You need to judge whether the audience is hungrily anticipating an event to happen, or merely just expecting it. If it's the latter, there's scope to surprise, twist, and subvert expectations, creating a more memorable and unexpected experience. #scriptsky

Honestly, a title only stands out to me when it's really bad or has absolutely nothing to do with the story. The rest of the time, it's not an element that a Script Reader will spend any time scrutinizing. #scriptsky

A slow start, but this script did redeem itself in the end. (If you want to read the rest of this 10-page script, you'll need to visit my Instagram @thescriptreader) #scriptsky

Simple, but effective. #scriptsky

Here's a quick trick to double-check that your "darlings" are worth keeping, correcting, or killing. #scriptsky

I figured I hadn't done a book promo post for a while. It's just sheer effing coincidence, it's Black Friday. #scriptsky #buynothingday

Can a Reader tell what genre your script is from the first few pages? Yup, that's something they look for. Luckily, there's loads of ways to weave or hint at genre both subtly and explicitly. Use one, or use a few, whatever works. #scriptsky

No one wants AI to read their scripts, so Readers aren't going anywhere! It's an entry-level job, but make no mistake, it's a highly-skilled job. But, as screenwriters, you've already got a head start on how to do it. Check the website for more info for wannabe Readers Link in the Bio #scriptsky

If the MC has nothing major to lose if they don't succeed, it makes it harder to become invested in their struggle. If we understand the MC's motivation, that can sometimes be enough, but come on, why not throw in some high stakes too? #scriptsky

Haven't done any line notes in a while. If you’d like Instagram line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected]. #scriptsky

Obviously, all of these methods can also be used in the rest of your spec script, not just the first few pages. Use them as red herrings or to subvert the audience, too. Get creative! #scriptsky

Another worksheet thing I've been playing around with. Find a fillable/printable version in the Freebie section of the website. >>>Link in the Bio<< #scriptsky

Been busy reading more scripts than usual, so apologies for the repost! Anyhoo, here's some quick dialogue tips to tide you over. #scriptsky

Yes, querying is still a thing! In addition to the Don'ts, for the love of gawd, DON'T use AI to write your query email. Just don't. #scriptsky

This is kinda a grey area. Some people call out for it - others advise against it. I've certainly been reading a lot of spec scripts recently where the writers were being far too vague, so much so, it made it difficult to imagine what we were supposed to see on screen. Thoughts? #scriptsky

Big budget doesn't guarantee a great movie, as wowing with effects and grandeur can often mean that the story sucks and the characters lack depth, so don't think low budget means a film will be rubbish. #scriptsky Simpler can be more effective. Less is usually more. Substance over style.

As a writer, it's your job to come up with creative solutions to storytelling problems, and working to a limited budget can be one of them. Here's a few tips on cutting the cost without compromising on story. #scriptsky

Paragraphs 5 lines or longer just invite the Reader to skim-read, and that means missing pivotal details. A quick fix is to think of each new shot on the screen as a new line on the page. That gets you to think visually and become much more selective about what info you're delivering #scriptsky

Whether you've read professional scripts with a character bio page attached to the beginning or not, if you're submitting a spec script to a contest or industry professional that HASN'T requested you add one - Don't do it! #scriptsky

For me, dialogue is the hardest screenwriting element to master. There's just so many different ways to convey info. Less is usually more. And remember, you're writing a SCREENPLAY, not a play. There's a big difference. Keep the visuals in mind, more than the verbals. #scriptsky

If you're writing a short, could shaving off some non-essential words help cut down the page length? Would limiting the filler words help make dialogue feel more immediate? Could cutting the fluff help make the read faster, so we're getting to the good bits quicker? #scriptsky

If a story is so complex, unrelatable, full of technical jargon, or exposition, it can suck all the enjoyment out of the read. Keep it unique, but understandable. Go make sure your script is as easily digestible as it can be #scriptsky

An incorrectly formatted scene heading is one of the first indications to the Reader that a writer lacks experience or hasn't yet mastered the basics - either way, not the best first impression to make. Here's some common errors to avoid. #screenwriters #screenplays #specscript #scriptsky

Auto save is a wonderful thing, but external hard drives (or the cloud) are a lifesaver if your computer ever fails. We've all been there! #scriptsky

A logline, pitch, summary, or more is often FIRST required to help get producers and execs to commit to reading a script. Writing supporting docs is something screenwriters NEED to be familiar with. There's no one way to compose these documents, but here's a decent guide to writing 2 #scriptsky

Score cards are a visual guide. That's about it, but yeah, they're not 100% reliable. Same with actual scores. There's a load of factors that mean feedback is SUBJECTIVE. That's why getting as much feedback from different people is helpful - you can look for common comments being made. #scriptsky

Another bit of pop test fun 😀 This one might help highlight any areas that are lacking or need further development in your script. At the end of the day, if you're the only one who wants to watch your movie, it's unlikely to sell. #scriptsky

A classic mistake is stuffing too much into a scene. The audience doesn't always need to see everything - like arriving, exiting, saying greetings and goodbyes, travelling scenes, idle chit-chat, etc. Don't drag things out - get to the good stuff as soon as you can! #scriptsky

This is by no means the worst opening page in the world, but there are a few key giveaways that reveal either a sloppy writer or an inexperienced one. Both are things that can easily be disguised or improved to help the script's chances. #scriptsky

Grab a fillable and printable PDF from the usual spot on the website. >>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky

There are LOADS of different passes to do after writing a decent first draft, and looking for scenes where the hero might not be as active as they could be is one of them. Here's a quick fix that might help you identify those scenes and fix 'em. #scriptsky

Characters with a flaw, weakness, or limitation are usually more interesting and relatable - just saying. #scriptsky

Here's a quick script fix. If you want to see the revision in full, you'll need to check out my Instagram page, where more images are allowed 😐 #scriptsky

I dunno who came up with this one, but yup, it works! #scriptsky

Shooting scripts look different from spec scripts. Here's a few examples of things you shouldn't try to emulate when first starting out. #scriptsky

Don't take this test too seriously. It's not about right or wrong; it's a new way to think about diversity. I like to keep it real, but that can also be limiting. It's more creative to keep your options open, and that's what storytelling is - selecting different options and outcomes. #scriptsky

Screenplay too long? Need to cut out the first draft fluff? #scriptsky Here's a handy checklist of various actions you can take to snip any fat that's slowing the pace or causing any unnecessary distractions. A download and print version is in the Freebie section of the website >Link in the Bio<

Noob screenwriters often overuse parentheticals. While they aim for clarity, it's often overkill; the line delivery is usually pretty obvious. They take up space, so make them count! #scriptsky

Sometimes, if the titles ADD to the story, then yup, you can use them. Here's a quick lowdown on what works and what doesn't to help you decide whether you should keep or cut the titles in your script. #scriptsky

Even if a story is great, if a screenplay is poorly put together, it's unlikely that people will be willing to embarrass themselves by passing it around town, so yeah, sweat the small stuff, and give your script the chance it deserves. #scriptsky

(Correction on a previous post. Accidentally used the wrong first page)

That's an awfy lot of words to say "write lean", but yeah, defo don't disagree with this one. With a finite number of pages in a screenplay, mastering word efficiency helps you pack in more plot, increase the speed of the read, and trim off the fat, leaving only the pivotal bits. #scriptsky

You can talk tropes forever. It's such a huge subject. If you want to avoid predictability, understanding tropes and how to use them is pivotal. tvtropes.org is hands down the best resource on the topic and is well worth a look. #scriptsky

Many scripts focus on the same subjects: romance, past trauma, minority discrimination, zombie apoc. While relevant, what makes a script lack originality is predictability. Take the plot somewhere unexpected and breathe new life into an old plot, then you've got a Reader's attention. #scriptsky

A few comments made on a recent submission. If you’d like line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected]. There’s no guarantee that your script will be used, as I only pick ones with something worth talking about. #scriptsky

#scriptsky This short exercise is for those of you who don't spend much time on theme as yup, it's difficult, and every viewer interprets a movie in their own way anyway, right? As always, a fillable PDF/printable version can be found on the Freebie section of the website. >>>Link in the Bio<<<

Got a genre script that's ready to wow? Short Com's Feature Screenplay Competition is open for submissions!!! Use code TS626, and £5 will be knocked off the entry fee, courtesy of yours truly 😊 More details to follow. #scriptsky

Is there anything happening at the END of your scenes (yup, all of them) that makes the Reader want to continue? If not, that's when they may lose interest. Use this handy list of hooks to spark intrigue and encourage a Reader to keep turning the page #scriptsky

This is end draft stuff, and orphans aren't deal breakers. In fact, they're very forgivable, but Readers do notice them. Viewed as being untidy, they can also give the impression that a writer didn't attempt to write lean. It's more about attention to detail during those last few passes. #scriptsky