common problems in first scripts - Script Consultant - Michael Hauge

Michael Hauge on common problems with scripts.
Hauge is a story and script consultant, author and lecturer who works with writers and filmmakers on their screenplays, novels, movies and television projects. He has coached writers, producers, stars and directors on projects for Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Kirsten Dunst, Charlize Theron and Morgan Freeman, as well as for every major studio and network.
Michael also works extensively with Hollywood executives, producers, agents and managers, helping them sharpen their story and development skills, and improving their companies' abilities to recognize powerful material, employ advanced principles of structure, character arc and theme, skillfully communicate a story's strengths and weaknesses, and work effectively with writers to achieve a commercially successful screenplay.
Michael is the best-selling author of Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read and of Writing Screenplays That Sell, a definitive reference book for the film and television industries, which is now in its 32nd printing for HarperCollins. His seminar with Chris Vogler, The Hero's 2 Journeys, has become one of the top-selling DVDs and CDs on story and screenwriting.
Michael has presented seminars and lectures to more than 40,000 participants throughout the US, Canada and Europe. He is on the Board of Directors of the American Screenwriters Association and the Advisory Board for Scriptwriter Magazine in London.

[@bt10ant]

The best way to avoid traps like this is to just read screenplays....good ones. Look for Oscar winning screenplays and search for them with the title plus .pdf on the end and you can usually find them. Reading well written scripts will get you in the habit of concise dialog, sharp descriptive action and proper formatting.

[@w.m.aslam-author]

I recently began scriptwriting, and coming from a languages and literature background, I'm having to learn an entirety new discipline. The "craft" of screenwriting requires a great deal of time and study, and can be frustrating at tines, but I'm determined to get it right. These KZbin talks are really helpful and motivating.

[@lamerafiera]

One of Michael Hauge's books (Writing screenplays that sell) made me understand that screenwriting was right for me, he is very clear, very smart and teaches so well, that he is absolutely my favorite source on the craft, many blessings to him.

[@alexispapageorgiou72]

I think he didn't explain correctly the principle of introducing a group of people in a script though. If the script demands of the writer a simultaneous introduction of some people, let's say 4 friends, then there's nothing you can do. You have to introduce them ... And describing initially the one who'll talk first and then the other dude or whatever seems wrong and even more confusing. I at least, can't think of something better script-wise.

[@thejackedupreviewshow6924]

Once again, a stellar job he does here making everyone remember the simple core value of scriptwriting and outlining.

[@willhart6110]

Been in Hollywood as an agent and co-producer, the first thing you should study is the industry itself. You have almost zero chance of breaking in unless you have a contact...that is the fact. 99.9 of all scrips never get produced!

[@bradebronson8835]

How about scriptwriting competitions?

[@markmsmeltzer]

that is some great advice. thanks for that. any way I can help you solve problems?

[@alexispapageorgiou72]

There are numerous competitions and I've never heard of a screenplay being put under the pile cause the writer is unknown. It is hard though and maybe that's ok

[@producerbeatabuza]

Incredible Insights. Thank you Michael Hauge.

[@luigi_border]

Some screen writers are good with words, and any story fits the format even it is not entertaining. Other writers have just NEED to get that story out of their heads because it comes involuntarily, and the writing is there to convey a thought that is longer to show than it is to remember

[@DDavis-mi2cg]

Thanks genius. I really understand what you said and it helped a great deal.

[@LastChance4Me2Lose]

That was very helpful to know

[@howardkoor2796]

Micheal is one of my favorites

[@anthonycrecco8239]

Great information. Thank You

[@howardkoor2796]

Love his insight

[@lamerafiera]

Wow, congratulations on your achievements! you're right , bottom line is, one must learn and keep learning and practising until one is comfortable enough and confident enough. I believe in myself, I believe that God gave me this talent, and as far as I'm concern it's just a matter of time before I start seeing rewards also. Reading is boring to some, so maybe the way of the future will be to show some of your work, so that they can see and understand you know what you're doing. Blessings.

[@sampsonraysimon]

Very helpful!

[@LosMachinesTV]

The reason I would jump to dialogue is a response to the many comments from script readers who make up any reason not to read a script. I've heard some flip through the screenplay and judge it based on how much white is on the page versus blocks of text. It's just difficult to get anyone to read anything anymore.

[@Omnicient.]

There are many who don't get the pleasure of dialogue and only seem to get visual storytelling. It's probably best to get a balance; everything's in volumes it seems to me. It also depends on your own strengths; mine is in character conversations less so with visuals. But ultimately what's important is to write for a big audience. Feel them on every page.

[@lamerafiera]

Nothing yet, the truth is I haven't completed one to this day (A spec script that is) but I keep learning and I have done smaller scripts to produce them myself, but discovered that when you have a full time job a small child in the house and have to deal with the logistics of filming you have a problem. I just created a channel to post sketches on you tube, and will continue writing, I'll keep you posted..

[@mousehead2000]

Lol. Same here. I bought that book circa 1994. I didn't find it very helpful. Using The Karate Kid or Rocky as a basis for writing a story was very restrictive for me. I've since given up listening to 'Gurus' as their advice is often conflicting and just listen to my own muse. I was a quarter-finalist in a recent BlueCat competition so things are looking up. Yes, keep me posted. :)

[@mousehead2000]

Can I ask how many screenplays you have sold since you purchased that book?

[@NEWSINFOIN]

Very well said 10 Must Entry Screenwriting Competitions #SiddhaarthBhardwajProductions

[@tiko545]

is a lot of dialogue generally a bad thing? :(

[@grumpykoalaproduction7843]

Not always, look at Tarantino's scripts for example. I suppose it matters on the delivery of the dialogue. If it's actually important, if it builds character, unviels the plot, or even builds up a scene with tension. There are always exceptions to the rule.

[@user-bo2ps2ry8i]

もうこれ以上、したく無いです。やめます。

[@attckonutube]

this viewpoint is quite restricting I prefer Charlie Kaufman.