scripts!
(Read &) Write On!