A Professional Script Vs An Amateur Script - Mark Sanderson

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#screenwriting #screenplay #screenwriter

[@filmcourage]

Check out Mark Sanderson's full video interview on KZbin here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4u1Y2CDbLeVj7c

[@_s-e-t-h_]

Professional screenplays are written at a professional level rather than being written at an amateur level. Thanks man

[@Roockie117]

Lmaoooo. Fax.

[@drjmankx37]

It bumps or it doesn't. Got it.

[@filifilms]

Common sense duh 🙄

[@mythologic]

In other words, we have to just figure it out on our own.

[@mr.b6789]

@@mythologic But make sure you use the format! And that it doesn't bump..

[@iagreewithyoubub]

A professional screenwriter is someone who knows someone in the industry. An amateur is someone who hones their craft while hoping to someday know someone in the industry.

[@eddiebear34]

... and unfortunately the industry is saturated by woke people. Disney have their claws in the majority of the industry. Disney is on a full on woke assault. Its almost like they know that they are pumping out pure garbage. But HAVE to for some reason.

[@adityanharish377]

i agree with you

[@Matt_Mosley1983]

Example: the tools who wrote EPIC MOVIE, DATE MOVIE, SUPER FAST, MEET THE SPARTANS, VAMPIRES SUCK, etc ...

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Mic drop

[@arzabael]

I’m screen-shotting this and printing it. I know that was suppose to be cynical. But if you can’t see how that is the possibly the nicest, most graceful and helpful way that anyone could put it into a nutshell, you’re truly not “cut out for this business”. I can’t fathom how that mantra is suppose to be difficult to accept. We live in the world. And you’ve always known it’s about who you know. If I’ve learned one extraordinarily valuable lesson from this channel, it’s that we don’t write script as amateur script writers in hopes to see that movie get made, we write a script, that yes we truly believe in, but as a means of having a reason to MEET PEOPLE. I truly want to make it into an interview on this show, and talk to the viewers and say I was you and this is where I learned. I know that’s could be kind of cringey to imagine. Especially me having said it on a three year old comment - the one that I’m screen-shotting, and printing.

[@spencergregg4667]

I feel like he is trying to say “stop liking your work so much” or “ get a second opinion, let someone tell you it sucks and don’t get mad, just fix it”. I feel like artists love their work and are afraid to kill their ideas, which makes the final product overall unprofessional

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Thanks for the comments and adding to the conversation, Spencer. Once writers start working professionally (meaning they are getting paid) it's all about collaboration and a professional attitude and work ethic. There is too much at stake to deal with a writer who either doesn't want to make changes or a writer who can't execute the notes properly. That will result in getting fired and that never bodes well for a "professional" reputation.

[@pinchebruha405]

And I find the people who are money driven always change the initial project so much. As a creative person every idea I’ve had was met by a boss with the money and zero imagination they always want to regurgitate what already worked. They dont want original ideas because they dont understand what is not already in front of their face but they need to feel more important…i wonder if the church told Michael Angelo what to do?

[@emyserozzi8088]

You always have to be humble, and admit to yourself that "this" or "that" part suck. And always remember that Directors and producers are workers, just like carpenters or hydraulics.

[@MaxxDoberman]

I heard of this thing called a rewrite because NOBODY is born a professional.

[@orhanersan3943]

Exactly

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

No, you aren't born a professional with ability or work ethic. These have be honed and worked on over many years of experience and it doesn't happen overnight. Rewrites are a huge part of screenwriting. More so after you start working and collaboration with producers and directors and you have to be able to execute notes or you'll be fired and they will bring in a writer who can. It's never completed even when a film goes into production. I've done production on set rewrites and even rewrote dialogue for post production voice overs, so it never ends. Attitude makes a huge difference when starting out. A professional attitude will take you far. And if you throw in a quality script that isn't plagued by the problems all beginning scripts suffer from, you'll have a head start over most trying to forge a career.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

And then there are stories that get rejected, rejected, rejected and rejected again. And then someone sees something, and it becomes a best selling masterpiece.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

That's the nature of the business.

[@Dullboy_Jack237]

Squid Games

[@manasse7289]

Harry Potter

[@phattjohnson]

Or maybe the wall of typos is eventually fixed up enough that the rejected x 10 screenplay finally looks professionally drafted?

[@kagemushashien8394]

Just like Hitchcock with Psycho. He never gave up and that's what matters.

[@Alan_Wigz]

A professional gets paid. An amateur doesn't. FADE OUT.....THE END.

[@lionelcooke8304]

Your basically right however, you can write a professional level script, ones that’s even better then professionals who get paid. Just look at some of the films out there.

[@wassupinlasvegas9735]

Came here to say this, lol. No need for a 10 minute dissertation on it!

[@Alan_Wigz]

@@lionelcooke8304 Still not the definition. Thats just personal opinion and ego. The only difference is money, thats it. Same thing goes for a professional plumber and an amateur plumber. You can waffle on for weeks about who you think plunged your shit the best, but the professional gets paid, the amateur doesn't. Its one of the universe's simplest differentiations.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@@lionelcooke8304 Yes you can -- and that is what writers should to strive to do and then you get out to reads, hustle, network, pitch, compete, and write other scripts. Build on that momentum if you make any noise with a script and you may land an assignment. Everyone says movies out there are crap, but most having never experienced how difficult it is to get ANY film produced. Nobody sets out to make a bad film. All films can'y be everything to everyone. It doesn't work that way. Every viewer will have a different opinion and sure, we can tell the "bad" films, but everyone on that cast and crew gave it their all and created something - might not be an Oscar winner, but they came together to tell a story.

[@mr.keenersartclass7148]

Big Facts!

[@jdovma1]

Same BS as always. People... just look at the mess that is the movie industry. Absolute garbage gets made all. the. time. I've seen movies made from scripts that looked like my 13 yr old niece wrote it. People talk about being professional and amateur because they want to sound professional by shitting on amateurs. But the truth is there's no rhyme or reason why some bad scripts are loved and why some good scripts get passed on forever. It just depends on the means and taste of the moron reading it and what mood they're in. Just write an entertaining story in something close to the structure they're looking for and maybe someone will be into it. Or maybe no one will. It's a crap shoot. And obsessing over your screenplay until someone tells you it's "professional" will only cripple you and cost you valuable time you could be cranking out another amateur script that would double your chances of getting noticed. Btw, if the screenwriters that get hired by studios are the ones whose scripts look the most professional, a lot of good it's doing them, because the industry has been struggling to make anything worthwhile for at least a decade. Maybe they should try some amateurs. Hollywood is just a herd of people desperately afraid of being found out as a fraud. Just write.

[@daryldixon3685]

Completely agree! It’s went downhill a lot lately!

[@mr.b6789]

Yes, exactly!

[@Ruylopez778]

Why are you here if you don't want to listen? "Just write an entertaining story in something close to the structure they're looking for and maybe someone will be into it. Or maybe no one will" "...you could be cranking out another amateur script that would double your chances of getting noticed" Amazing. So the solution to all the generic movies being made, is make more crap and hope something sticks? How does an artist get noticed? Work on his craft, or paint as many different average paintings as possible? "there's no rhyme or reason" Some reasons bad scripts get made: -reputation of the writer -it's very similar to something that was really successful -the dialogue is great and/or distinctive -good timing -on trend Some reasons good scripts don't get made (which are all signs of an amateur): -bad dialogue -too many locations, or too expensive to translate from the page onto screen -too similar to something else that the audience didn't get behind (misjudging the market) -too many long descriptions and too little white space -not on trend (copying an idea from years ago that audiences are bored of - misjudging the market and trying to write for the market) Or bad timing with the studio, actor/producer who might want to make it, like they just started production on something similar, or they're looking for a particular type of movie. Some reasons "entertaining stories" don't get made: -too similar to one or two other movies -too predictable or a twist that doesn't work -not an engaging theme behind it Reasons there are so many average or bad movies: -audiences spend their money watching crap, incentivising Hollywood to keep making it -audiences wait for smaller movies or anything without a big star, that isn't a sequel or reboot to come out on streaming -Hollywood knows it's a better return on investment to crank out the same old crap, and wait for something to be a big hit - which is in fact the same as your "crank it out and hope something sticks" method. I think we can agree that writing and finishing projects helps the writer improve their craft, but showing crappy work isn't a great way to establish a name for yourself. If you write an average script, that someone wants, they're going to hire a professional to rewrite your idea anyway. What's so great about that?

[@interstellarbeatteller9306]

You sound like me twenty odd years ago....film is like music and with billions on the Planet there is an audience for everything even if it beneath our standards of art....I love the film "There will be blood" and watch slapstick comedies and only a true genius could write both....If hollywood is constantly churning out fomulaic crap then why not earn millions then fund your own piece of genius - Not properly formatting your scipt is like turning up for a job interview with no pants on...how much do you want to be a World famous writer? Personally I'd be trying to creat buzz aound my script before anyone got to read it,...it's a different time now of course but Tarantino spent 8 years getting rejected before getting his big shot

[@dubuque100]

@@Ruylopez778 Well said.

[@whateversonmymind6690]

This is such a clear example of everything wrong with 'professional writing' - He says the end should wraps the film up, about 1 in 5 'Hollywood' films actually wrap up their story succinctly - He answered the question practically with the same sentence twisted back round - It's hard to hide "that" when reading an amateur script... the fuck is THAT?

[@Ruylopez778]

When you hear someone play the violin, you can tell the difference between someone who started 6 weeks ago, and someone who has performed for years. It's immediately obvious; nuance, control, emotion, confidence

[@87Tempests]

I can think about A LOT of amazing films that were not wrapped up at the end. Was prisoners wrapped up? What about inception? Pulp fiction or reservoir dogs? What constitutes a wrapped up complete story? Things unfinished are better for the imagination

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@@Ruylopez778 That is a perfect response. And producers, directors, and other PROFESSIONALS can tell the difference when they read the first few pages of a beginner's script compared to a seasoned screenwriter. Of course nobody wants to hear this.

[@gregharvey2006]

Mark's right. There's plenty of both amateur and professional scripts online to learn from - even a newish writer can soon spot the differences, especially the formatting giveaways.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Exactly! Thanks for watching and commenting, Greg. I'm sure not all of those who comment actually watched the video the entire way through like you did.

[@chilimbwe]

Not many people have the patience to put the Research, Study and TIME to hone this craft.

[@luckyboypictures]

Mark Sanderson is right, the script is the heart and soul of any movie project. It's supposed to bring out all kinds of emotional feelings deep down inside of you and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. And the only way to do that is by doing it right. Unfortunately, most people don't take the time to learn about the craft or embrace it.

[@Darfaultner]

@Kevin Montrond If they'd taken the time to learn the craft they'd know. What a strange comment.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@Kevin Montrond Taken the time is writing all those bad scripts to get to the good ones. Also spending the necessary time learning the craft and actually writing. It may take one writer five scripts to get at a level to compete and some writers never get to the "good" ones. A great script may not sell even though it's an amazing story. Hollywood shelves are filled with terrific pilots or scripts that didn't make the cut. At the end of the day it's a business.

[@thedeathdealer3918]

There are so many professional screenplays plagued by the problems he mentioned. Not much help here. I've seen amateur screenplays blow professional ones out of the water. It's a biased business to begin with.

[@miwe3719]

Exactly my thoughts. If the pro screenplays were so much better, then why do so many big hollywood movies suck?

[@LDZTV]

If you listen to these people to much they will ruin you and your dreams! I wouldn’t listen to these people to much they destroy your confidence ! Do your best! Enjoy the process and learn from every word.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Nobody is trying to destroy anyone's dream. If you want to be a professional writer you have to act and write a script that is on a professional level. Do your best - yes, but learn how the business works first.

[@jimjo8541]

The only thing that’s bleak is that almost all of these professionals had an “in” with the industry. So no matter how great your screenplay/story is, I guess it’ll just rot away in a drawer somewhere unless you’ve spent a decade kissing everyone’s ass in Hollywood. Guess we can always adapt them into novels 😂

[@ajtaylor8750]

An amateur screenplay does come with a ton of story issues and inconsistencies, whereas one written professionally has overcome the early days of a beginning screenwriter. Professionals present a near perfect script, and it can for sure compete on the highest of levels in the big leagues of showbiz. Another great video from Mark.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Thanks, AJ. Tough crowd! Not sure many actually watched the whole video. Thanks for adding to the conversation. Best wishes with your writing.

[@miwe3719]

If pro screenplays are so much better, then why do so many big hollywood movies suck/flop?

[@vergiemorrison928]

In todays world…you’d think the professionals were the amateurs.

[@BigDaddyJinx]

Yeah but you also need to realize that most all the terrible/garbage shows and movies we are provided these days are being written by "professional" writers... Professional doesn't always mean better. So there's that.

[@seekingthemiddleway4048]

This reminds me of the BBC writers' room interview with a journalist who got a commission to write a 6 part prime time TV drama and he had to do a course first to find out how. "So how did you break in?" "Oh I got a phone call from a friend at BBC Scotland". It's who you know, folks. And if you're like me and know no one...you can only dream.

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

I'm with ya bro...zero connections

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@@justanameonyourscreen5954 That is why networking and building those relationships is vital. You can't rely upon others to do it for you. It does help to live in Hollywood because of the access you have here to everything, but it's also possible to access that with networking sites like ISA and Stage 32 and Screencrafting. Enter contests, go to film festivals, work on other's films, start making those necessary contacts as you create new material. Dreams come with passion and work and never putting an expiration date on those dreams.

[@firstlast-oo1he]

On the other hand, I've heard from some pros that Hollywood is more interested in you if you aren't around that much (i.e. don't live in LA). Kind of makes you a sort of commodity, in their eyes. The writing's the thing. If you can write -- and I mean you're so good that your work makes other people wanna yell "Seekingthemiddle Way can freaking _WRITE_ !!!" -- then _they_ will want to know _you_ . (And this isn't to invalidate going out and meeting people, this just means that talent/skill/craft goes a long way because so very few people can actually write WELL, because truly great writing is HARD -- not "good", not ""decent" -- GREAT)

[@ScriptSleuth]

These "bumps" that Mark mentioned are super important. If you remove the reader from the story too many times (because of confusing action lines, typos, misnamed characters, etc) then you lose them. They start skimming and give up on your script.

[@joevillarreal192]

Lol I kept waiting for an example and it never happened 🤣 We get it, you gotta protect your jobs Joking aside, it's good to at least know I need to study some professional scripts to compare. Thanks for the content 🔥

[@AnyDayNow360]

"When people see what you are writing." This right here. Sometimes all I need is the nugget and I can extract the gold from there to continue working the 'mine' of my story. Thanks Mark and thanks Film Courage!

[@filmcourage]

Those little details can go a long way

[@alphabetfactoryentertainme6825]

All that matters is if it's any good when you read it. Plenty of professionals have written bad scripts. William Goldman, Aaron Sorkin, Billy Wilder, John Huston all wrote bad scripts. What does being professional have to do with it? If you have something to say, WRITE.

[@Ruylopez778]

He's saying that a professional CARES about what they're doing, and fixes the mistakes because they have that mindset. Why would a writer make life harder for themselves by leaving in typos and bad formatting, when those things are so easy to fix? Why waste a good idea with bad structure when the writer can't be bothered to admit and fix the problems with it?

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@@Ruylopez778 Ruy - you're making too much good, common sense! LOL! Thanks for adding something constructive to the conversation. Much appreciated! It's so easy for beginning writers to bash Hollywood and how they're only making crap and it's a closed clique as the reason their scripts are not moving their screenwriting career forward.

[@BartScantlin]

I read amature scripts all the time (just for fun). The main (bad) mistake I've been seeing is they assume people will just read the script and just be automatically engaged in the what its all about. No, that's not true. We need interesting things to happen, pretty much right from the get go and we need to be given reasons (more than one) to follow the character(s). They need to engage us, not only with ther personality but with their overall goals.

[@Tarazed609]

It's annoyingly funny to me that, as a reader, we can tell the difference in someone else's work almost immediately, but when I have to do so with my own stuff I go in half-blind to mistakes.

[@thefutureapocalypse]

Directors direct and actors act. It is the combination of both that make movies. Give me a million dollars, Hollywood here I come.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Yes, and writers write - and a movie stars with a great screenplay. As we know movies fail at the box office all the time and those filmmakers didn't start making the film thinking there would be no audience for it.

[@kevinzhang6623]

I admire your humility 😂

[@redber16]

You cant cheat a good script or a good story. Non-filmmakers, non-storytellers (who shouldn't be doing it) are trying to find ways to make it "not bad." But You can't fake that. it worries me because the amount of accessibility people have to filmmaking could shroud those who actually have something strong, and are neglected by those who don't. I've experienced it first hand. If you want to be the next Spielberg or write the next Citizen Kane, then you're just apart of the shroud. Write you, do you and the rest will take care of itself.

[@KillerBebe]

Was not a professional an amateur in the beginning?

[@moniquenewman4889]

Excellent Point !!!!!!

[@Ruylopez778]

The amateur and professional are different mindsets. It's not about whether you get paid or not. You can have a professional mindset and write as a hobby, and you can have an amateur mindset and get paid for a living.

[@KillerBebe]

RuyLopezQB6 we all start out as amateurs and lean as we go, even Rembrandt started off drawing stick figures and got better as he went along in life.

[@Ruylopez778]

@@KillerBebe Try watching 'turning pro' by storytellers. Amateur vs pro mindset. Steven Pressfield. It's not about ability, or talent, or knowledge. It's about how you approach your work.

[@JoJo-xp6wr]

Now we're talking, thank you!

[@finnieanjones790]

So I'm in the middle of writing an adapted scrip for basically a remake/reboot of one of the specific zombie franchise I'm a big fan of. So basically its gonna be forever amature right? Or is there any chance for it at all?

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

If you're doing it speculative...there could be problems with copyright issues...legal mumbo jumbo because some company owns those characters etc... Edit: but write it for you (what you want to SEE on screen)at least...good practice

[@MrGoodbye23]

Find a few gatekeepers that can look at your script objectively and highlight mistakes and inconsistencies. We probably are not the greatest critics of our own work even if we read a lot of "pro" scripts.

[@eddiebear34]

Sometimes I watch these interviews and feel hopeful for my efforts. Not so much with this one. This has me feeling like it's impossible

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

It's not impossible. Keep learning and realize your first few scripts are not going to be great because they are learning tools to get better as a writer. I wish you all the best on your journey.

[@eddiebear34]

@Mark Sanderson I tried to write my 1st one last week. Very quickly found myself all over the place. So I've started again with a beat sheet this time. Same story.. making more sense. I already know more than I did last week : ) Thanks Mark. I appreciate the encouragement.

[@Ruylopez778]

I don't know what people complaining in the comments expected to hear. The mindset of a professional is to ensure that everything is of the highest standard, not full of sloppy mistakes. An amateur sends out work that isn't ready because they can't tell the difference (Dunning-Kruger), or they don't have the mindset of a professional. True of any industry. You wouldn't say to a mechanic, "As long as the brakes work most of the time, that's fine."

[@LuisAngel-mu4zv]

Except that a break can be objectively working well or not, reading a script is subjective

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

That's why I've never sent one out...yet. I'm still polishing my turds...write enough turds, at least one's sure to shine up nice and pretty...

[@Ruylopez778]

@@LuisAngel-mu4zv It's not about the subjective quality of the script. It's about the writer with the mindset of making something the best it can be. An amateur mindset just hopes that everything works out by luck. You don't want an amateur working on your car - or certainly you don't respect a mechanic who asks to be paid for amateur work.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@@Ruylopez778 And producers won't trust a writer who cannot execute notes and that writer will be fired. Even if it was their script that sold. A professional can immediately tell if they are working with another professional in the quality of the work and the attitude and work ethic.

[@kenrickbautista6141]

Believe me when I say: I'm trying so hard to make my scripts professional. I really don't want people thinking differently.

[@victorallencook7107]

I'm glad I came from an era where you could express , express , express , as long as you didn't use vulgarity . Ah yes , 80's and 90's . Today you get canceled and canned .

[@ravf458]

You can blame that on Americans' Shrunk attention spans

[@emyserozzi8088]

Thank you so much for these very informative videos. I think Mark is right, and I can definitely understand what he's saying. I think someone who wants to take this craft, seriously, or that of writing a book, should always keep a level of humbleness, not thinking "Oh, I think this is gonna sell, even if it has typos all over the place", and be critical with yourself, sometimes. I once wrote a book (which I never published), many moons ago. When I was writing it, back in the day, I thought "Oh, this is a great story. Probably it will sell well". But, then, if I go back to it and read just a few pages of it i'm like "How the hell did I even came up with this crap?", you know? By any means, I don't work in the industry. But, compared to many years ago, there's PLENTY of informations as well books and scripts that you can study for yourself, to make this or that work in your script.

[@nelsonje9635]

What about using the original Cole & Haag script formatting system? Is it still appreciated and allowed. I'm using it to write my first TV pilot for BBC. Is this system disputed?

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

You are using Final Draft? Look at BBC scripts to see what exact format they use.

[@nelsonje9635]

@@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat I'm using MS Word based on the format stated in 'A Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats' by Hills R Cole and Judith H Haag. I got this format from storysense.com by Michael Ray Brown and it's the one I'm using for my Pilot episode. I discovered a way to use Ms Word as a simple and effective screenwriting tool. I just wanted to ask if the Cole & Haag screenplay format is still acceptable or considered wrong in today's screenwriting world. Thank you.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@@nelsonje9635 The choices in Final Draft are Cole and Haag and Warner Brothers and like three others. They also have BBC formats under the TV templates. I would not use Word to write scripts. If you sell something how are they to run it through development? My point a production company or network is not using Word for their projects - it may be able to be converted to a screenwriting software but many times the format gets messed up in the transfer. In my opinion, spend the money and get a professional screenwriting software. I have a discount code for FD if you want it saves 33% off purchase. Just a suggestion.

[@jacksonchamblee]

I do find that at least with most amateur scripts is that they won't re-read their scripts. Either because they feel embarrassed of what they have written r think that its the greatest piece ever written. For all amateur screenwriters, please re-read your scripts. Re-reading can come a very long way to polishing your work and see what are the errors plaguing your script and the story. I'm currently writing a low budget feature script and I expect it to be bad because I'm trying to plot out my story. I will be grateful that my school allows students to have John McLaughlin (co-writer of Black Swan) as a teacher for the summer and I fully expect him to tell me my script is garbage because of different errors I missed. Re-read it, have others look at it, and take classes on how to improve your script. I promise you will write better, you just have to let go of your pride.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Sound advice, Jackson! Screenwriting is all about the rewrite and when you start working professionally, it's all about staying on the project through the development process and NOT getting fired. No matter our level of writing, we must stay open to constructive criticism and all notes -- good and bad. Every project is a learning experience, and I'm learning on each new screenplay even after forty of them. You always have more to learn and hone your craft. We'll never be bigger than the craft. Hemingway said, "We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." If writers think believe it's okay to disrespect the craft and selling a script is easy, the business will humble them quite fast. Thanks for watching and adding to the conversation! Best wishes with your writing.

[@victorallencook7107]

I'll listen to a professional . I've skimmed and read scripts online and I didn't read anything that was "oh my God, magnificent " . I read a solid , believable story . Does a scripts survival and prosperous box office numbers depend more on the directors , actors, and actresses ?

[@ravf458]

@Kevin Montrond Suicide Squad is a good movie. What are you on?? The script follows clearly established protagonists, goals, dilemmas and a villain. There's rising action, reversals, and a climax and resolution. Not liking the direction of the movie or choices with character design is your opinion, but no one can say that film "bad" or poorly put together. Get a grip

[@Darfaultner]

@@ravf458 The beginning was a mess. They introduced all the characters twice.

[@Ruylopez778]

@@ravf458 RT Critics average was 4.8 out of ten. RT Audience average score was lower. So it seems the consensus is that choices and character design didn't work. 33% of votes on IMDb gave it 5 out of ten or lower. Having things clear, and reversals & climax doesn't guarantee something is well written. Good writing creates an emotional response in the viewer.

[@frenstcht]

Film Courage's videos have given me the impression that making a movie is a team sport; it's a weakest-link-in-the-chain type thing. Setting aside luck, I'm guessing that everybody is in a position to ruin the thing, and that any one element can also make it shine. Imagine Chris Tucker starring in "Beverly Hills Cop." Or imagine Frank Sinatra starring in "Die Hard," since the studio was contractually obliged to offer him the role first. And here's a great video on directing. They take the same actors, same script, same everything, but shoot it with several directorial styles for wildly-different results: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3eln4ajl8aZeZo It's pretty cool. I'm not an expert. Just a KZbin commenter. Listen to me at your peril ^_^

[@ravf458]

@@Darfaultner learn what script structure is and you'll find SS does everything right. That's why it works, despite crying over character design or tone. Also, people that deny Ayer the credit of writing a good feature can look to the fact it made nearly 800 mill vs. Birds of Prey 200 mil and Shazam's 350 mil despite better public reception. Think on that for bit.

[@PDBreske]

I'm working on a local no-budget indie film right now. When I signed on to help (cinematographer), I knew exactly zero about writing a screenplay or making a movie. (Although I've been a photographer all my life.) Once we got going, I began to feel like the script had some issues, so I started watching videos like this one to get a better understanding of the process and maybe help our writer/director make a better movie. Unfortunately, he is so married to his terrible dialog that he is unwilling to budge on changes. The few changes he has made were only AFTER I took the initiative and re-wrote several scenes myself (based on what I learned on this channel and others) and he saw they were better scenes for the effort. Now I'm writing my own and every scene I finish gets handed to someone else to read through and give their own critique, but I NEVER hand them a scene that hasn't been proofread again and again. What writer would let their work into the wild without proofreading extensively?

[@kevinzhang6623]

..Find better filmmakers to work for who can actually write

[@josephedmondson1969]

Having a proof reader is essential. My question is how many do you need, because maybe having two might be adequate to sus out the kinks in your writing.

[@justanameonyourscreen5954]

I always hear rewrite! But, it's also said to put it away and forget about it before doing said rewrite....well I don't really forget...rewrites are the hardest part for me

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Put it away for a week and come back with fresh eyes. Rewrites can be hard but we can avoid the huge rewrites by creating a solid outline before we start pages. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kinimediagroup]

@@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat Yes! Outlines are so great to me. Can't ever see myself writing another script without writing a good outline first.

[@JackMarchetti29]

A professional knows that producers hate reading and will write succinctly and sparsely with tons of white space to give the illusion that there's much less to read on the page. That's honestly one of the first giveaways - if someone writes huge descriptions and tell me what the table is made out of or the blinds then they are writing a novel, not a screenplay. Having said that, write well and don't bore the reader.

[@firstlast-oo1he]

To riff on this, it's like what Tony Gilroy said about how so many writers forget what a movie "looks like" when they sit down to write. Going by the page/minute guideline, when have you ever seen a (good) movie where the camera is pointed at someone's living room for half a minute? Very seldomly (which is why I think setting is usually best described in context of character interaction -- "Sally swipes a crumpled beer can from the floor, launches it at John's head." or "Bob brushes away a quarter-inch of dust and cobweb from the light switch"). Every "shot" in your script should be intentional.

[@amonifinau4048]

Thanks!

[@pelaito2]

Wow. So many boxes that have got to be checked off before a script gets the green light. I wonder how "fifty shades.." and other thousand awful movies ever got made.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Fifty Shades was a popular book. Hollywood is a business. They love to turn IP into films because it has a built in audience. Sometimes they make great movies, other times no so great. And remember, it's other people's money, millions of dollars many times and unless you are paying for the film yourself there will be many chefs in the kitchen with ideas and changes. Sadly, many times too many changes and the final script doesn't resemble the original one they purchased.

[@kevinl20082008]

Wow! Everything is awesome 😎

[@control_it_alt_delete]

I had to send the last part of this video to a student

[@dianapalmerbrooks]

I am not a professional writer, but I have a great idea for a screenplay.

[@flirtwd]

Another great interview.

[@mr.b6789]

Talking about attitude, Hollywood doesn't know how to read if it isn't in their format 🤣👍 If I want to make a great movie, I better first learn about format 😂

[@mjolninja9358]

Mr. B the format is easy though its not like its some mathematical equation to solve the universe

[@mr.b6789]

@@mjolninja9358 Reading a story is not that difficult. It doesn't have to be in a specific format, that just arrogance.

[@chrissystewart6268]

I'm an fan of Mark Sanderson I look forward to meet in person I want to l earn more about acting business because I want my own company

[@Met9171]

What is this coverage all about?

[@robertnegron6804]

Even a professional script can come off Amateurish.

[@Wordsley]

These Rock!

[@vatorichie4616]

Lmao this is pretty much all opinion. If you read a lot of produced scripts the only difference is format and command of the screenplay language. If you want to read a script that reads amateur as hell from a very hot, big time WORKING writer/director in the industry...read the script to Annabelle.

[@MegaRockstar48]

If there was only professional screenplays that end up getting made into movies there wouldn’t be so many bad movies.

[@filifilms]

You can’t answer the question with the question in it loll Or did you just come up with that answer in a professional way lmao

[@FreddyBaggett]

The whole business of writing scripts and getting your idea put on the big screen is a long shot. I can't understand why we have 500 channels of crap to watch on TV while there are thousands of great scripts that will never be seen on TV. 99 out of 100 movies or TV Shows are junk, and it cost money to make junk, so it's bizarre to me why someone would spend money to produce a crappy movie...I guess there truly are people with more money than sense.

[@Maratletoso]

That was polities way to say “I’m gonna judge your complete work by quickly checking out less than 10%” I understand this is also a business a you don’t have 1 script you got thousands, so you have to be efficient, and don’t have the resources nor time to read them all… but don’t blame typos. Sadly it’s impossible to read them all, and every person in this position is trying to be as professional as they can be with the little time they have… but doesn’t mean that that is the correct way to judge a work of art.

[@minkya1010]

So, an amateur script is not a professional one. Great, thanks...

[@cmh6690]

Je n'ai rien compris !

[@EasyZee69]

A script is not the Bible. You can rework it, you fix it, change it, revise it... and you can do that right up until the moment the director yells 'action'.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

And even after. I have done on set rewrites and that is not fun because of the pressure involved. Yes, it's an ever changing blueprint. Thanks for watching and adding to the conversation.

[@ve4mm]

A good story is a good story. A good story can always be edited. If you write a crappy story edited perfectly, it still is a crappy story. Look at all the films over the past 20 years. Most are garbage...................They just redo old movies 5 times these days.

[@mcdonaldarendolff947]

Is there anyone in the comments who wants to read my script? I live in South Africa and I am struggling to find an opinion on my script.... just an opinion.... please help

[@hemmigekiran]

I would like to and I am an assistant director in the regional film industry here in Southern India.

[@stephaniejayne5185]

McDonald Arendolff . Hi I’m happy to read your script. Let me know so you can pm me.

[@mcdonaldarendolff947]

@@stephaniejayne5185 thank you. Should i email it?

[@mcdonaldarendolff947]

@@hemmigekiran Thank you.... should i email it?

[@mcdonaldarendolff947]

@@stephaniejayne5185 i sent it a few minutes ago

[@jeremiahnoar7504]

There's so many bad movies out there that some youtubers dedicate their career to pointing out stupid script writing. if those are the films that have made it through the process then I'm to know how bad a film can be to be rejected even by Hollywood.

[@eldritchword6929]

Bad stories get bad reviews.

[@Writtenmirror]

Write this again Pro: F*@k you pay me! Am: Was going to do that anyway... This movie lacks soul Pro: I didn't have the creative control I needed Am: F*@k you pay me! This movie is amazing Pro: The ingredients were there I just had to connect the dots Am: Thank you, this is my life's work and I'm happy it's finally being acknowledged.

[@eraty1]

This man ... "Professional screenplays are written at a professional level". NO SHIT SHERLOCK

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Are they not? Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@godmode3611]

Why are there so many bad scripts in expensive movies and shows? Seems that amateurs know someone important...

[@Damageonthestack]

So much "it's who you know" mentality in the comments. Step one: write a great script. 99% of amateur screenwriters will never write a great script. And when they give up, it'll be because they don't know the "right" people and there's no way to break into the industry unless you're someone's nephew. In sum: STFU and write a great script.

[@moun7522]

You go read the screenplay for Pulp Fiction or True Romance, one of the best and most memorable movies of the 90s; as a text both are pretty basic pieces of material. Any English graduate with a sense of humor and a city hustle lingo can produce them. The genius thing is to come up with the original story concept and how you materialize it into cinematography.. goes without saying your actors, editing and music play essentially roles! Believe me, the process of assembling your script is PRETTY FUCKING EASY once you have your idea together. This dude is talking pure corporate bullisht, in his world the scripts of Morbeius is professional 🤡

[@DeanWilliams7979]

In the end it's all subjective. what about the movies that sucked and done bad at the box office, that came from a script so wouldn't that make the professional script a bad script? There are bad in everything in life that are suppose to be professionals. Bad movies, bad security guards bad mom. Screen writing is a talent, your everyday Joe can't do it, so if you are one of the one who can and you believe it can and will be a movie the goal is to push it. Bad and good is subjective!!

[@bundoran8561]

Is Disney professional? If yes. Well, I prefer to be amateur.

[@windflier1684]

A professional script is written by a professor, an amateur script is not. Thanks.

[@JustDontGetIt]

Dead give away!

[@IkennaVisuals]

I personally don’t agree with what he is saying. For 10 years “Squid Game” was rejected and probably seen as a “bad script”. Well, jokes on them now.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

It's a numbers game to sell anything in Hollywood -- or get hired to write someone else's idea. For every Squid Game there are thousands of bad scripts floating around for sure. You always want your script to look and read as professionally as possible. You don't get a second change most times and the fist impression of the first read it vital.

[@centralcoastcinema7693]

Honestly, i think it's about how the Director and Producer execute the Vision and Tone of the script.

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

It all starts with the script. The writer sets the tone and gives them the guide. Nothing is done without a script. You can't turn a shitty story and poorly written script into something it's not, even with a good director.

[@centralcoastcinema7693]

@@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat i agree. But i've read my share of hollywood scripts and a lot of those scripts, like a lot, are soooooo boring and shitty. Somehow a lot of those same scripts get turned into movies that get nominated for a lot of awards. So, yeah, i still stand by my comment. Let me know if you want to collab! Stay healthy friend.

[@DarthSironos]

WIth all the shitty movies being made today, you'd think most scripts were amateur scripts. I mean, Rise of Skywalker was written by a professional. So was Wonderwoman 1984. So was a whole lot of shitty movies. Professional scriptwriting isn't what it used to be.

[@nandohosp312]

So don’t be not professional level? Thanks man

You know how much I sacrificed?

[@frenstcht]

Every comment I have boils down to asking for free advice. So instead, I'm just commenting to help the analytics ^_^

[@nolinsummers4776]

This was not a helpful interview lmaoo. Very few specific examples that allow amateurs to understand whats being said lol. It seems like he’s more interested in engaging in discourse that works in a professional circuit where ofc the flaws are obvious and the script is missing “that”, and its “one of those scripts” but as someone using this video as a learning resource this fell very flat.

[@DAMON409]

The genre isn't clear. It's supposed to be a thriller but is reads more like a drama. too much description. Not enough sequences. set ups don't pay off. the concept is weak. characters all sound the same. no arcs.

[@Odb718]

This guy's first 1m4s says nothing, and then the last 20s is the only point he had. Proof Reading is the only take away. cuz amateur scripts are written by amateurs and pro scripts are pro.... . . .

[@beeruht]

what a useless analysis lol "it's professional if it's good and it's amateur if it's bad" is a hysterically bad explanation

[@NIKONGUY1960]

Nothing of value here. Those of us who are busting our asses want to know what we’re doing wrong so we can be ‘professional’. What a waste of time

[@Ruylopez778]

He's talking about mindset, it's not a list of silver bullets to guarantee selling a script.

[@NIKONGUY1960]

RuyLopezQB6 Not looking ‘silver bullets’ as you state but this was about as generic as it gets.

[@Ruylopez778]

@@NIKONGUY1960 You want a specific answer for everyone then? But everyone has a different process. Maybe you should look at a consultant that can give you specific feedback? www.awriterforyourwriter.com/

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

@@Ruylopez778 Thanks, Ruy for contributing something positive to the conversation. At least you watched the video all the way through and understood what I was trying to say.

[@harrysanders818]

This is the most patronizing channel of all time

[@SALSAFOX7]

No shit? A professional level script can compete in the professional market? Obviously 😂 this video is useless it’s just “professional is professional”

[@Writtenmirror]

This guy no disrespect intended; is just waffling...

[@EyesRated]

This guy talks a lot, but is saying absolutely nothing

[@MarkSandersonakaScriptcat]

Nice. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope your writing is going well.

[@KajsaBernhardina]

Not a very useful answer to the question.

[@f.j282]

this guy is scared to talk or does not have enough knowledge to share.

[@dallassegno]

you'd think maybe he'd talk about formatting. instead we get gobbledeegook. I had no idea writers are also athletes.