Screenwriting is romanticised in film and media but behind the rose-tinted view of what it entails lies a world of oddities, quirks and habits. Whether it’s a waste paper basket or someone backspacing the cursor to start again, here are five unique behind-the-scenes aspects of screenwriting that might surprise you.
1. Character Backstory Obsession
Screenwriters can work on projects for years, which means they can become immersed in the world of their characters. Writing character backstories and bibles, there are often bits of information that never even make it to screen. These intricate details provide an in-depth backstory to the character and informs their development.
2. Blank Page Fear
Writer’s block is one of the first things that comes to mind when writing scenes with writers trying to get their article or script started. There’s good reason. The dread associated with facing down a blank page does come with a degree of intensity as writers pressure themselves to come up with a brilliant idea or opening line.
3. Must Love Dialogue
Words are powerful and screenwriters know how to harness them and all their inferred meaning to get the most out of their dialogue. Some of the subtext may never be unearthed but that doesn’t stop them from analysing the words to death. Creating informative and entertaining dialogue is the goal, while driving character, plot and making screen magic!
4. Got Subtext?
Adding depth and complexity to stories requires screenwriters to master the art of subtext. Getting the nuance and subtle exposition just right can be done through a glance, a gesture or even a word that speaks volumes. Use the power of the negative spaces of what’s not being said to amplify your screenwriting.
5. The Dreaded Rewrite
“Writing is rewriting” is probably something you’ve come across before if you’ve spent some time immersing yourself in the world of screenwriting. No one wants to rewrite their scenes, much less being told they need a page 1 rewrite. So learn how to ply your craft, refine your script and dedicate the necessary time to constantly improving your work. It’s essential and will lead to more satisfying and substantial screenwriting.